The Phoenix Suns are having a strange offseason, in that they are getting all of their business done early as they said they would, while also breaking their promised on striving for continuity.
The Miles Bridges trade putting an end to that, although the two-way addition of Pat Spencer was a nice pickup even if it does not fix the worrying problems the franchise has at the point guard position.
Steve Clifford departing Suns for Wizards another blow to continuity
Lost among the shuffle of what has been a crazy offseason league wide, was the news that Suns' coaching advisor Steve Clifford has left the organization in favor of the Washington Wizards. No reason was given, but the health of Clifford may have played a part.
Going back to when he was announced as joining the Suns one year ago, it was stated that he would be helping the team from afar for the most part. Perhaps the Wizards gave him a chance to have more of a hands on approach in the role.
This might not seem like much, but the Suns got a lot right last season as they made the playoffs. First time head coach Jordan Ott deserves a ton of credit for that, and there is no doubt that having veterans such as Clifford and even franchise icon Steve Nash in his corner would have helped.
It is almost ironic that Clifford, perhaps best known for his stint with the Charlotte Hornets, would choose now to leave The Valley as well.
The Hornets appear to have gotten the better of their counterparts in Phoenix in various trades across the last year, with the Bridges for Grayson Allen, Royce O'Neale and an unprotected first round pick in 2033 not a popular decision.
Prior to that, landing Mark Williams presented for a time more questions than answers, although the Suns were able to offload both Jusuf Nurkic and Josh Okogie (suddenly back in vogue again) in seperate deals.
Asking Clifford to help their team while also securing first overall pick AJ Dybantsa alongside Trae Young and Anthony Davis shows the Wizards (just like the Hornets) are trying to be taken more seriously.
It doesn't get any more serious than Clifford, who failed to get the best out of a rebuilding Orlando Magic roster during his tenure there and works best when trying to help a franchise win. Which is what the Suns are still supposed to be doing.
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