NBA Restart: How reworked rosters will shape the Western Conference
By Kyle Craib
12th: Phoenix Suns (↑1)
2020 was a year of growth for the Phoenix Suns organization. Despite the injury troubles and poor play that ruined a rather good start to the season, the Suns have a roster stocked full of young talent to finally give Devin Booker some help.
Deandre Ayton was a driving force in the Suns’ rebuild, averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds per game in his second year in the league. When he is healthy, Ayton provides an interior threat that adds a new dynamic level to the offense.
Alongside Ayton, fellow big man Aron Baynes also returned to the lineup after a delayed return into the bubble. Ricky Rubio is also ready to go.
After going down with a knee injury just before the NBA restart, the Suns have not given up hope that Kelly Oubre can play in Orlando. The wing has made a ton of progress in practice and will attempt to get back into game shape before the season winds down.
Also missing from Orlando are two-way players Tariq Owens and Jalen Lecque, both will not join the team.
At the end of the day, the Phoenix team will be fun to watch in Orlando against the best in the West. But without a miracle, it’s going to be virtually impossible to make up ground.
Look for the Suns to remain cautious with their new injury returns because of this.