The Suns exceeded expectations drastically last year. The improvement, especially with the addition of Chris Paul was predictable. What many did not expect was this Suns team to make the Finals. A variety of circumstances went their way but they won the games in front of them until the Finals. As good as the team was last year, finishing with the second best record in the league and a trip to the Finals. It was a fair expectation for them to regress this year. However, rather than regress, the Suns may have improved and currently have the best record in the NBA. They also may have corrected one of their primary weaknesses last year.
Proven Contributions
Chris is still the floor general who controls the action with smart decision making. According to CleaningTheGlass, among Suns players who have played at least 500 minutes, he has their highest On/Off Net rating. Even at his age, he currently leads the league in total assists and steals. Devin Booker is their leading scorer and makes clutch shots for them when needed. Deandre Ayton is does a majority of his work on the inside, play defense and make things easier for his teammates. The aforementioned players are their core with players such as Mikal Bridges, Jae Crowder, and Cameron Johnson serving as their versatile, do-everything wings.
Additional Depth
As good as their core continues to be, the contributions they’ve received from recent additions may help push them over the top. Javale Mcgee is a solid pickup for them to who has been solid. Jalen Smith provided value when he had the opportunity to receive some playing time. Arguably, their biggest revelation has been Bismack Biyombo. He signed a 10 day contract to fill a roster spot; however, his overall play has been a revelation and he earned himself a contract with the team. How good has he been? Per CleaningTheGlass, he has the highest on/off Net rating on the team. Funny enough, their young big, Jalen Smith is second in that category. Biyombo’s play was good enough to the point that he is relied on down the stretch. Even when Javale McGee and Ayton return from injury, it will be difficult to keep him off the floor entirely.
Championship Future?
The Suns made the Finals last year and were only two games away from holding the championship trophy. As great as they were last year, they may be even better, and no longer have the same size issues they had in their loss against the Bucks in the Finals. Once a weakness, the center position is now a position of strength, since the additions of Javale Mcgee, Bismack Biyombo, and even Jalen Smith. All of their primary stars and role players from last year are still available. The team has proved last year’s run was not a fluke and opposing teams can no underestimate them, at their own risk.
