By now, we have a basic idea of the Suns' options on the floor heading into the 2014-15 season. While Phoenix prides itself on playing "positionless" basketball, it's worth noting the realistic depth at each of the standard positions. One thing seems apparent: there's plenty of diversity and depth, which lend themselves well to the team-first attitude the Suns rode to 48 wins a season ago.
In this second part of the 2014-15 positional breakdowns, we'll look at power forward, where the Suns will depend on some twin power as well as a sharp-shooting newcomer.
Center | Power Forward | Small Forward | Shooting Guard | Point Guard
Markieff Morris
Info: 6-10, 245 pounds, 25 years old
2013-14 Stats: 13.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 48.6 FG%
What he brings: Scoring and versatility. "Keef" found his niche as the Suns' first big man off the bench last season, and a big reason for that was a far more efficient approach than his previous two seasons. Mid-range jumpers, post-ups and dribble-drives are all options Morris brings to the table. As an added bonus, Suns Head Coach Jeff Hornacek thinks he's one of the best passing big men in the league.
What could be in store: Even more across-the-board improvement? All of Morris' stats have risen in each of his first three seasons. With Channing Frye gone and a starting spot up for grabs, the opportunity is there for even more minutes and opportunities for a player in the midst of fulfilling his own potential.
One thing to keep an eye on is his three-point shooting. That's the one area of his game that has dropped off (both in percentage made and overall attempts), but that's been a good thing as Morris has shifted closer to the basket for more efficient looks. With Channing Frye gone, however, don't be surprised if he's featured at least a little more often outside the arc, especially when Miles Plumlee is also on the floor. The Suns' offense thrives in spacing, and Markieff has the shot to maintain that.
Marcus Morris
Info: 6-9, 235 pounds, 25 years old
2013-14 Stats:9.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 0.9 spg, 38.1 3FG%
What he brings: The yin to Markieff's yang. Marcus is an exceptional mid-range shooter, especially pulling up from iso dribble moves. He's also an underrated help defender who loves to collapse on a defender from his blind side and strip the ball.
What could be in store:This is a position change for Morris, made necessary by the Suns' offseason moves. Frye's departure -- combined with P.J. Tucker's resigning and the drafting of T.J. Warren -- created a dearth at power forward and a surplus at small forward. The latter position is where Morris played the bulk of last season, but his size and versatility enable him to slide to the four. That would help Phoenix on two fronts: 1) he'd bolster a position of need, and 2) that move will open up more minutes for Tucker, Warren and possibly Gerald Green.
Morris will need to prove he can rebound at a higher rate (6.4 rpg per 36 minutes), but his quickness and outside jumper would give opposing power forwards fits.
Anthony Tolliver
Info: 6-8, 240 pounds, 29 years old
2013-14 Stats:6.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 41.3 3FG%
What he brings:Tolliver supplies a lot of what Frye provided last season: outside shooting. He's especially good from the wings, whereas most of his teammates are more lethal from straightaway or the corners. He's also a down-to-earth veteran and capable rebounder.
What could be in store:Tolliver provides a different look to the mid-range-heavy games of the Morris twins and T.J. Warren, who could also see time at the four. Hornacek never hesitates to go to veterans when he needs dependable production in a pinch, and Tolliver fits that bill.
Still, the main reason he's here is to shoot from three, which he did nearly four times per game in just over 20 minutes per contest last season. Al McCoy will need his trademark "Shazam" call ready whenever he checks in.
Center | Power Forward | Small Forward