Blog Post Series: "Arizona Sports"
In the relatively near past, I took a strong liking towards Arizona Sports, therefore in this particular Free Choice Series, I will discuss my favorite team from MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, respectively.
Inspiration for AZ Sports Series:
Ever since a young age, I have always been an aspiring sports writer as I have composed numerous professional analysis works compact with statistics, reviews, and previews. For these following free choice blog posts, I would like to put my talents on display.
*Unlike the previous blog post, the 2014-2015 Phoenix Suns Season is in-progress.
AZ Sports Series: Phoenix Suns
AZ Sports Series Timeline: (My Favorite Teams from MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, respectively)
Inspiration for AZ Sports Series:
Ever since a young age, I have always been an aspiring sports writer as I have composed numerous professional analysis works compact with statistics, reviews, and previews. For these following free choice blog posts, I would like to put my talents on display.
*Unlike the previous blog post, the 2014-2015 Phoenix Suns Season is in-progress.
AZ Sports Series: Phoenix Suns
- 2015 In-Season Review (Season Analysis/Trades)
- 2016 Projections, Expectations
AZ Sports Series Timeline: (My Favorite Teams from MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, respectively)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
- Phoenix Suns (NBA)
- Arizona Cardinals (NFL)
- Arizona Coyotes (NHL)
2015 In-Season Review
2015 Season Opener Starting 5
2015 Season Opener Notable Bench Players
| 2015 After AllStar Break Starting 5
2015 Season Opener Notable Bench Players
|
2015 Season Analysis/Trades
As seen above, nearly 2/5th or 20% of the Starting 5 changed from the beginning of the season to after the AllStar Break as a result of in-season trades, which will be later discussed.
This turmoil and chemistry issues can clearly be seen in the season results as the Suns took a sudden dip in the standings turning from a potential playoff contender in the stacked West to a team destined to the NBA Lottery. (14 teams that do not make the playoffs)
*This turmoil and chemistry issues are especially prominent in the instability of both the SG and C positions, arguably the most important positions that need collective chemistry as the pick-and-roll game mainly runs through both positions.
Also after these in-season trades, the Suns went to a much younger rotation as both Archie Goodwin and T.J. Warren got more consistent playing time.
In-Season Trades:
Phoenix Suns Get Brandan Wright
Boston Celtics Get Picks and Shavlik Randolph
Trade Grade: A
An excellent steal of a trade for the architect of the Suns. He practically gets an average to above average backup center, who was shooting an astonishing 60% from the field at the time of the trade, for a glorified practice piece who was an expiring contract, beneficial toward the Celtics.
Phoenix Suns Get Danny Granger, and 2017, 2018 First-Round Picks
Miami Heat Get Goran Dragic
Trade Analysis: B+
A good trade in terms of the circumstances surrounding the trade as Goran Dragic publicly wanted out of Phoenix for multiple reasons primarily for playing time at the PG position.
As a result, Phoenix had no leverage to execute a trade on their terms, but they were still able to get a relatively serviceable load for Goran Dragic.
Phoenix Suns Get Brandon Knight, Marcus Thornton
76ers Get Laker's 2015 Top-5 Protected Pick, 2016 Top-3 Protected Pick, Bucks get Miles Plumlee and Tyler Ennis
Trade Analysis: C+
Personally, I dislike this specific trade only for the reason that the Laker's pick that the Suns owned was included in the trade, because this asset has tremendous value on the trade market.
A potential top-ten pick in the near future for a potential free agent with some concerns of durability can lead to a flop of a trade, but if Knight pans out, he has the makeup of a franchise guard.
The duo of both him and his Kentucky alum Eric Bledsoe could eventually become one of the best backcourts in the league. (SlashBrothers)
This turmoil and chemistry issues can clearly be seen in the season results as the Suns took a sudden dip in the standings turning from a potential playoff contender in the stacked West to a team destined to the NBA Lottery. (14 teams that do not make the playoffs)
*This turmoil and chemistry issues are especially prominent in the instability of both the SG and C positions, arguably the most important positions that need collective chemistry as the pick-and-roll game mainly runs through both positions.
