Picture

Phoenix Suns 2010-11 Preview:

Picture
Steve Nash

Phoenix Suns 2009-10 Facts:
  • Western Conference: 3rd Place
  • Pacific Division: 2nd Place
  • Record:  54 Wins  28 Loses
  • Playoffs: Eliminated in the Western Conference finals by the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

Key Moves:
Incoming
  • F Hedo Turkoglu
  • F Hakim Warrick
  • F Josh Childress
  • F Gani Lawal
  • C Dwayne Collins
Outgoing
  • C Amar'e Stoudemire
  • G Leandro Barbosa
  • F Louis Amundson
  • C Jaron Collins
   
                 The Phoenix Suns had a nice run last season that ended in the Western Conference Finals. This year will be a lot different because the Suns might not even make the playoffs. In a big off season the Suns didn't resign Amare' Stoudimire or Louis Amundson, instead resigning Channing Fyre and picking up Hakim Warrick. The moves that Suns made didn''t make them a better team or even a younger team. Signing Hedo Turkoglu, Hakim Warrick were bad moves when Louis Amundson could've been a cheaper route. The Suns will be competitive if Steve Nash stays healthy, if anything happens to him they will be one of the worst teams in the league. Nash can make people better and this season will be his biggest challenge to date. The focus of the Suns needs to be on the younger point guard Goran Dragic. Look for Dragic to see his minutes increase and also see the floor with Nash this season. For some odd reason the Suns stacked up small forwards and now they have four players at the position. The Suns like to play small ball, but this season they will be playing really small. Grant Hill and Jared Dudle will see reduced minutes and they might be the best options the Suns have. Jason Richardson needs to be aggressive and Robin Lopez needs to protect the middle if the Suns want to make the playoffs this season.

  • Back Court:
As a Steve Nash fan I'm looking forward to see him become more aggressive this season. If the Suns have any chance of making the playoffs it's up to Steve Nash to get them there. Goran Dragic will have a bigger role this season and with Barbosa gone he'll have the ball in his hands longer. Dragic improved drasticly last season and I see him having more confidence this year. Jason Richardson played great in the playoffs and if he can stay aggressive again this season, he'll have a big year. Look for Hill, Dudley, or Childress to back up Richardsson.

  • Front Court:
The small forward position is loaded with talent and that isn't a good thing. Hedo Turkoglu will likely start, but he'd probably be best off the bench. Turkoglu will be best used as a shooter and pick and roll player. Josh Childress will likely be the first off the bench and he was a solid pick up. Childress is an all around player who can score in bunches. Grant Hill will probably see limited minutes, but he's one of there top defenders. Who knows what role Jared Dudley will play even though he's there best defender and a solider shooter. I was expecting Dudley to see major minutes, but I don't know if he will with the roster they have now. Channing Fyre will likely start at power forward, if he's not hitting shot he's pretty useless. Robin Lopez will have a big year with Nash and his energy level will definitely be needed. Lopez can guard the post, rebound, and finish around the basket. Hakim Warrick will be the first big off the bench and he should have a solid year playing alongside Steve Nash.

  • 2010-11 Predictions:
  • Center: Robin Lopez
  • Power Forward: Channing Fyre
  • Small Forward: Hedo Turkoglu
  • Shooting Guard: Jason Richardson
  • Point Guard: Steve Nash
  • Sixth Man: Goran Dragic
Bench: Chucky Atkins, Josh Childress, Earl Clark, Zabian Dowdell, Jared Dudley, Grant Hill, Matt Janning, Dwayne Jones, Gani Lawal, Garret Siler, and Hakim Warrick.

  • All Star: Steve Nash
  • Best Veteran: Grant Hill
  • Best Asset: Goran Dragic
  • Best New Addition: Hedo Turkoglu
  • Key Player: Hedo Turkoglu

  • Western Conference: 8th Place
  • Pacific Division: 2nd Place
               The Phoenix Suns once again proved that they can turn a title contending team to a medicore team in one season. The Suns will likely grab onto that 8th seed if Denver trades Carmelo, otherwise Nash will be sitting home during the playoffs this year.