Phoenix Suns
In the old days of the NBA, the LA Clippers were the laughingstock of the NBA, but over the last few years, it’s been the Phoenix Suns. Bad draft picks, future all-stars traded away, along with great role players, who have gone on to help playoff teams. Last season, the Suns started strong but tailed off when injuries to key players such as Ricky Rubio happened.
In the NBA restart bubble, the Suns found new life and went 8-0, led by guard Devin Booker. Head coach Monty Williams has to take a lot of the credit for installing confidence in the team they hadn’t had in prior years. In the offseason, they were able to get all-star point guard Chris Paul, who everyone thought was done until last season when he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the playoffs.
Paul will bring an on the court leader that the Suns needed to go to the next level. The Suns were also able to improve their frontcourt when they selected Jalen Smith in the draft with the number 10 pick. In the small-ball NBA, he could be a back up for Deandre Ayton at the five or fight for minutes with Dario Saric and Cameron Johnson at the four. If Chris Paul stays healthy, they should be a playoff team next season. Paul has improved every team he’s been traded to and that streak should continue in Phoenix.
Grade: A