Note: Sportsnet.ca will unveil a team preview every day from Oct. 1-30 counting down in reverse order where we believe the teams will finish.
Onto the Suns:
2011-12 record: 33-33 (Division: 3rd Pacific; Conference: 10th Western)
Key additions
Michael Beasley (Signed from Wolves); Goran Dragic (Signed from Rockets); Wesley Johnson (Acquired from Wolves); Kendall Marshall (Drafted); Jermaine O’Neal (Signed); Luis Scola (Claimed from Rockets).
Key subtractions
Aaron Brooks (Signed by Kings); Josh Childress (Waived); Grant Hill (Signed by Clippers); Robin Lopez (Traded to Hornets); Steve Nash (Traded to Lakers); Ronnie Price (Signed by Blazers); Hakim Warrick (Traded to Hornets).
Key player: Michael Beasley
Every year, it seems as if Michael Beasley’s team will only go as far as he will allow them to. That’s because so far in his career, the former Kansas State star has thrilled at times but more often than not is disappointing due to his immaturity and inconsistent effort. This is why such a talent is on his third NBA team to start his fifth NBA season. If he, Luis Scola, and Marcin Gortat can mesh together, this could be one of the better frontcourts in the league, but if not, Beasley could be packing his bags again.
Outlook
Two-time MVP Steve Nash has turned in his Suns jersey for the last time and with him goes the run-and-gun offence that was a trademark of the Suns offence for the last eight years.
General manager Lance Blanks was forced to go back to the drawing board and gave Phoenix a much-needed talent infusion. Michael Beasley and Wesley Johnson were former second- and fourth- overall draft picks respectively, while Goran Dragic and Luis Scola are quality NBA starters.
The Suns finally managed to relieve some of the logjam at small forward with the departures of an aging Grant Hill and ineffective Josh Childress, but it will be more interesting how head coach Alvin Gentry addresses the dearth at shooting guard. Poor Wesley Johnson goes from a Minnesota Timberwolves team last year that played him at the “2” because there were no other options and now comes to a team with the exact same problem. When are teams going to learn that Johnson is most effective slashing to the basket and not forcing three-pointers on the perimeter? His shooting splits last year (.398/.314/.706) indicate he is simply not a good shooter.
The problem is, the Suns have populated their roster with nice pieces over the summer but with the exodus of Amare Stoudemire and now Nash, there are no superstars to build around. In fact, looking at the roster, there doesn’t seem to be a leader amongst this mild-mannered bunch.
This may not be a playoff team, in fact, they could be pretty terrible, but if this eclectic group quickly gels, they could play spoilers against some quality opposition.
Prediction:19-63 (Division: 5th Pacific, Conference: 15th Western).
How will the Suns fare without Steve Nash?
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