Valley of the Suns
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Three Goals for The Phoenix Suns Next Season

By Grant Funtila

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Earl Watson of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 13: Head coach Earl Watson of the Phoenix Suns looks on against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on November 13, 2016 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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3. Improved Defense

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 12: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reach for a loose ball during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 12, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trailblazers defeated the Suns 110-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 12: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers and Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns reach for a loose ball during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 12, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trailblazers defeated the Suns 110-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The first one is fairly simple. Improve team defense. The Phoenix Suns were last in almost every team defensive category out there, in particular, opponent points per game, opponent free throws attempted and made, opponent 3-point percentage.

When a team is facing the Suns, they can almost expect to score over 113 points that game and they reach the free throw line 29.1 times. Again, both dead last in the entire league. Though the Suns themselves score over 107 ppg, it’s not enough to overcome such horrendous defense.

However, the most important stat nonmention is their opponent’s 3FG%. When playing against the Suns, teams shot 38.2% from beyond the arc. Again, dead last in the league. As we continue in the “pace and space” era or simply the small ball  era, teams will have to learn how to better defend against the 3-point shot.

The Suns’ improved defense has already started though. With their fourth pick, they chose freshman phenom Josh Jackson from Kansas last June. Jackson is well regarded for his athleticism, playmaking ability, and most importantly his defense. During his lone season with the Jayhawks, Jackson averaged 1.7 steals per game as well as 1.1 blocks. Then during Summer League, 1.2 spg, and 1.0 bpg.

If the Suns can remove the “worst defensive team” stigma that has been haunting them since the Steve Nash era, then it will certainly be a small victory, but huge goal met for next season.

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