Phoenix Suns: 3 Roster Weaknesses Even After Free Agency
By Karan Jain
Phoenix Suns roster weakness: Slashing and rim penetration
Even though they still scored at a high rate due to their extraordinary shot-making skills, Phoenix’s inability to find consistent, high-quality looks came as their biggest offensive flaw during the NBA Finals. Also while being one of the most efficient shooting teams across the whole league, the Suns oddly enough rarely got the free throw line during both the playoffs and regular season last year. Phoenix ranked second-to-last during both factions of their season in free-throw attempts per game.
But if we address the roster construction, this somewhat makes sense, as most players just lack the skills to effectively slash toward the basket. Just look at this team’s offensive stars.
First we have 36-year-old, undersized ball-handler in Chris Paul, who does not possess enough consistent mobility to operate on the drive. It remains why he averages one of the lowest free throw rates amongst All-Stars, despite his elite free throw shooting percentage.
With Devin Booker, it remains a more tendency-based issue. Booker often decides to settle for deep, mid-range shots rather than utilizing his elite athleticism and rim gravity to slash to the bucket. While Booker’s free throw rate remains pretty solid, it could certainly shoot up if he just chooses to drive more.
The wings also need more consistency from a slashing standpoint. Bridges sometimes flashes an ability to cut well to the rim, but needs to do so more frequently to positively effect the team. Hopefully with his growth over the next few years he becomes more aggressive, but if not, the Suns might look to the free agent market for help.