Exit Survey: 3 offseason goals for the Phoenix Suns

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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – MAY 04: Jae Crowder #99 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Luka Doncic #77 of the Dallas Mavericks during the first half of Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Footprint Center on May 04, 2022 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

3 offseason goals for the Phoenix Suns: 3. Have a Plan B

When you have superstars like Paul and Booker, you will naturally look to lean on them in the postseason when times get tough. But with a surprising personal postseason record of 72-70, it is clear that relying on Paul for an entire series has not always resulted in the desired outcomes for his teams.

Despite this, he has higher-than-you-would-probably-realize career playoff averages of 20.4 points and 8.3 assists. But where Paul generally excels is managing a game. At least, in the regular season. There is nobody better, yet once again, the postseason seems to be a different proposition for him.

So how about moving away from Paul some, and instead entrusting Booker to do more big-picture stuff? He’s already such a gifted scorer, and the Tatum comparisons are lazy, given they are different players. But they do have similarities as well, and Tatum is having an absolutely fantastic breakout playoff run.

If the Suns could get a Jaylen Brown type (not as good, and not as expensive), then they would have a different tandem with which to hurt opponents. Putting it less on Paul, or even just giving him the chance to take some possessions off, would go a long way to confusing the opposition. It would also mean that they would have to gameplan for more than Paul and the pros and cons that come with him.

Bridges looks like the obvious candidate here to do a Brown impression, but let’s not forget about Deandre Ayton either. Although his time in Phoenix may be coming to an end (and that could be a big mistake), actually letting him have more offensive possessions revolve around him would not only keep him happy but give the Suns a legitimate Plan B when things are going wrong. As they have before.

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