Suns Column: Ryan McDonough’s Plan Unorthodox, But Trustworthy

Jun. 5, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough talks to the media after pre-draft workout. Mandatory Credit: Gerald Bourguet-Valley of the Suns
Jun. 5, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough talks to the media after pre-draft workout. Mandatory Credit: Gerald Bourguet-Valley of the Suns
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Ryan McDonough
Jun. 5, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Ryan McDonough talks to the media after pre-draft workout. Mandatory Credit: Gerald Bourguet-Valley of the Suns

If you look at the black and white of the Phoenix Suns’ current offseason, it’d be easy to feel disappointed. The plainest fact is that the Suns missed out on LaMarcus Aldridge, who instead joined Phoenix’s rival, the San Antonio Spurs.

The Suns didn’t get a game-changing free agent, they had to draft at the end of the lottery once more and as currently constructed, they won’t be a contender in the Western Conference next season. They might not even be a guarantee to make the playoffs at all.

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But the world isn’t black and white. It’s not even shades of gray; it’s a vibrant world full of color and intricate detail. A fan base that enjoys watching a team don purple and orange on a nightly basis should be well aware of that fact by now. Here’s another fact for Suns fans, one that only becomes true when you take in the full, color-filled picture: general manager Ryan McDonough is worthy of your trust.

It’s true that the Suns have yet to make the playoffs under McDonough’s reign. It’s true that they regressed into a 39-win team last year after shocking the world in 2013-14 with a 48-win season. But it’s also true that very little of that blame can be directly attributed to McDonough after the dumpster fire of a roster he was given when he first got the job.

Compare the roster he had then to the one he’s assembled in just three offseasons and the McMiracle nickname starts to make more sense.

Next: McDonough's Mistakes