There’s an established blueprint for dealing with the aftermath of this type of multiseason free fall, and the Suns deserve credit for following it to the letter. One by one, they checked the boxes:
• They hired a well-regarded, up-and-coming general manager from an organization with a winning track record capable of making reasoned decisions on talent acquisition and contract allocation. McDonough, a former Celtics assistant GM, did well this summer despite dealing with the mess left by his predecessor, Blanks.
• They hired an energetic young coach with a passion for the game and teaching, plus ties to the organization. Hornacek, a popular former player, was so eager to get going and set the right tone that he coached his charges during Las Vegas Summer League.
• They moved veteran players who serve no purpose on a rebuilding roster while cutting costs. The Suns traded or simply parted ways with Dudley, Scola, O’Neal and Butler. All four found better fits on playoff contenders, while Phoenix’s payroll dropped near the league’s salary floor.
• They dumped the unpopular, distracting off-court baggage and made a stand while doing so. The Suns bought out the remaining two years of Beasley’s contract after a series of run-ins with the law, and they took care to point out that the organization was planning to hold its players to a higher standard going forward.
• They started the youth movement. The Suns added two first-round picks, Len and Goodwin, while snagging Plumlee, a 2012 first-round pick, and a 2014 first-round pick from the Pacers for Scola.
• They didn’t add any dead-weight future money that could hinder flexibility next summer. The Suns completed avoided meaningful expenditures, unless you want to count taking on Green and his $3.5 million contract for 2014-15 as “meaningful.”
• They upgraded the available talent. The Suns, in fact, didn’t make all that much headway in this area. But they did trade for Bledsoe, an explosive guard with untapped potential and major upside who was desperately in need of a larger role after serving as the Clippers’ super-sub.
Gave us a B+.
