Checking in with the Phoenix Suns
We're over a month into the NBA season, let’s take a look at what's happening with the Phoenix Suns 2020-2021 season. I’ll be going over every team in the NBA, you can read below.
After going 8-0 down the stretch in the NBA bubble last year and barely missing the playoffs, the Suns have gotten off to an 11-8 start this season after acquiring Christ Paul (G) from the OKC Thunder to pair with Devin Booker. while also adding Jae Crowder (F) from the Miami Heat to the lineup.
The Suns are close to the middle in the league of offensive rating at 17thbut have done really well defensively, ranking 5th. Leading the way has been DeAndre Ayton, who has really improved defensively since he’s entered the league, and Mikal Bridges, who was really impressive defensively in the bubble. The addition of Jae Crowder, a veteran known for his defense and his ability to knock down shots, has had a down year but has still provided quality depth. Cam Johnson, a 2nd year player from North Carolina who came into the league as a shooter, is another option for Phoenix on the wing.
The Suns pretty much replaced Ricky Rubio, who is now a Minnesota Timberwolf, with Paul. Paul, a future NBA Hall of Famer is having a solid year averaging 16.6 points and 8.7 assists per game. He’s been an upgrade over Rubio, Paul in the backcourt along with Devin Booker, they pretty much just take turns running pick and rolls with Ayton, with shooters, as in Crowder, Johnson and Bridges in the corner.
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Speaking of Booker, he's had a bit of a down year averaging fewer points per game, rebounds per game and assists per game than last year. He’s also shooting worse from the field and free-throw line. But Booker generally has been playing better of late, shooting 50 percent or better in 3 of the last 5 games. He will be back to where he was in no time.
Abdel Nader and Dario Saric have only played in 7 games for the Suns this year averaging 8.1 and 10.6 points, respectively. Another player I wanted to dive in for the Suns is Ayton. I wrote about his defense a little bit earlier but he’s been good offensively as well. While shooting about 4 times fewer a game, he’s improved his two-point percentage from 53.3 to 59.1 percent. He’s also really improved as a rebounder averaging two more rebounds per game per 36 minutes than the year before.
The Suns have been good this year and have really improved their team since last year. Assuming Booker will improve, that they can get consistent play from their wings and can stay healthy, the Suns should have their first playoff team since 2009-2010.
Golden State Warriors - 1/17
Sacramento Kings - 1/23
Los Angeles Clippers - 1/26
