https://clutchpoints.com/nba-power-rankings-week-15-clippers-knicks-top-5-trade-deadline
12. Phoenix Suns (-)
2023-24 Record: 26-20, Upcoming schedule: at MIA (1/29), at BKN (1/31), at ATL (2/2), at WAS (2/4)
Before losing on the road to the Pacers and Magic to end the week, the Suns had won seven straight games. An offense led by Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal is almost impossible to stop. This is why the Suns have started to look like the championship team many had imagined. Still, this team has gaps in their second unit and in the frontcourt. Against bigger, lengthier teams like the Magic, the Suns are going to struggle because they simply lack size and physicality.
Just one game behind the Sacramento Kings for the 5-seed in the West, the Suns will conclude their seven-game road trip this upcoming week. Quite honestly, a loss to any of the four teams on their schedule this week would be concerning, yet some slack can be given since Phoenix is going to be on the road.
So it's definitely not the end of the world or time to panic! I understand the significant concerns everyone has due to exactly how much of our future we've mortgaged in this "all in" very risky strategy. So our frustrations are absolutely valid as a point of discussions. And anything less than a resulting championship will and should be viewed as an abject failure for our season. For my part, I don't and honestly never did expect these moves to result in a championship this season anyways. I have us getting eliminated in the 2nd round most likely but then making clever (more openminded moves) to add low cost talent, etc this offseason to shore up our unaddressed positional weaknesses reactively rather than proactively this summer and then with more established chemistry and cohesion, we'll make it back to the finals and finally win our first championship!
But this trade deadline will be critically important to the trajectory of our future and in setting us up somewhat with better options for our offseason moves. The suns front office will have to be very aggressive in both pursuing and adding legit talent, SIZE, ATHLETICISM and PHYSICALITY to our roster to shore up our glaring weaknesses. AND be much more open to signing/acquiring low cost upside talent swings from ALL AVAILABLE AVENUES in order to offset our depleted asset cache and inconsistent bench. Whether that be G league outliers, undrafted/ unsigned talents, or possibly even overseas performers that fit our needs, we'll need to be very creative and open minded in considering these options so that we can replenish our lost talent and positional depth. We'll also need to be aggressive in trying to acquire (purchase or trade for) 2nd round picks from teams with multiple picks to add COST CONTROLLED YOUNG UPSIDE TALENT SWINGS that haven't already established low percieved value during their time in the league. NO reclamation projects with limited upside/ ceilings. That's how we turn things around and give ourselves more creative options.
I had started watching those guys. They were fun at least and provided some catharsis after games. But why the **** did they get that fraud?? I just can't stomach listening or watching that dude so I barely listen to them anymore. He looks like a clown and talks like a clown. He conned a lot of people though.
