As the Phoenix Suns prepare for a summer full of big decisions, it’s time for them to right the ship
Hardships continue for the Phoenix Suns and it’s that time once again to talk about how they are going to right the ship and get back into playoff contention.
It’s crazy to think about how many times we’ve been through this – the terrible defense, the lack of leadership and complete inability to draft lottery players.
So what steps do the Suns need to take to get back into contention?
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It all starts with finding a good coaching staff that can help develop the young talent that they have accumulated over the last few years. In fact, Mike D’Antoni was probably the last coach that took the team to relevancy. It’s just hasn’t been good enough.
At this point, the best way to find a good head coach might be to find a strong assistant coach. Just look at how the Brooklyn Nets are doing after taking a shot on Kenny Atkinson, who was an assistant coach under Mike Budenholzer.
Winning draft night
This is a great draft to go and make a big move to put the team in the right direction. Not only do the Suns have the best shot at selecting first overall, but they also have the Miami Heat first-round pick (16th overall).
Sacramento is a great team to trade up with and get the projected No. 7 pick in the draft. By packaging T.J. Warren, and Marquese Chriss and possibly the No. 16 pick as well, you can get that No. 7 projected pick. You would only make this trade after the lottery of course.
So why all of the emphasis on this trade? If the Suns do end up with the No. 1 pick, they are projected to take DeAndre Ayton. After Ayton, what comes next? The next biggest need is at the point guard position. The Suns need could go after Collin Sexton.
Sexton is one of the best point guards in this draft. He is a quick player who explodes to the basket and can also create plays for Devin Booker, Josh Jackson and the rest of the team. This draft helps the team fill two of the three biggest positional needs.
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If the Suns could accomplish this – and it would be no easy feat – that would mean four out of the team’s five starters would be younger than 22. Add this young core with a good coach, and you could have a decade of relevance and championship contention – see the Philadelphia 76ers.
This is the draft to make put your team on the map and it comes down to one move. Question is, can the Phoenix Suns pull it off? We’ll just have to wait and see.