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2019-20 NBA season: Record predictions for every team

By Christopher Kline

PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: Los Angeles Clippers Forward Kawhi Leonard (2) and Los Angeles Clippers Forward Paul George (13) pose for a photo during media day at the Los Angeles Clippers Training Center on September 29, 2019 in Playa Vista, California. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns continue to advance their rebuild with curious choices. Selecting Cameron Johnson, a projected late-round first pick, 11th overall is a prime example. He’s an elite shooter — something the Suns unquestionably need — but his age and limitations aren’t indicative of a lottery pick.

Phoenix added Ricky Rubio and Dario Saric over the summer, two productive players who will help the starting five. Rubio is a skillful playmaker who will help Devin Booker slide back into an off-ball role, where he’s most comfortable. Saric will space the floor for Deandre Ayton, and can do some passing on the side. A natural fit.

There’s no question the Suns got better. It’d be hard to get worse. A few useful vets, season-to-season improvement from Ayton and Mikal Bridges, and a seemingly positive change at head coach should do the trick. It’s just not enough to put together a run in 2019-20.

The Suns are still firmly in a rebuilding stage. Booker and Ayton aren’t enough to mount a playoff run and the roster as a whole lacks stability. Kelly Oubre was promising in his brief stint with Phoenix last season, but he’ll need to prove he’s worth the big-money extension.

If nothing else, Phoenix may finally leave the bottom shelf of the West this season. Expect some real, tangible growth for the first time in a long time. The Rubio signing doesn’t make a ton of sense long-term, but he’s a good NBA player. The Suns have needed good NBA players.

Under Monty Williams, Phoenix should find new life on offense. He helped to engineer a successful system in Philadelphia with personnel that didn’t necessarily fit. That same creativity can be applied to the Suns’ youthful attack.

Final record prediction: 26-56, Miss NBA Playoffs