When it comes to offense, there’s no doubt the Suns are well-stocked. If you’re wondering why that is… well, names like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker And Bradley Beal Does this remind you of anything?
The Suns even have a new offensive coach in Mike Budenholzer and a new point man in Tyus Jonesformerly of the Wizards.
That’s all well and good, but what about the other side of the track?
Yes, there are questions and perhaps concerns – something that has been addressed by Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report.
“Tyus Jones and Monte Morris are probably the two most reliable playmakers of recent seasons, and they will help organize the Phoenix Suns’ offense, making life easier for Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal,” Hughes wrote.
“These two will also be small targets for opponents, and switching schemes may not be viable at all. Jusuf Nurkic‘s lack of lift has been going on for some time, and while he’s produced elite estimated defensive Plus/Minus numbers (we’re talking 90th percentile or better) in six of his 10 career seasons, including last year, it still feels like he’s vulnerable in space against speedy guards and lob receivers.
“With Durant a year older, Beal likely won’t be able to sustain a full season of two-way play given his injury history and Phoenix’s big backups — Mason Plumlee And Bowl Bowl — are not famous hitchhikers.
“The Suns finished a surprising 12th in defensive efficiency last year, and they’ll have to be at least that good to be considered serious as a deep threat in the playoffs.”
The Suns were eliminated in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs by the Timberwolves last season. One of the main reasons was their inability to slow down the Wolves.
Will Phoenix be better at that this year? Well, as they say, that’s what they play for. In other words, we’ll find out soon enough.
