It is no secret that this past season was a massive disappointment for the Phoenix Suns. Coming into the year with what were frankly unhealthy expectations after signing Bradley Beal, the Suns learned an important lesson about team-building the hard way. Simply signing big-name stars and forgetting about the details does not a championship team make.
But thankfully, it is often the hardest lessons we learn in life that we have the least potential to repeat. Perhaps that lesson is not resonating with team owner Mat Ishbia just yet, but it will have to sink in sooner or later. Either the Suns make some changes to their approach this offseason, or they will be in precisely the same mess at this time next year, with another fired coach and more finger-pointing.
Per the new NBA collective bargaining agreement, Phoenix is a second apron team, meaning they will have significant limitations as to how they go about improving their roster this summer. But if they make the right moves and set up a team that plays to its strengths, there is a path for them to re-emerge as a true Western Conference contender.
If we imagine the Suns pulling off a perfect offseason, their starting lineup on opening night in October would look something like this.
Center: Jusuf Nurkic
One position that will likely not see any change between now and the start of next season is center. Jusuf Nurkic was a steady force for Phoenix in 2023-24, playing in 76 total games and averaging a double-double.
There are certainly better options out there for the Suns than Nurkic, but the reality is none of them are particularly attainable for this team given the assets they have to work with. The Suns' best option at center will be the one they already have in their locker room.
Consistency matters in the NBA. Bringing in new players year after year based on talent level and thinking everything will just shift is a bit of a naive mindset. Instead, putting your trust in your current players and giving them what they need to be in a position to succeed is a far better approach. Nurkic remains this team's best choice for a center.