Phoenix Suns compile an impressive roster in post Steve Nash era – NBA Feature Part 2
The Phoenix Suns also took the first step in finding a replacement for Steve Nash when they acquired point guard Goran Dragic in free agency.
Dragic had a breakout season with the Houston Rockets last season, when he was given the opportunity to start after Kyle Lowry was sidelined with injury. The guard shined in his new role, improving his career averages and attracting
the attention of the league. He averaged 11.7 points, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.5 rebounds per game, all career highs.
In addition to that, Dragic looked comfortable in the role of the play maker, and had great ball handling skills. He seemed to inspire his teammates on the court, and developed a good chemistry with Scola, who will be his teammate
in Phoenix as well. Houston refused to give Goran the contract he was demanding and Phoenix quickly signed him in free agency.
Dragic has previously played three seasons with the Phoenix Suns as a back up to Nash, and was traded during the 2010-2011 season. He now returns an improved and more mature player.
The Suns also added forward Michael Beasley to the roster in the offseason, who is another great player. Beasley has only been in the NBA for four seasons, but has already made a name for himself. He has played the last two seasons
with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and had the best season of his career back in 2010-2011 when he averaged 19.2 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. Last season, Beasley’s numbers fell to 11.5 points per game, but he has the potential to become a regular scorer
in any team. Beasley, Scola and Dragic form the core of the new Phoenix team that is looking to rebuild and climb back in the Western Conference.
In addition to the new signings, the Suns have a few good pieces in the roster that can be effectively used with the new core.
Jared Dudley has been with the Suns for the past four seasons, and had his best season so far in the NBA last season when he averaged 12.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists. With improvements like the one Dudley has shown over
the past season, the only way for him to go is up and the Suns will be looking at him as becoming one of their main players in the years to come.
Shannon Brown has also shown good improvement since moving to Phoenix last season, and his career averages are considerably up. He is also one player who can be expected to further improve over the next few years and become a solid
guard for the Suns.
The Suns have done a great job to begin their restructuring and rebuilding in the post Steve Nash era, and have assembled a decent roster going into next year. It is safe to say that they will give teams in the Western Conference
a tough time as they compete to clinch a spot in the playoffs next season.
Suns still have a long way to go before they can re-emerge as the Suns during the Nash-Stoudemire era, but they are well on their way and seem to have gotten a head start as far as team rebuilding is concerned.
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