It has been quite some time since we have seen the Phoenix Suns as a respectable NBA franchise. Jeff Hornacek surprisingly took the team to 48 wins in his first year at the helm in 2013-14 but failed still to qualify for the postseason.
The Suns have not had a winning season since and have rapidly cycled through coaches. It has been only a few games this season, but they have proven to be a tough out and are finally a group that cares about defense!
The issue for them and the reason for their appearance here as news, though, is due to the suspension of their young star big man, DeAndre Ayton. He failed a drug test as a banned substance was found in his system, and he is going to miss the next 25 games due to a suspension.
It gives their other big men a great chance to play, but it hurts not only his development, but the team’s as well. Ayton had a strong rookie year, and now being without him for a very silly decision he made will not bode well.
The Suns have Aron Baynes and Frank Kaminsky getting most of the center minutes now. But make no mistake: These Suns may finally be able to take the franchise in a respectable direction. Monty Williams is the right man for the job.
Making Himself At Home
It has only been two games, but it is clear that Kyrie Irving is very comfortable in Brooklyn. In his team debut, he dropped 50 against Minnesota, nearly knocking in the game-winner but was unable to connect after making a street-ball move to get free.
In the team’s last game, he stepped up down the stretch against the Knicks, knocking down a mid-range two and then a three to give the Nets the lead for good. He is going to have a tremendous season, and when Kevin Durant returns next year, it will be clear that they will be able to contend with any other team in their conference.
Irving grew up in New Jersey, where he attended school for his whole life. So, though he is playing with the Nets, he’s not at all far from New Jersey, so it really is like he is home in Brooklyn.
Irving is going to be a tremendous guard with the Nets, and it is clear that he will be more like the star from Cleveland than he was in Boston.
Rough Start
The New Orleans Pelicans, not so surprisingly, have gotten off to an 0-3 start this year. And while every single game has been close, it’s tough to see.
With Zion Williamson out, we don’t get to see them at full strength, and, despite a strong starting unit, it’s been nothing but defeats. Brandon Ingram just went for 35 and 15, proving his star potential further, but they need to find an answer at the center spot.
We hope to see Zion back sooner or later, as it is clear his presence will affect their win-loss record.
