With the NBA on hiatus, the Phoenix Suns get a chance to heal and regroup. If the season starts back where it left off, then this break could be a good thing for the Suns.
The Phoenix Suns got off to a red hot 7-4 start but fell in the standings for the rest of the season. With the NBA season being on a hiatus, it could be a blessing in disguise for the Phoenix Suns.
Phoenix played their last game on March 10th, potentially ending their season in a bad 16-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. If the NBA season does not resume, the Suns will finish 26-39 and 13th in the Western Conference.
While it would be possible for a team about six games back from the final playoff spot with 17 games remaining season to close that gap, it would be very tough for the Suns, especially considering the injuries they suffered.
The biggest setback for the Suns was the injury to Kelly Oubre. Oubre tore his meniscus and missed the last 7 games, and Adrian Wojnarowski announced Oubre would be re-evaluated in 4 weeks after his surgery.
If the season were to resume where it left off, then Kelly Oubre would back for the final 17 games, and the Suns chances would be much better than they would without him.
On top of that, Deandre Ayton missed the last 3 games himself with another sprained ankle, so getting him healthy would also increase the Suns’ playoff chances.
The Phoenix Suns should use this break as they would the offseason: work out every day, rehab bodies, and come back out (if the season returns) with the same energy they did in Game 1.
It could be like the start of a new season, except everyone is already familiar with their teammates, and Monty Williams knows what his team looks like at its full potential.
During the NBA season, teams only get one break besides off-days, which is for All-Star festivities. Now with more time to regroup, this unexpected break could be seen as a positive for the Suns if Adam Silver decides to end the hiatus and continue the NBA season where it left off.