With the 2019-2020 NBA season fast approaching, Our First Draft is providing team previews for all 30 NBA teams. These are intended to inform the reader about important roster changes for all teams, as well as summarizing the outlook of the team ahead. This includes the Vegas Over/Under line, OFD’s recommendation on which side to take, as well as a projected record for the team.
Team: Phoenix Suns
Conference: Western
Wins O/U: 29.5 (Over -110, Under 1110)
Last Year’s Record: 19-63
Projected Roster (Projected Starters marked with asterisks): D. Ayton*, A. Baynes, D. Booker*, M. Bridges*, J. Carter, C. Diallo, T. Jerome, C. Johnson, F. Kaminsky, J. Lecque, E. Okobo, K. Oubre Jr.*, R. Rubio, D. Saric
Key Offseason Moves: Signed R. Rubio, Drafted C. Johnson and T. Jerome, Traded J. Jackson and D. Melton for J. Carter, Lost T. Warren, Traded for D. Saric
Overall Summary: Well, the Suns are the only reason the Knicks may not be the worst franchise in the league. Stunningly bad trades, ownership meddling, and unwillingness to spend have defined the Suns franchise for much of this decade. They added a coup-de-grace this year by drafting Cameron Johnson with the 11th pick – one of the most shocking lottery picks of the decade. Johnson is already older than star Devin Booker – and it was telling when Johnson’s college teammate Coby White looked shocked when informed of the pick. They did little else this offseason to convince anyone that they will be a factor this upcoming year. Booker is a really good scorer and an underrated playmaker, but he has not shown the ability to be a plus defender nor has he shown the leadership necessary to take Phoenix to the next level. Last year’s number one overall pick DeAndre Ayton had a better rookie season than many think, but was overshadowed by Luka Doncic and Trae Young. If he can improve his defense, he can evolve into one of the top young big men in the game. I like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mikal Bridges, but neither are anything better than a good 3rd or 4th options – and the signing of Ricky Rubio was uninspiring. Basically, the same old Suns are back.
Verdict: This line seems a little high to me; take the under. While I think Booker is really good, the rest of the Western Conference other than Memphis are all better than the Suns. I don’t see their recent poor fortunes turning around in a significant way during the upcoming year. I project the Suns will finish with a 27-55 record – which would be their best record since 2014-2015. Yikes.
