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Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sport
The 2019-2020 NBA season starts October 22nd and to get you ready for tip-off, Off the Glass is previewing all 30 teams. Today we look at the Phoenix Suns.
2018-2019 Record: 19-63, 5th in the Pacific Division.
Season Recap: There is not much to say about the Phoenix Suns season. They have been an awful team since the 2015-16 season where they finished with the fourth worst record in the league and have found themselves with records worse than that every season since then. On the bright side, Devin Booker continues to look like a good player and number one draft pick Deandre Ayton had a solid rookie season. In addition, the Suns were able to add Kelly Oubre via trade during the season and he became a solid player for them averaging a career high with 17 points per game. Despite those successes the Suns won just 19 games and are the franchise that has most people scratching their heads.
Key Losses: Dragan Bender, F; Jamal Crawford, G; Troy Daniels, G; Richaun Holmes, C; TJ Warren, F; Josh Jackson, F;
Key Additions: Aron Baynes, C; Ricky Rubio, G; Cheick Diallo, F; Frank Kaminsky, C; Dario Saric, F/C;
Preview: The Suns have added some quality players to their roster and Devin Booker might finally have teammates that can help him lead this team to more than 30 wins, a feat that he has not accomplished thus far in his career. Adding Ricky Rubio will give Booker the chance to play with a real point guard and he will have some bigs that can also make some things happen offensively in Dario Saric and Aron Baynes. Baynes and Saric have the ability to shoot the ball, although Baynes is still working on becoming a higher volume shooter. Baynes is also an ideal partner for Deandre Ayton. He defends bigger guys and understands his role on offense and does not require pick and rolls to get his points. While the Suns might still suffer from being the Suns, they have brought in some decent pieces and it will be up to Booker and Ayton to help get this team some wins. This could be the season that we find out whether Devin Booker is just a great stats, bad team guy or a player that can impact winning if he has a decent roster.
Player to Watch: Devin Booker
Team X-Factor: Defense
Worst Case Scenario: The Suns do what they have done every year since the 2015-16 season and just play absolutely awful basketball despite some of the moves that they made.
Best Case Scenario: The Suns roster moves pay dividends and they are able to flirt with .500 during the season, while people realize that Devin Booker has the makings of a superstar in this league.
Actual 2019-2020 Prediction: 27-55, 5th Pacific Division