The Phoenix Suns are a playoff team – James Jones must act that way
By Adam Maynes
Make no mistake: the Phoenix Suns are a playoff team in the Western Conference. For the first time in many years, management has an opportunity to, and must treat the roster that way.
Regardless of the team’s fourth quarter collapse and subsequent loss to the Dallas Mavericks, the Phoenix Suns are on their way to not only breaking their extended streak of nine missed playoff appearances, and with a generally young core, the roster is all but set up to be one that could stay there for many years to come.
This is a new experience for many fans – and many on the roster as well.
It is not, though, to Robert Sarver.
And should not be treated as such by first full-time General Manager, James Jones.
Yet, the team is missing something.
Yes, they are still learning Monty Williams‘ offense; yes they are still learning one another and trying to become a fully cohesive unit; yes, Deandre Ayton has not had game action since opening night.
But it is obvious that the roster is not yet complete. It might certainly be good enough to get the franchise to the postseason, but it is not necessarily good enough to compete.
And be totally honest with yourself: even if they managed to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2010, you, as a fan, would not be happy with a four game first round sweep to the Los Angeles Lakers, or even a five-game out.
If nothing else, we want them to push for the Semi’s, if not one round beyond.
We’ve waiting nearly ten years for a postseason berth. We should demand that they make up for lost time as quickly as possible.
And so too should management.
There is no reason for there not to be some sort of a deal made early in the season to improve this roster – and guarantee that it is together long enough to continue to settle into the offense, and with one another.
Sp, what should Jones improve?