After Eric Bledsoe went, so did the drama
Aside from Eric Bledsoe (which was obviously a big drama-filled situation, of course) there really hasn’t been any known hostility of any kind within the franchise that affected emotions or required dramatic and un-wanted trades either before the mid-February deadline or this summer in general. Any moves McDonough makes this offseason are likely all to be as a result of the natural roster turnover. Nothing will be forced allowing the Suns the best possible position to make trades in their favor.
Unlike certain veteran point guards in the recent past who were irritated about playing time and positional status, the current players on the roster each seem to have bought into the process of tanking with no complaints – hell, the young kids are all getting playing time at levels they probably wouldn’t receive with most other teams (save for Devin Booker, obviously) so even though they’re losing they’re still getting plenty of run.
It appears that the coaching style of Jay Triano has been firm yet fair, that the veterans have all accepted their minimal roles, and that the young players are almost all entirely embracing whatever playing time, position, and rotational situation they have been assigned.
Next: What are the chances that Josh Jackson makes an All-Rookie team?
If the Phoenix Suns’ public relations crew filmed a video asking each player to honestly describe their experience this season, it would appear that they would unanimously that aside from the losing (which was the plan), they had a very cohesive and fun unit.
While a good chunk of the roster may not return next season, a good number of them will without a doubt. Carrying over the good vibes from this 2017-18 to next will only help further their growth process, and hopefully help to bring a few (or a lot!) more wins in the process.
For you Negative Nelly’s don’t worry, this season has not come up all roses. I’ll have my top-five signs this season was a dismal failure very soon.