Here’s how Suns can make NBA playoffs
The Phoenix Suns probably would’ve fared a little better than Portland, but still end up falling to the Los Angeles Lakers had they made the playoffs instead of the Blazers.
The first round series may have been more competitive, especially if Kelly Oubre Jr. and Aron Baynes had made their way back to the court.
First-time All-Star Devin Booker was playing like a superstar.
The Suns grew closer as a unit and players established defined roles, but the series wouldn’t have gone more than six games.
As good as Phoenix looked in its 8-0 “seeding” run in the Orlando Bubble, the eight teams that made the playoffs in the Western Conference aren’t going anywhere.
Los Angeles Lakers. The ageless LeBron James plus All-Star big Anthony Davis equals continual championship contenders.
● Los Angeles Clippers. The NBA’s most talented team not named Boston.
● Denver Nuggets. Put Jamal Murray in the 2021 All-Star Game right now.
● Houston Rockets. James Harden and Russell Westbrook are great enough, but the Rockets should scrap small ball and add a versatile big man.
● Oklahoma City Thunder. Even if Chris Paul isn’t part of its future plans, Oklahoma City has enough talent to keep rolling.
● Utah Jazz. that dude.
● Dallas Mavericks. Luka Doncic is that future MVP dude.
● Portland Trail Blazers. They won’t be an eighth seed next season, especially with Damian Lillard and a healthy roster.
The Thunder are the only team that may fall out of playoff position next season, but don’t count on it if Paul is still running their show. Maybe Utah slips up, but a healthy Bojan Bogdanović makes the Jazz even better.
So what must Phoenix do to make the playoffs for the first time since 2010 next season?
Donovan
Figure out Oubre Jr.
Mitchell
He’s the most important player for Phoenix right now.
An explosive talent with still room to improve, Oubre can score 30, grab double-digit rebounds, hit four 3s and ignite his teammates with his energy and enthusiasm.
That’s a rare athlete, but also an intriguing one for other NBA teams.
So do the Suns trade him to address the need for a future starting point guard and a more athletic four or keep him with the understanding he’ll be an unrestricted free agent after next season?
Oubre didn’t play in the bubble, but was healthy enough to do so. The highflying small forward is looking out for his future, but he’s going to play for somebody next season.
The question is for who and how much would a team give Phoenix for a rare, athletic talent who’s had seasonending injuries the past two years.
What the Suns do here will greatly determine the playoff future.
Maintain some continuity
The Suns added nine new players and changed head coaches going into this season.
That’s major turnover, but was certainly necessary after having their second-worst season in franchise history.
The changes didn’t lead to a winning record or a playoff appearance, but Monty Williams established a culture and style of play. The Suns should be open to adding players they believe are good culture/style fits, but they don’t need another roster overhaul.
The Suns should retain some of their restricted free agents with Dario Saric and Jevon Carter being at the top of the list. The gritty Saric can play the four and five while Carter is a defensive presence who can knock down 3s.
Seeing reports Suns should go after point guard Fred VanVleet. He’s a very good player who probably will stay in Toronto. But with Ricky Rubio already here, Phoenix needs someone who can serve as a backup and play starter minutes when necessary.
Cameron Payne can be that guy, and for far less money. He’s hungry, showed his worth in the bubble and would look even better in a full season under Williams.
They’re likely going to lose Aron Baynes, who is an unrestricted free agent. So keeping Frank Kaminsky III would serve them well also.
Find a more athletic four
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Rookie Cam Johnson filled in nicely as a four in the bubble. He showed versatility, got on the glass but he’s a natural small forward who knocks down 3s. The Suns needs a four who can help Deandre Ayton on the boards, defend and be a scoring threat.
That player may be in the draft.
Obi Toppin immediately comes to mind, but he may not be available when the Suns are on the clock with the 10th overall pick. Perhaps they’ll trade up to acquire the All-American forward out of Dayton.
Maybe that player’s a free agent. Denver Nuggets forward Jerami Grant or Los Angeles Clippers forward JaMychal Green would be great fits even if Phoenix likes Johnson at the four. They both have player options for next season, but Grant, back in June, said in an interview with Yahoo Sports’ Chris Haynes he’s not “leaning toward” picking up the player option.
“Like you said, I feel like I definitely outplayed the $9 million that I’m making each year right now,” said Grant as he’s due $9.3 million next season. “But at the same time… I’d love to come to a conclusion or something like that with Denver, it just depends what we discuss and negotiate when the time comes.” Green is due $5 million next season. Then there’s Danilo Gallinari, who is an unrestricted free agent, but looks to be out of Phoenix’s price range when considering he made $22.6 million this season with Oklahoma City.
However they address this, the Suns need someone with a little more size and athleticism at power forward more for defense than offense.
‘Keep it real’ with Ayton
Williams says you have to be patient with big men, but even he has to scratch his heads sometimes when watching Ayton play.
There are times when Ayton looks like the best player on the court.
He’s rebounding, running the floor, finishing over the top and knocking down his jumper, which has extended to 3-point range. He’s not hesitating, is in rhythm and being a difference maker defensively.
Then there are those other when he lacks aggressiveness.
Passing the ball out to a 3-point shooter when standing five feet away from the basket and being guarded by someone three inches shorter makes no sense.
Don’t care what
Dunk on a dude.
Ayton is averaging a double-double through his first two NBA seasons, but 17 and 11 isn’t good enough for Phoenix to become a playoff team.
He needs to be 22 and 15, minimum, with a few 30-20 games sprinkled in there. Being more aggressive can lead to free throws and offensive rebounds.
While Ayton looks like he’s OK just being one of the guys, he also enjoys the spotlight that comes with being seen as a great player, but the latter only comes with bringing his ‘ A’ game consistently.
He can’t remain comfortable with playing well two games and below par the next two.
Can’t blame age and experience anymore. He’ll be entering his third NBA season.
Can’t blame maturity. what’s expected of him.
The 22-year-old Ayton may never live up to being the top overall pick, especially if Doncic continues to play light outs, but that’s not the worst thing.
Michael Jordan is the greatest ever, but Hakeem Olajuwon was the top pick in the 1984 draft and became an all-time great big man.
Ayton has that potential.
If he plays up to it and the Suns address their needs and wants while further embedding their culture and style of play, they’ll make the playoffs next year.
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