Phoenix Suns: Who Is The No. 1 Option on Offense?

Phoenix point guard Goran Dragic is the No. 1 option on offense, which coach Lindsey Hunter would like to change. Photo Credit: Michael Dunlap, HoopsHabit.com

The Phoenix Suns have the worst record in the Western Conference at 23-52 and thus are en route to a good pick in the upcoming 2013 NBA Draft. However, let’s examine the team in their current state. Who is Phoenix’s no. 1 option on offense?

Their best option, ironically, is their point guard, Goran Dragic, who averages 14.5 points per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field. Respectable numbers for Dragic, but let’s face it, he can’t do it alone. Currently, unfortunately, he is alone.

Forward/center Luis Scola has struggled in recent games, averaging12.4 points per game and shooting 46.8 percent from the field. Marcin Gortat was a better option before his foot injury on March 5. Gortat scored 11.1 a night under the pick-and-roll with Dragic.

Presently, under Suns coach Lindsey Hunter, the ball’s being distributed more. On average Jared Dudley, Shannon Brown and Michael Beasley score in double digits. Jermaine O’Neal is also getting the ball more, averaging 8.1 a game.

This is exactly what Hunter wanted to see from the Suns: more movement and distribution. He stated in an interview with Paul Coro of AZCentral.com that he wants to change the offense if invited to return as coach for the 2013-14 season. Hunter wants Dudley and O’Neal to get more shots while fixing Beasley’s inconsistencies on offense. Beasley gets hot one night then cold the next. He scored 25 against the Sacramento Kings on Jan. 26 and followed that with a 12-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks the next night.

Beasley has the tools and ability to become a big star and should be the No.1 option for the Suns.  Instead, his hot-and-cold streaks cost him that honor and the Suns games.

Consistency is what makes Dragic their best option with his most recent performance demonstrating that, as he scored 31 on March 24 in a 102-100 loss against the Brooklyn Nets, marking the only time Dragic’s scored 30 points this season. Dragic also scored 26 on Jan. 24, leading the Suns to a 93-88 victory against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Some may ask why are his point totals so low? Dragic needs help on offense. What’s lacking is leadership on the court. Dragic needs to apply his skills and take over on the court. Maybe then, the Suns will have stronger options on offense. Until then, expect the Goran Dragic show to keep charging and progressing.