5 Best Sophomore Phoenix Suns: Bar Set High For Devin Booker

3. Larry Nance, 1982-83 Phoenix Suns

Nance dominated the paint defensively for the Suns more than any other big man. His 217 blocks in 1982-83 is still the franchise record and were third in the NBA that season.

In addition to firmly establishing himself as an elite defender in his sophomore season, Nance also became a productive offensive player. The turnover and fouling issues with his game improved significantly, and he overall became much more efficient.

He would ultimately have a remarkably productive career, with advanced metrics like Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) valuing him extremely high (31st in NBA history).

In the 1982-83 season, Nance averaged 16.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists against 2.3 turnovers, 1.2 steals, and 2.6 blocks per game.

Nance had seven productive seasons before the Suns traded him as part of the deal to get Kevin Johnson, a player you just might see later on this list.