Phoenix Suns: Playoff Hopes Higher After Crazy Free Agency Period In The West
By Mark Harris
The dominoes have fallen, and the Phoenix Suns lost the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes to the San Antonio Spurs.
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But fear not Suns fans, compared to other Western contenders, Phoenix actually had a pretty decent free agency.
Yes, Phoenix lost Aldridge to San Antonio, but let’s be honest: considering Phoenix just came off a 39-43 season (the fifth straight season missing the playoffs), it was surprising that Aldridge had the Suns in his top two anyway. That means they beat out playoff teams like Dallas, Houston, Portland and Toronto, which proves that Phoenix can be an attractive free agent destination in the future.
And at least Phoenix made San Antonio work for Aldridge, as Gregg Popovich was seen walking around with him to seal the deal.
Now Pop wouldn’t have flown out to L.A. if he had been 100 percent certain that Aldridge would be a Spur. Aldridge needed to be wooed by the superior Spurs, and the Suns are the reason why.
But enough about Aldridge. Let’s examine what Phoenix did accomplish during free agency.
First off, the addition of Tyson Chandler is huge for the Suns, as he gives them a legitimate defender in the post. Secondly, Chandler is walking double-double, averaging 10.3 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season, proving he’s more than just a rim protector. Finally, and maybe most importantly, Chandler is a veteran player and a solid locker room guy who will help stabilize an immature team from last year.
Outside of Chandler, Phoenix succeeded in bringing back Brandon Knight, and maybe the five-year deal worth $70 million is a bit too much for some, but after seeing some of the contracts from free agency and with the cap about to go up, the Knight deal doesn’t look too egregious. Moreover, the Suns managed to avoid trading Eric Bledsoe.
So with Chandler, Knight, Bledsoe, and a decent supporting cast including Markieff Morris, T.J. Warren, Devin Booker and Archie Goodwin, Phoenix won’t be a juggernaut next season, but they will avoid an awful year while keeping their young core intact.
In regards to playoffs in the West, Phoenix has an uphill battle. But some of the contenders from last season really suffered this July, meaning Phoenix has a chance to sneak in next season and possibly replace a playoff team from last year.
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Before I go any further, there are four rock solid playoff teams from the West next year. Golden State and San Antonio are title contenders, Houston is a distant but solid third and Memphis will have yet another 50-win season. Beyond those four teams, the West is absolutely up for grabs.
Despite missing the playoffs last year, Oklahoma City will probably make the playoffs next season. Sure Kevin Durant is coming off an injury, but with Durant, Russell Westbrook, Serge Ibaka and a pretty good supporting cast, it is safe to say that OKC will be in the top eight.
Dallas, which brings in DeAndre Jordan and Wes Matthews, has the roster to make the playoffs. But let’s remember that Dirk Nowitzki isn’t getting any younger, and the Mavs don’t exactly have a “Western Conference level” point guard. Sure, Devin Harris and J.J. Barea are decent, but they’re not up to par with many of the other point guardss in the West. In addition, who knows how effective Wes Matthews will be after his injury? If I had to bet, I’d say Dallas makes the playoffs, but not in overly impressive fashion.
By losing DeAndre Jordan, the Los Angeles Clippers are no longer a championship contender. They still have Blake Griffin and Chris Paul, but outside of J.J Redick and Jamal Crawford (who may be traded), there is not a ton of meat on that depth chart.
ESPN sources say that Cavs, in addition to Joe Johnson trade, are also exploring a Jamal Crawford-for-Brendan Haywood trade with Clippers
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 6, 2015
Even with Jordan last year, the Clippers were gassed by the end of their playoff run and that’s due to their lack of depth. Now the Clippers basically have the same rotation, except they don’t have a great center, which could be very troublesome for Los Angeles.
Portland suffered the most during free agency, returning only Damian Lillard from its starting five. The Blazers will definitely miss out on the playoffs next year, and this could be a team that Phoenix replaces in the playoffs.
Only one remains. pic.twitter.com/qmKOyQyHck
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 4, 2015
Lastly are Utah and New Orleans, both of whom had better seasons than expected last year (remember, Utah went 38-44). However, neither of these teams brought in anyone of significance during free agency. However, the Pelicans have Anthony Davis and Utah quietly led the NBA in fewest points allowed last season (94.9 per game).
It looks like there will be a solid top five: Warriors, Spurs, Rockets, Grizzlies and Thunder.
That leaves three more spots to be fought over by five teams: Clippers, Mavericks, Jazz, Pelicans and Suns.
Despite losing out on Aldridge, the Suns have as good a chance as any of those teams to sneak into the playoffs, since none of those teams are that much better than Phoenix. With a strong young core and a great rim protector in Tyson Chandler, Phoenix’s playoff drought may end in 2016.
It’s not so much that Phoenix got better, it’s that a good amount of teams got worse.
Next: Phoenix Suns: Life After LaMarcus Aldridge