Valley of the Suns
Fansided

The Phoenix Suns actually have a really good defensive lineup

By Adam Maynes

25 Apr 2000: Head Coach Scott Skiles of the Phoenix Suns yells from the bench during the NBA Western Conference Playoffs Round One Game against the San Antonio Spurs at The Alomodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Suns 85-70. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez /Allsport
25 Apr 2000: Head Coach Scott Skiles of the Phoenix Suns yells from the bench during the NBA Western Conference Playoffs Round One Game against the San Antonio Spurs at The Alomodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs defeated the Suns 85-70. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez /Allsport /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 3
Next
PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball under pressure from Shaquille Harrison #10 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 13: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball under pressure from Shaquille Harrison #10 of the Phoenix Suns during the first half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 13, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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) /

What needs to happen this season?

The 2018-19 Phoenix Suns are going to be nothing compared to their Scott Skiles-led counterparts, but they will improve over last season, hand over fist.

While they likely won’t hold opponents to under 100 points very often, in those late game situations in which they need a stop, they will have the talent to pull it off.

Watch for most defensive lineups to be centered around Josh Jackson and Trevor Ariza. The two players will easily be expected to guard the opponent’s best guard/wing and forward, and if not lock them down, slow them down enough to allow the Phoenix offense to compensate.

Of course Shaq Harrison won’t average more than 15-20 minutes a game so teams who have above average point guards (like the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry and Chris Paul and the Houston Rockets) will give Devin Booker and Isaiah Canaan fits.

However, Devin Booker has stated that he wants to make a point to become a better defender. He also realizes that to truly become an elite player in the NBA, his offense not only has to be elite, but his defense has to be above average as well. Hopefully he uses that desire to be truly great to push himself into becoming an improved defender.

The Phoenix Suns should Play to Win the Game. dark. Next

It shouldn’t be too  difficult for Booker to take that next step this season as well as he’ll be entering a full season with a defensive-minded head coach with additional defensive talent around him.

If Booker is able to pull this off and take his defense to the next level, not only will it be advantageous for him as an individual, but also for the team as a whole as they seek to take that next step.

Home/Suns News