Complete 2018 NBA offseason grades for all 30 teams

Phoenix Suns

Key additions: Deandre Ayton (draft), Mikal Bridges (draft), Elie Okobo (draft), George King (draft), Trevor Ariza (free agency), Darell Arthur (trade), Richaun Holmes (trade)

Key subtractions: Jared Dudley (trade), Elfrid Payton (free agency), Tyler Ulis (waived), Alan Williams (waived), Alex Len (free agency), Danuel House Jr. (free agency)

The Phoenix Suns truly did get better this summer, both for the short-term and the long-term. Unfortunately, so did the rest of the Western Conference, which leaves this rebuild that feels like it’s been underway for a decade in yet another year of growing pains. This team’s improvement probably won’t show up very big in the win-loss column, in other words.

The Suns entered the summer desperately needing help at point guard, center and in the 3-point shooting department. Deandre Ayton, the team’s first No. 1 overall draft pick, should help at the 5-spot. He can spread the floor a bit, will be a regular 20-10 threat once he’s comfortable and may even put butts back in the seats as a local Arizona product.

However, he may not be the defensive anchor Phoenix’s 30th-ranked defense needs for the long haul. Mikal Bridges and Trevor Ariza provide some help in that respect, adding two-way potential and 3-point shooting to a plethora of one-sided wings already on the roster. Elie Okobo was a nice second round pickup as well, and none of the players the Suns lost this summer will hurt them.

However, even with Devin Booker‘s necessary (and fully warranted) contract extension and the free Richaun Holmes pickup, the Suns will be relying on Brandon Knight, Okobo and Shaquille Harrison at the 1-spot next year. That’s not going to get it done in the West, and questions about the futures of Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender linger. The Suns had a strong draft regardless of one’s opinion on the Bridges trade, but it wasn’t a strong enough offseason to escape another tough rebuilding year.

Grade: B+