The Phoenix Suns are the centerpiece of the biggest what-if in NBA history

By Ryan Bawek | May 5, 2020

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 19, 1982 : Kareem Abdul-Jabbar #33 of the Los Angeles Lakers shoots a skyhook during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at The Forum, Los Angeles, 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 Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

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Phoenix Suns, Dick Van Arsdale (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dick Van Arsdale /

1968-69 Season

Both teams struggled mightily in their first year, as you would expect for an expansion franchise, finishing with the two worst records in the NBA.

The Bucks would finish 27-55, last place in the Eastern Division, while the Suns would finish with the worst record in the NBA and last place in the Western Division at 16-66.

The Bucks were led by guard and first time NBA All-Star, Jon McGlockin. He took full advantage of an increased role and averaged 19.6 point per game.

The Suns, even with their struggles (they were the worst defensive team in the NBA and played a fast pace, some things never change), boasted the two aforementioned young guards in Van Arsdale and Goodrich.

Van Arsdale averaged 21 points per game and Goodrich averaged 23.8 points per game.

The NBA draft lottery as we know it today didn’t exist at that time (that wouldn’t come up until the 1985 NBA Draft and the notorious “frozen envelope” legend, look it up).

Instead of just awarding the team with the worst record the 1st pick, they flipped a coin between the worst team in the Western and Eastern division to see who would have the No. 1 pick (in hindsight that half-assed attempt at a lottery for the No. 1 pick is even more infuriating right? More on that later.).

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