Phoenix Suns: 4 goals for the organization in 2017-18
By Drew Zlogar
1. Better defense
Does this come to a surprise to anyone? The Phoenix Suns ranked dead last in almost every team defense category (opponent points per game, opponent free throws attempted and made, opponent 3-point percentage, etc.).
When the other teams in the league played the Suns, they enjoyed 113.3 points per game, 29.1 free throw attempts per game and 38.2 percent shooting from downtown — all of which were league-worsts. Simply put, the defense has to get better.
The Suns, not surprisingly, had the ninth-rated offense in the league last season. Dating back to the run-and-gun days with Steve Nash at the point, Phoenix has notoriously been a productive offensive team. But if you are going to be downright miserable on the defensive side of the ball, there is no wonder why they were the second-worst team in the league last year.
Opposing teams shot 46.6 percent from the field last year, which ranked 26th in the NBA. In a league that has so many capable scorers, allowing them to hit on practically 47 percent of their shot attempts won’t often win you games. It is all fine and dandy to have a prolific offense, but if you can’t defend, you won’t win. That needs to be of top importance in the minds of the Suns players heading into this season.
Next: Phoenix Suns - Complete 2017 offseason grades
To be in the top 20 for opponent scoring next season, the Suns would have to shed 6.1 points per game off their season average from last season, which might be tough but shouldn’t be out of the question. Phoenix is a young, vibrant and a group still trying to prove itself. With the right delivery of the message, the Suns coaching staff and management could get these guys locked in defensively more than they ever have before.