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Suns: 2015-2016 Season in Review

By Joshua Frons

Apr 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center Cole Aldrich (45) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center Cole Aldrich (45) during the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Suns’ fourth worst record in the NBA (23-59) is not a reflection of their talent, coaching or team chemistry.  Their star backcourt and two leading scorers, Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight combined to play in just 81 games all season.  While the injuries put the Suns out of any sort of playoff contention, it may have been a blessing.

This season, especially after the All-Star Break, was all about the 13th pick of the 2015 NBA draft, Devin Booker. The former Kentucky Wildcat standout averaged more than 19 points, four assists and three rebounds after the break.  The experience he was able to gain in his rookie year will surely speed up the learning process and at just 19 years old Booker looked like a staple for years to come.

Bledsoe, Knight, Booker and big man Tyson Chandler are the future of the Suns. They’re the only players signed through the 2019 season. Swingman T.J. Warren will have the (player) option to join them.

One player who will most certainly not be joining them is Markieff Morris. Morris was traded to Washington in February but not because he was struggling on the court or because the Suns were able to land a star. He was dealt to D.C. because of his attitude.  He got in a pushing match with Archie Goodwin on the sideline and threw a towel at then Head Coach Jeff Hornacek during a game.

Hornacek was fired on February 1st. This was a case of unrealistic expectations and impatience causing a coach to lose a job well before he got his due time. Hornacek finished just five and a half games under 500 in only 213 appearances as the Suns lead man.  Never did he have a talented enough roster and consistent roster health to see if he’s somebody who can coach in the league.

It surprises me that he was let go so quickly. Arizona is typically a place that loves their own and Hornacek was drafted by the Suns with the 46th overall pick in the 1986 NBA draft. He played with the team until 1992.

Another former guard, Earl Watson has been named the interim head coach. It’s his first Head Coaching job as well, so I hope for his sake that the Suns’ organization can give him the time he deserves in their pursuit for success.

Next: Greinke Shows Flashes of Dominance

With the salary cap going up and the Suns with a great draft pick upcoming, Phoenix can add two to three impact players this summer and compete with the Clippers for 2nd place in the Pacific Division.

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