Phoenix Suns: 3 takeaways from the 2018 offseason

3. Point guard is still an issue

The Suns got better this summer, but heading into the offseason, their most glaring needs were at point guard and center. Only one was addressed, and the lack of an upgrade at the 1-spot severely limits their ceiling for 2018-19.

Phoenix’s best option as the starting point guard spot is the forgotten incumbent, Brandon Knight, who sat out the entire 2017-18 season due to a torn ACL. Perhaps a clean bill of health and a drastically improved outlook will yield different results, but Knight’s Suns tenure can only be described as disappointing so far.

In the middle of an All-Star caliber 2014-15 season with the Milwaukee Bucks, Knight was jettisoned to the Valley of the Sun. His career hasn’t been the same since. He’s missed 157 of a potential 274 games since joining the Suns, watching his averages drop across the board while shooting a dismal 40.4 percent from the field and 33.4 percent from 3-point range.

For those looking to Knight to be the team’s savior as a competent floor general, playmaker and secondary threat on the offensive end who can take pressure off Booker in the backcourt, there are numerous examples of poor shot selection and matador defense indicating expectations should be tempered. He’ll be playing his more familiar position at the 1 rather than the 2, but he’s not the long-term answer, nor is he a suitable short-term fix in the West.

Elie Okobo has the potential to be a future starter if he reaches his ceiling thanks to promising scoring ability and underrated playmaking skills, but he’s a 20-year-old rookie. He can hardly be expected to make a difference as anything other than a serviceable backup this year.

There’s also Shaquille Harrison, a former G League call-up who’s proven himself worthy of NBA minutes thanks to his tenacious defense. Unfortunately, his unrefined offensive game and non-existent perimeter shot could limit him to spot minutes.

Between Knight’s return to action, Okobo’s first NBA season and an extended look at Harrison, there will be plenty of intrigue in Phoenix’s backcourt entering the new season. Unfortunately, none can be relied upon if the goal is to actually compete for a playoff spot in the West.