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Phoenix Suns 5-on-5: Reviewing the first half of the season

By Jeffrey Sanders

Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) celebrates with forward P.J. Tucker (17) after a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Phoenix Suns 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) celebrates with forward P.J. Tucker (17) after a basket against the Sacramento Kings during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Phoenix Suns 85-83. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 10, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) leaves the court after facing the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center. The Rockets won 127-118. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Specifically, what does the team need to do to get into the playoffs?

Bourguet: A couple of things. Finding a way to trade for Taj Gibson or some other defensive/rebounding big would be a start. Only using the point guard hydra lineups sparingly would be another boost. Putting the ball in Goran Dragic’s hands a little more often might help. Hell, if Gerald Green is still around after the trade deadline, insert him back into the regular rotation. It might not be a coincidence the Suns are in a 2-5 rut since Green recorded that DNP – CD. But most realistically, it’s going to take a serious collapse on OKC’s part for the Suns to hang on here.

Chasen: Well first, there are 15 or so games against bad opponents or against similarly talented opponents at home, and the Suns need to win all of them. That will get the team to the 45 win range, meaning they just have to steal a couple games here and there and they’ll make the playoffs. I know the question said specifically, but I actually think the vague answer is the correct one. Win the games they should.

Hann: With the way Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are playing right now, the Thunder are streaking toward the eighth seed and it may not matter what the Suns do. However, one move that needs to be made for both long-term and short-term success is the acquisition of a big man that doesn’t compromise the future. Playoffs or no playoffs, Phoenix needs a big power forward to pair with Alex Len. Small ball won’t win in the Western Conference Playoffs, and it isn’t even a given that it will get you to the tournament. Whether it is a trade deadline blockbuster or a big free agency signing, Phoenix will remain a second-tier Western Conference team until they acquire a Lamarcus Aldridge/Marc Gasol type player. Oh, look at that, they will both be free-agent this summer

Saar: If they can get a quality vet at the trade deadline on the cheap, that would help. On offense, they need less isolation plays. I’m tired of the Morris twins (although they do it okay) and especially Thomas, Bledsoe, and for goodness sakes, Tucker, trying to go one-on-one against a good defender. They put their head down, hoping for a call, but usually don’t get it because they didn’t do it right (see James Harden), aren’t superstars, or already lost the ball because they were driving in against at least three players. On defense, they need to not gamble as much and lock down some rebounds.

Schall: Make a deal. Playing eight playoff teams over their last 10 games, Phoenix is just 3-7 over that stretch despite being for the most part healthy. They’re showing as it currently stands they don’t have quite enough frontline talent to stay in front of Oklahoma City who’s been surging since Mitch McGary’s return.

Next: First Half MVP?

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