Phoenix Suns: 2018-19 NBA season preview
2018-19 roster
Key additions: Deandre Ayton (draft), Mikal Bridges (draft), Elie Okobo (draft), George King (draft), Trevor Ariza (free agency), Richaun Holmes (trade), Darrell Arthur (trade), Ryan Anderson (trade), De’Anthony Melton (trade)
Key subtractions: Alex Len (free agency), Elfrid Payton (free agency), Tyler Ulis (waived), Alan Williams (waived), Jared Dudley (trade), Brandon Knight (trade), Marquese Chriss (trade), Danuel House Jr. (free agency)
As McDonough mentioned at Media Day, the Suns checked off most of their boxes this offseason — most, but not all.
Heading into the draft, Phoenix had gaping holes at point guard and center. The latter was quickly filled by the No. 1 overall pick, Deandre Ayton. Though Luka Doncic might wind up being the best player in this year’s draft class, Ayton is a physical specimen with an elite ceiling that could extend to both ends of the court under the right guidance.
Okobo could wind up being a dynamic scoring point guard and an underrated playmaker, though he will need time to mature. Melton is a perfect fit on paper next to Booker in the backcourt thanks to his elite defensive potential, but his perimeter shot is still raw.
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In free agency, the Suns’ first move was signing Trevor Ariza to a one-year, $15 million deal, leading many to question what T.J. Warren‘s future held in the valley. With Josh Jackson already in tow, plus Bridges coming aboard in the draft and now Ariza, Phoenix has more wings than a biplane.
However, Ariza provides a veteran presence, multi-positional defense and reliable long range shooting to the NBA’s worst 3-point shooting team last year. Ryan Anderson also brings experience to the table and will be a useful piece in Igor Kokoskov’s offense thanks to his floor-spacing at the 4-spot and desire to prove he’s better than the last two years spent in Houston.
As far as losses are concerned, the Suns really just cut deadweight, letting Elfrid Payton, Alex Len, Tyler Ulis and Alan Williams go and trading away Jared Dudley, Marquese Chriss and Brandon Knight. Giving up on Chriss after sacrificing a fair amount to trade for him on draft night stung, but Melton’s potential and Anderson’s shooting might be worth a sunk cost.
Unfortunately, even after such a productive summer, the Suns still have one major hole to plug ….