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Phoenix Suns: The 2018 NBA offseason summary and recap

By Jacob Doole

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 22: (L-R) George King, Mikal Bridges, Deandre Ayton, and Elie Okoo of the Pheonix Suns pose together following press conference at Talking Stick Resort Arena on June 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 22: (L-R) George King, Mikal Bridges, Deandre Ayton, and Elie Okoo of the Pheonix Suns pose together following press conference at Talking Stick Resort Arena on June 22, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Looking back at what the Phoenix Suns did right and wrong during the 2018 NBA offseason, including free agency and the draft

The Phoenix Suns have had a successful offseason, thanks in large part to their awful play through 2017-18. A 21-61 record gave the franchise their lowest win total since their debut season, but also “won” them the first overall pick in the 2018 draft.

They took Arizona big man Deandre Ayton, a positional fit with huge upside. In his lone college season Ayton showed all the tools needed to be an elite scorer at the next level, averaging 20.1 points per game on 61.2 percent shooting.

He will start in the middle from day one, and should combine well with Booker in a lethal pick-and-pop combo. That should be the focal point of Phoenix’s offense, both now and long into the future.

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While his defensive lapses at Arizona are a concern, he is still an immediate upgrade over incumbent center Tyson Chandler and the now-departed Alex Len.

The Suns held three other picks in the draft, and made waves with a draft-day trade to grab Villanova’s Mikal Bridges. Bridges was viewed as one of the most NBA-ready players available, and by giving up the potential of Zhaire Smith in the trade Phoenix made it clear that the out-and-out tanking days are over.

Bridges is a lights-out 3-point shooter and rangy perimeter defender who made huge strides on both ends in his third college season. While he’s only two months younger than Booker, his late development suggests that more big improvements could still be on the way.

Elie Okobo, drafted with the Suns’ third pick, is a longer-term prospect in the backcourt. He showed flashes of scoring potential playing in France, but needs to improve his decision-making and defensive intensity.

Phoenix’s dearth of point guards might force him into action more often, and that should aid his development. There will be growing pains, however, as he adjusts to guarding the NBA’s elite point guards.

If trading up for Bridges was a sign of Phoenix’s changing mindset, then signing Trevor Ariza was confirmation. The 14-year veteran was a key player in Houston’s success last season, and would have surely had his pick of playoff teams to sign with.

He chose a short-term deal with the rebuilding Suns, and he will be a much-needed veteran presence on one of the league’s youngest teams. He too will help to space the floor, and he can surely only improve Phoenix’s league-worst defense (112.8 defensive rating last season).

Waiving Tyler Ulis and letting Elfrid Payton walk leaves them very thin at point guard, but neither player is a big difference-maker. Similarly, the gains of Richaun Holmes and Darrell Arthur are good for depth but won’t change the team’s outlook greatly.

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While signing Ariza was a sign of intent from Phoenix, their future still rests with their youth movement. Even though they look to be aiming for a more competitive season, their rebuild is far from over.

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