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Phoenix Suns: Playoffs Should Be The Expectation In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) high fives guard Eric Bledsoe (2) against the Toronto Raptors at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Raptors 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward P.J. Tucker (17) high fives guard Eric Bledsoe (2) against the Toronto Raptors at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Raptors 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) celebrates with forward Markieff Morris (11) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Locker Room Chemistry

It’s no secret that the Suns had their fair share of chemistry issues last season, especially after that tumultuous roster shakeup at the trade deadline that left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths. Hell, walking from the Al McCoy Media Center to the Suns’ locker room felt like leaving the Shire for Mordor by season’s end.

Trading away Marcus Morris understandably pissed off his twin, but the Suns may be on to something by splitting up a pair of embattled brothers who were clearly not a good influence on each other. The deal was made to clear up cap space for Aldridge first and foremost, but even after missing out on LMA, it was a good move that could do wonders for the locker room chemistry if Keef can get back onboard with what the front office is trying to accomplish.

That’s obviously a big “if,” but shipping away Mook rids the Suns of a player who yelled at he his head coach during one game this season and is still facing felony aggravated assault charges.

Keef faces those same charges, but he’s the more talented of the two Morrii, so keeping him over Mook was a no-brainer.

For those concerned that Marcus was the key to Markieff realizing his full potential, it’s also worth pointing out that a regression in Keef’s game simply because his twin brother is no longer around would be one of the more absurd things to happen to the career trajectory of any NBA player. You don’t suddenly forget how to play basketball without your brother around.

Potential Markieff Morris issues aside, the Suns’ chemistry should be a lot better this season without three point guards jostling for touches. Bledsoe and Knight will have their chance to build cohesion, everyone’s contract situation is taken care of and the team can focus solely on winning. With veterans like Tyson Chandler and Ronnie Price overseeing the process, all signs point to Phoenix having a resurgent season, even in the cutthroat West.

Next: The Lay Of The West

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