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5-On-5: What Has Keyed Phoenix Suns’ Turnaround?

By Jeffrey Sanders

Mar 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) celebrates in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) dribbles the ball past Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

4. What’s the impact that Brandon Knight will have on the offense when he returns from his sprained ankle after missing a couple weeks?

Bourguet: Hopefully we’ll be able to see Bledsoe and Knight build some chemistry. Knight hasn’t been the lights out shooter he was in Milwaukee since joining the Suns, so it’d be nice to see him string together some strong offensive performances and show he can play off the ball alongside Bledsoe. That would go a long way in making everyone feel better about committing to a 23-year-old who cost the Suns that top-five protected Lakers pick when restricted free agency rolls around.

Chasen: This is the scary part for me. Brandon Knight makes the Suns better, especially with his scoring at the two-guard position, but he also changes the equation of the team. Essentially, he could have a positive net impact while he’s on the court, but a negative net impact overall on the team when he returns. But on offense and overall, I’m hopeful it’ll be a positive impact.

Hann: Phoenix is 5-1 without Knight in the lineup and while they are undoubtedly a better team with Knight than without him, his impact when he returns may be a negative one. The Suns are hitting on all cylinders right now, with a consistent rotation and bigger lineup of Tucker at the 2 and Marcus Morris at the 3. Knight will make them better in the long run, but in the seasons last 11 games, inserting another ball dominant guard may disrupt the flow of the team.

Saar: Their offensive efficiency will come back up. He shoots from three better than anyone else in the starting lineup, therefore spreading the floor. He’s had time to acclimate himself to the Suns organization and therefore his defense should improve when he gets back. That would improve the ceiling for this team, maybe even pushing the Suns to the postseason.

Harris: The offense has been a bit stagnant (for Suns standards), only averaging 95.6 points per game, but with Brandon Knight returning, and averaging his 17 points per game, the Suns’ offense will definitely improve.

Next: Playoff Chances

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