RIP 2017 Phoenix Suns
Outside of a virtually guaranteed top 4 pick in the NBA draft, a 70-point game from second-year pro G Devin Booker, and a productive rookie season from PF Marquese Chriss, the Suns didn't have much to be excited about. Honestly, I don't really understand why this team isn't better than they are, but the rebuild is continual in the post-Steve Nash era and the Suns are hoping to build some momentum for the future, which is focused around Booker.
DRAFT PICKS: First rounder, second rounder, Toronto's second rounder
CAP SPACE: $31,648,000
FREE AGENTS: C Alex Len, PG Ronnie Price, F/C Alan Williams, G/F Jarell Eddie
PLAYERS UNDER CONTRACT
C-Tyson Chandler
PF-Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss
SF-Jared Dudley, Derrick Jones Jr., TJ Warren
SG-Leandro Barbosa, Devin Booker
PG-Eric Bledsoe, Brandan Knight, Tyler Ulis
WHAT TO EXPECT THIS OFF-SEASON
Phoenix doesn't really need guards, and they just drafted two power forwards. Center is not a very strong position in this draft, so what does that leave us with? Yes, small forwards, ideally Josh Jackson of Kansas or Jayson Tatum of Duke. Outside of that, look for Phoenix to attempt to bring in more free agents such as Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley. Everybody on the roster is a solid player, they just need time to develop.
EARLY PREDICTION FOR 2017-18
This won't be a playoff team barring a huge acquisition such as a Paul George or Jimmy Butler. More likely they will trade Knight and debate getting rid of Chandler and Bledsoe as well and continue to build for the future. A Booker-Chriss-Jackson/Tatum foundation is strong, and I haven't included 4th overall pick Dragan Bender in that core.
