The Suns had a pretty big offseason this year,after their dissapointing season the PHX GM did a very good job by adding players to help the Suns for the upcoming 04-05 season. I am going to start with their offseason,they tried to save cap space throughout the year to attempt to sign Kobe Bryant in the offseason,when he stated that he wouldnt come to the Suns,thye had lots of extra money and added two great players and more. <u>Key Additions</u> Steve Nash-This was deffiantly a huge signing for the Suns with them after trading Marbury in the begining of the season,it was really smart for them to go after a veteran PG who can still be an all star,but will lead this team under his expierence. Quentin Richardson-Another great signing,also a suprise that the Clippers didnt match the Suns offer to Q after failing to land Kobe.This gives the Suns another scorer in their lineup but Q is also a good rebounding guard.This signing also raises questions about what the role JJ will now have. Steven HunterThis guy had some issues with the Magic and was traded to the Cavs then waived by the Cavs,well the Suns in need for a center signed him off waivers,I think this was a ok move,but signing him is risky,if he gets his mind right he could be a solid center for the Suns.We'll have to wait and see how much confidence and motivation he will have to suceed. <u>Key Losses</u>-The Suns didnt lose any key players this offseason as of yet,but thye will probally lose FA center Keon Clark,i dont thinka re going to re-sign him,but they should he is deffiantly a positive addition to any team and could give the Suns more help at center. <u>2004-2005 Projected Roster.</u> Point Guard:Steve Nash/Leandro Barbosa/Howard Eisley Shooting Guard:Quentin Richardson/Casey Jacobsen/Yuta Tabuse Small Foward:Shawn Marion/Joe Johnson Power Foward:Amare Stoudemire/Jackson Vroman/Maciej Lampe Center:Jake Voskul/Steven Hunter/Zarko Cabarkapa <u>Roster Breakdown</u> <font color="DarkOrange">Starters</font> Point Guard: Expectations-Steve Nash should make a perfect fit to this team,he is a veteran player and could lead this team and set a good example to the young players.Nash is a PG who can can score but is very unselfish,he will also help the Suns with perimeter shooting and defense.Predicted stat line:14.2ppg,9.2apg,3.4rpg 35mpg. Shooting Guard: Expectations-Q Rich will bring more athletic talent to the Suns,this guy is going to be a star in the future,he gives the Suns another big scoring threat and also rebounds well for a guard,his defense seems inconsistant but he can improve it.Predicted stat line:16.7ppg,6.1rpg,3.4apg,37mpg. Small Foward: ExpectationsI have pretty big expectations for Shawn Marion,he is been the teams best player for a long time and is also the leader of the Suns,with the additions of Nash and Richardson his stats may slightly decrease but I expect him to be an all star this year.Predicted stat line:18.6ppg,8.5rpg,3,2apg,38.6mpg. Power Foward: Expectations-I expect Amare to blossum this season,he is the Suns franchise imo,and I bealive he should get the most shots each game,pretty soon he wil start making all star games,and Amare is the future of the Suns imo.Predicted stat line:22.2ppg,8.8rpg,2.1,38.7mpg. Center: expectations-I dont really have any big expectations for Jake Voshkul,he is probally the best bet at c and should at least give you solid rpg.Predicted stat line:3.2ppg.5.6rpg,.9apg. <font color="DarkOrange">The Core Bench</font> Leandro Barbosa-Well be a nice energy player to have off the bench,he will be able to play big minutes for them if Nash needs rest.Precited stat line:5.7ppg,2.4apg,1.3rpg,15mpg. Joe Johnson-Its tough to put JJ on the bench,most people say he doesnt play well coming off the bench but maybe he could adjust to it,if not it is likely he will be traded for a solid C.Predicted stat line:10ppg,4rpg,2apg,20mpg. Steven Hunter-He could be a solid C for the suns he will bring energy and rebounding to the game,he should also get some blocks when he plays.Precited stat line:4.1ppg,3.4rpg,1.2bpg,20mpg. Casy Jacobsen-Well be a player that can come in and score some inside as well as grab some rebounds.Predicted stat line:5.2ppg,4rpg,15mpg. <u>Predictions For the 04-05 Season.</u> The Suns have had a pretty big offseaon,the sigings of Q and Nash should help this team a lot,the Suns are in a tough confrence but I think they will be able to compete for the last playoff spots in the West,they might have 1 or 2 all stars or they might have none,but all 5 starters should have big years if they stay healthy,some more changes will likely be made also,the Suns are still looking for a center who can start for them and trading JJ seems very likely right now. If the Suns were to make the playoffs they could make the 2nd round but I dont see them going any deeper then that.Suns fans should be happy though because this team will be a solid team for years to come.
Nice analysis Silk. Probably pushing it to expect 9 Assists from Nash, since he's never had that many on the best offensive team in the league, but repeating last years 8.8 would be possible. He won't help defensively, since his defense is horrible, but he'll up tempo the offense. I expect Phoenix to be one of the highest scoring teams in the league, similar to Dallas last year, great O, less D. I definitely think they will be a playoff team. They should try to get into the sixth spot or higher. If they sneak in at the seventh or eigth spot, they will play either San Antonio or Minnesota, and will have no chance of advancment. If they can get up to five or six, and play Dallas or Sacramento, teams that are willing to run with them, they have a chance of advancement into the second round. Being a Mavs fan, I know what Phoenix will look like next year, and my advide to Suns fans would be to enjoy having an exciting team that will win a lot of games and score a lot of points