Also after these in-season trades, the Suns went to a much younger rotation as both Archie Goodwin and T.J. Warren got more consistent playing time.
In-Season Trades:
Phoenix Suns Get Brandan Wright
Boston Celtics Get Picks and Shavlik Randolph
Trade Grade: A
An excellent steal of a trade for the architect of the Suns. He practically gets an average to above average backup center, who was shooting an astonishing 60% from the field at the time of the trade, for a glorified practice piece who was an expiring contract, beneficial toward the Celtics.
Phoenix Suns Get Danny Granger, and 2017, 2018 First-Round Picks
Miami Heat Get Goran Dragic
Trade Analysis: B+
A good trade in terms of the circumstances surrounding the trade as Goran Dragic publicly wanted out of Phoenix for multiple reasons primarily for playing time at the PG position.
As a result, Phoenix had no leverage to execute a trade on their terms, but they were still able to get a relatively serviceable load for Goran Dragic.
Phoenix Suns Get Brandon Knight, Marcus Thornton
76ers Get Laker's 2015 Top-5 Protected Pick, 2016 Top-3 Protected Pick, Bucks get Miles Plumlee and Tyler Ennis
Trade Analysis: C+
Personally, I dislike this specific trade only for the reason that the Laker's pick that the Suns owned was included in the trade, because this asset has tremendous value on the trade market.
A potential top-ten pick in the near future for a potential free agent with some concerns of durability can lead to a flop of a trade, but if Knight pans out, he has the makeup of a franchise guard.
The duo of both him and his Kentucky alum Eric Bledsoe could eventually become one of the best backcourts in the league. (SlashBrothers)
2016 Phoenix Suns Preview, Expectations, and Projections
With an offseason for the young Suns to gel together and achieve some chemistry both on and off the court, the 2016 season outlook does look bright indeed.
But, in order to take the next jump from borderline playoff contender to perennial championship contender, the Suns must solve one major roster problem: The Stretch 4
The Stretch 4:
Throughout Suns history, they always had a prolific 4 or PF who could stretch the court from the 3-point line. A huge mismatch that can spread the floor for the young guards to slash towards the paint with more space.
2009-2014: Channing Frye
2015: None
2016: Lottery Pick....
Since, the Suns are basically guaranteed a lottery pick, most likely the 13th pick, they have an excellent draft prospect to fill their need at the Stretch 4 position...
With the 13th Overall Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns Select.........
Frank Kaminsky: (Center, Wisconsin)
Scouting Report:
A legitimate 7 foot center with gracefulness in the open court and an outstanding shooting touch with NBA 3-pt range.
(Dramatically improved his NBA draft stock during the NCAA Tournament leading his team to a Championship appearance)
But, in order to take the next jump from borderline playoff contender to perennial championship contender, the Suns must solve one major roster problem: The Stretch 4
The Stretch 4:
Throughout Suns history, they always had a prolific 4 or PF who could stretch the court from the 3-point line. A huge mismatch that can spread the floor for the young guards to slash towards the paint with more space.
2009-2014: Channing Frye
2015: None
2016: Lottery Pick....
Since, the Suns are basically guaranteed a lottery pick, most likely the 13th pick, they have an excellent draft prospect to fill their need at the Stretch 4 position...
With the 13th Overall Pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns Select.........
Frank Kaminsky: (Center, Wisconsin)
Scouting Report:
A legitimate 7 foot center with gracefulness in the open court and an outstanding shooting touch with NBA 3-pt range.
(Dramatically improved his NBA draft stock during the NCAA Tournament leading his team to a Championship appearance)
Expectations/Projections:
I predict the 2016 Suns with their young nucleus to finally claim a playoff spot in the stacked West: the 8th seed.
But, they're still a couple of years away from truly contending for a NBA Championship!
I predict the 2016 Suns with their young nucleus to finally claim a playoff spot in the stacked West: the 8th seed.
But, they're still a couple of years away from truly contending for a NBA Championship!