NBA Preview Series: Phoenix Suns

Last Year

48-34 (T-11th in NBA)

OFF: 107.1 (8th)

DEF: 103.8 (13th)

NET: 3.3 (10th)

Projected Rotation (Projected WS/48)

Starters

PG – Eric Bledsoe (.125)

SG – Goran Dragic (.154)

SF – P.J. Tucker (.106)

PF – Markieff Morris (.110)

C – Miles Plumlee (.096)

Reserves

PG – Isaiah Thomas (.134)

SG – Gerald Green (.110)

PF – Marcus Morris (.091)

PF – Anthony Tolliver (.101)
SF – T.J. Warren (-)

Quick Thoughts:

The Suns have stockpiled quality point guards, either as an act of asset accumulation, a point of leverage when dealing with contract negotiations, or because Jeff Hornacek’s system gives them that flexibility. Thomas' decision to sign with Phoenix was especially interesting because there were certainly other teams that would have given him a starting role. Instead, he'll presumably be coming off the bench for a team that already starts two point guards, and that drafted one in June. Phoenix also employs only one rotation-caliber center, making either Markieff Morris or Anthony Tolliver the de facto backup (remember when they drafted Alex Len?). All these issues make the Suns roster a non-traditional one, and a bit gimmicky. But they have a really good coach, and enough quality players to again make a run at a playoff spot.

Player to Watch: Markieff Morris
Markieff is in line to replace Channing Frye as a Suns starter and, based on the 4 year/$32 million contract he just received, they think he's capable. Morris has a unique offensive game, with more off-the-bounce ability than Frye has. Obviously he can't stretch the floor in the same way, but last year he significantly increased his efficiency despite a decrease in both three-point percentage and three-point attempts. Here's why:

2012-2013 Shot Chart

2013-2014 Shot Chart

Morris' blossoming midrange game and improving ability to finish near the rim should allow him to be an effective pick-and-roll partner with the Suns three-headed monster at point guard. 

Basketball-Reference.com Play Index:
The Suns top ten four-man lineups last year:

Rk	Lineup	Tm	Season	G	MP	PTS
1	E. Bledsoe | G. Dragic | C. Frye | P. Tucker	PHO	2013-14	36	550.6	+158
2	G. Dragic | C. Frye | M. Plumlee | P. Tucker	PHO	2013-14	71	1006.2	+119
3	E. Bledsoe | G. Dragic | M. Plumlee | P. Tucker	PHO	2013-14	37	523.5	+118
4	E. Bledsoe | G. Dragic | C. Frye | M. Plumlee	PHO	2013-14	36	484.3	+98
5	E. Bledsoe | C. Frye | M. Plumlee | P. Tucker	PHO	2013-14	41	548.9	+94
6	G. Dragic | C. Frye | M. Morris | M. Morris	PHO	2013-14	45	203.8	+86
7	C. Frye | G. Green | M. Morris | M. Morris	PHO	2013-14	49	211.5	+62
8	G. Dragic | C. Frye | M. Morris | P. Tucker	PHO	2013-14	49	270.2	+61
9	C. Frye | M. Morris | M. Morris | I. Smith	PHO	2013-14	34	165.4	+60
10	C. Frye | G. Green | M. Morris | I. Smith	PHO	2013-14	30	88.3	+55

As you can see, the Suns will miss Channing Frye.


Next up, the Utah Jazz.