The Phoenix Suns may have been one of the best teams in NBA history to miss the playoffs this past season.
With 48 wins during the regular season, the Suns would've been the third seed in the Eastern Conference; instead, they landed in the lottery. After shrewd trades, the Suns have three first-round picks and tons of potential.
Phoenix needs help on the wings, so at 14 and 18 they'll look to fill that need. Kentucky's James Young, Duke's Rodney Hood, or T.J. Warren of North Carolina State are all candidates. The Suns would love it if Nick Stauskas from Michigan fell to 14th.
The last first-round pick, 27th overall, is a perfect spot for a European stash choice. Clint Capela of Switzerland, or Jusuf Nurkic from Bosnia fit the bill.
The Suns have rebuilt their roster through athleticism and creativity. Head coach Jeff Hornacek got them to play defense, play together and a lot of player saw plenty of minutes.
A key component in the Phoenix offseason plan is what will be done with guard Eric Bledsoe. He can bolt the Suns, so, again, an athlete who can play both wing spots would be ideal.
With three first-rounders, the Suns don't seem like an ideal fit to move up. It's not that they don't need a big-time performer; they do. In fact, it could be the missing ingredient to making the leap Phoenix wants to make.
Under Contract: G Goran Dragic; F Gerald Green; C Alex Len; F Markieff Morris; F Marcus Morris; C Miles Plumlee G Archie Goodwin; C Shavlik Randolph
Free Agents: F/C Channing Frye (player option); C/F Emeka Okafor; G Eric Bledsoe; F P.J. Tucker
Recent Draft History 2013: Alex Len (5), Nemanja Nedovic (30), Alex Oriakhi (57)
2012: Kendall Marshall (13)
2011: Markieff Morris (13)
2010: Gani Lawal (46); Dwayne Collins (60)
2009: Earl Clark (14); Taylor Griffin (48); Emir Preldzic (57)
[SportsNetwork.com]
