#Suns roster series
The favorite? The Boston Celtics at 21%, even though they sported a 34-25 record and 10 teams in the league boasted more wins, including the NBA-leading Suns at 47-10.Īs the Golden State Warriors take a 3-2 lead into Boston on Thursday night for Game 6, the models’ “opinions” have shifted, although a healthy respect for the Celtics remain.Īlthough the Warriors came into the final series with a roster featuring 123 games of combined NBA Finals experience and the Celtics roster came in with zero, at least two well-regarded number-crunchers had Boston as a heavy favorite to win it all before the start of this series: FiveThirtyEight and ESPN BPI (Basketball Power Index). PHOENIX – In mid-February, even though the Phoenix Suns had the best record in the NBA, they only had the third-best chance to win the NBA Finals, according to FiveThirtyEight’s popular analytical model. With the Golden State Warriors up 3-2, the models have changed their tune, but not by much. But this all depends on the willingness of owner Robert Sarver to spend.Many analytical models predicted the Boston Celtics would win the NBA Finals. If the team could sign both Nick Young and Ronnie Price, the team would be much better than last year. That means using the amnesty clause on Josh Childress and signing adequate guards (both shooting and point).
Overall, the Suns will have a fringe playoff team assembled if the right additions are made.
The trading away of Nash could dramatically change the look of this team and probably hurt the team's playoff odds for the year. In my opinion, Atlanta, Miami and New York are the best locations for Nash. Contending teams from all over the NBA have been mentioned as possible destinations. Steve Nash's name has long been on the trading block and it might finally be the time Nash is traded away. Brooks signed to play in China just 10 days before the lockout ended and will be in China unless his team releases him.Īnother aspect that could change this team is trades.
#Suns roster free
The other free agent is Aaron Brooks, who has signed to play in China and will not be back until February or March. Hill means too much to this team to let him walk. Grant Hill is an unrestricted free agent and most, including Hill, expect him to be back in Phoenix. The Suns also have their own free agents to deal with. Ford and Ronnie Price should be targeted. Specifically, the team should express interest in players like Arron Afflalo, Nick Young, Jason Richardson, Shannon Brown and Jamal Crawford.įor the backup point guard position, there are considerably less options. I expect the Suns to be active in free agency, especially with those first two issues.Īddressing the shooting guard position will be the most important aspect to tackle quickly. The first two issues can be tackled much easier then the third. Current issues with the roster include lack of shooting guards, lack of a backup point guard and the need for youth. There is decent talent on the roster, but the team needs a couple more parts. PF: Channing Frye, Hakim Warrick and Gani LawalĬ: Marcin Gortat, Robin Lopez and Garret Silerįree Agents: Grant Hill (Unrestricted) and Aaron Brooks (Restricted but has signed to play in China)ĭraft Pick: Markieff Morris (13th overall) SF: Jared Dudley, Mickael Pietrus and Josh Childress SG: Vince Carter (who will be waived before the season) Here is a rundown of the current players under contract for next season: Sarver has to either be willing to spend to send out a solid product every game or accumulate draft picks in order to do what the Oklahoma City Thunder did and build through the draft. Sarver has made terrible choices for his basketball franchise, but this offseason could help him slowly rebuild his team.