Phoenix Suns 5-on-5: Pick A Wingman
By Gavin Schall
Editor’s Note: Responses came in before the Suns three game winning streak.
1. Are the Suns an above average team right now?
Gavin Schall: Yes and there’s nothing wrong with that. Two games ago everyone was talking up how much sharper this year’s Suns team looked and the massive impact Tyson Chandler made, no two losses, one to one of the best teams in basketball (OKC) are suppose to change that outlook? Drawing any long term conclusions (with Golden State being a big time exception because wow) about a team after less than 10 games is an inherently foolish proposition.
Scott Chasen: Yes. The Suns played the Clippers close, took care of business against the Kings and were solid for three quarters against the Thunder, despite the final result. They also beat the Blazers — who have been playing fairly well — twice. The results haven’t all gone the right way for the team, and certain players have struggled at certain points, but I think pretty clearly the team is above average, even if they haven’t always played like it.
Tyler Strachan: First of all I want to preface this by saying it is way too early to be determining whether or not a team is above average. If you asked me this question two weeks ago after the win at Portland, my response would probably have been, yes. But since then, all the Suns have to show for is one win, over a hapless, shooting-deprived, Boogie-less King’s team. The losses at the hands of Oklahoma City and the Clippers were expected, and the Pistons came into town riding some Marcus Morris revenge-angst. But to be considered above average in the West, I think you need to come away with a win in one of those three games. Phoenix didn’t, so in my eyes, through seven games, they aren’t an above average team.
Troy Tauscher: I think so, but just barely. They just haven’t generated enough offense because the players they rely on (other than Bledsoe) aren’t shooting well. They’ve managed to play solid defense for most of their game, but haven’t been able to get enough points on the board. I think once the cold streaks end, the Suns will be above average.
Mark Harris: No. They can be, but right now they are just average. That’s fine at this point in the season, but eventually the Suns will have to step up their game and actually beat some good teams.
Next: Is Eric Bledsoe an all-star?