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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.

ShawnBronald wrote:I wonder what would have garnered an A or A+? The Suns really did nothing wrong (basketball wise, at least) this offseason.

TASTIC wrote:I think if we'd drafted Noel we'd have gotten an A. Just more upside...

TASTIC wrote:I think if we'd drafted Noel we'd have gotten an A. Just more upside...

LukasBMW wrote:
Additionally, Noel is way too skinny. Unless he takes roids, he won't make it as a center in this league.

Ryu wrote:Sensible article.

However, I don`t agree with you guys that Noel has more upside than Len. The truth is Noel is much more hyped than our rook. Sure, Noel will most probably be excellent defender and shotblocker but is very limited on offense. Len, on the other hand, can be serious baller on both ends of the court.

DRK wrote:I cant help but think that if Len was African American, from Kentucky, he would be hands down the Number 1 Pick in the Draft.

DRK wrote:I cant help but think that if Len was African American, from Kentucky, he would be hands down the Number 1 Pick in the Draft.

DRK wrote:I cant help but think that if Len was African American, from Kentucky, he would be hands down the Number 1 Pick in the Draft.

phrazbit wrote:

DRK wrote:I cant help but think that if Len was African American, from Kentucky, he would be hands down the Number 1 Pick in the Draft.

This implies that Alex Len was an otherwise terrific player in college that was ignored because of his race and the program he was in... and that could not be farther from the truth. Taking a player in the top 5 who did so little in college, both statistically and in win/loss was quite the leap, and that ignores injury questions.

Len may have a great career, he may not, but nothing about his college play jumps off the paper and screams "NUMBER ONE PICK!!!" regardless of race or program. If anything it portrays a mid-first round talent and thats only because of his measurables. A 6-10 player with his stats would be lucky to get drafted.