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Phoenix Suns
By Bryan Williams, NBA.com
SEASON OUTLOOK: Watch out for this team in two years. The Suns have some time in purgatory ahead of them before they'll begin making serious noise out west, but their youngsters are as talented and promising as any in the league. In the short-term, that means player development and team-building, and most likely no playoffs. Phoenix's optimism for the future begins with its two current superstars, Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion. Marbury -- already a six-year veteran at just 25 years old -- survived his move to Arizona, a coaching change, lineup shuffling and unfavorable comparisons to Jason Kidd all last season, yet he still put up quality numbers, leading the Suns in scoring (20.4 ppg) and assists (8.1 apg, sixth in the NBA). Marion, 24, continued to improve in his third season, becoming even more of an offensive threat and playing solid defense. He averaged career-highs of 19.1 points and 1.84 steals (12th in the NBA) and was the only small forward ranked among the league's top 10 in rebounding, grabbing 9.9 per game. Elsewhere in their lineup, however, the Suns will be in a transitional phase throughout the upcoming season. Veterans like Penny Hardaway, Tom Gugliotta, Bo Outlaw and Scott Williams will see their roles reduced as the youth movement of Joe Johnson, Amare Stoudemire, Alton Ford and Casey Jacobsen becomes acclimated to NBA play. Hardaway's minutes in particular will suffer; the former All-Star is expected to be an everyday backup for the first time in his career as Phoenix hands 21-year-old Johnson the reins at shooting guard. The team is also excited about rookie forward Stoudemire, who was impressive in summer leagues and who will likely play his way into the starting lineup as well.
WHO'S IN: The Suns addressed their sorely lacking frontcourt depth by signing 12-year vet Williams, who can also provide leadership for the team's young forwards. Draft picks Stoudemire and Jacobsen have the skills to contribute right away. WHO'S OUT: Guard Milt Palacio (2.8 ppg in 28 games) was traded to Cleveland for a future second-round draft pick. BENCH: Hardaway has said he'll accept his role as a reserve and he'll certainly be an asset off the bench with his experience and versatility. The injury-plagued Gugliotta hasn't played a full season in five years, but if he can stay healthy, he'll contribute rebounding and some offense inside. Second-year forward Ford should see increased time as he improves; in 53 appearances last year, the 275-pounder was effective around the basket, shooting .517 from the field. Rookie swingman Jacobsen was a terrific outside shooter at Stanford and can provide the long-range threat Phoenix lost when Dan Majerle retired. THE SUNS MAKE THE PLAYOFFS IF ... : Their rookies and sophomores -- especially up front -- overachieve both offensively and defensively. THE SUNS MISS THE PLAYOFFS IF ... : The rebuilding project remains on schedule. |
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