2. Perimeter defense
The Suns desperately need a perimeter stopper in their starting five. Tyus Jones will boost their offense. Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant are elite scorers, but they have performed better next to primary playmakers throughout their careers. Jones will set the table and get everyone involved, but can Phoenix get enough stops?
Beal will likely be asked to guard the opposition’s best player when everyone is healthy. They would love to put a perimeter stopper in their opening group, but that would mean Beal shifting to a sixth-man role. The three-time All-Star is unlikely to accept that gig.
The Suns must have a stopper in their closing lineup. Whether they roll with Jones or Beal flanking Booker, KD, and their center, Phoenix needs someone to guard the other team’s best scorer. Booker and Durant will lock in during clutch time, but the Suns must get stops if they want to be an elite team.
The Phoenix Suns acquired Royce O’Neale to help in this area last season. He could be the option for their closing lineup, but the franchise needs someone capable of guarding point guards like Stephen Curry, Jamal Murray, and Ja Morant. Finding that option with their limited resources will be tough, and their defense may be what prevents the Suns from being a serious threat.