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Suns Insider Implores Fans To Avoid Panic Amid Slow Start
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- Suns Insider Implores Fans To Avoid Panic Amid Slow Start
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
NBA basketball is now in full swing after a months-long hiatus. The Phoenix Suns are one of the most fascinating subjects over the first week of the season in extension to the return.
While the defensive concerns (30th in defensive rating) are the primary focus of early woes, the offense cannot be ignored either.
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The Suns' offensive rating sits at 19th in the league, with much of that standing driven by last Saturday's win over the Golden State Warriors.
A report on the morning of Oct. 29 from Chris Haynes of Prime painted the picture of malcontent within the Suns' locker room due to a lack of direction at point guard from the front office.
However, this report may not be cut-and-dry.
Local Insider Refutes Wednesday's Report
John Gambadoro (Arizona Sports) is doubling down on refuting Haynes' report.
Gambadoro specifically cites Phoenix's 1-4 start last season, the working in of new players into the lineup, and the Suns being without Mark Williams/ Oso Ighodaro as reasonings.
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This is a reasonable angle to take, as taking such a drastic angle on a team's trajectory prior to Christmas Day seems premature. While the Suns are facing a tougher climb to reach the 45-win mark they set last season, doing so isn't inconceivable.
The current easing in of Miles Bridges and Luke Kennard into the lineup is another point of content in the slow start. The coaching staff is trying to figure out an optimal role for Bridges, while Kennard is getting his feet wet in a potentially higher-volume shooting role in the midst of returning from an injury.
While these are all reasons behind a slow start, there are offensive concerns that have potential to accompany this specific roster over the final 79 games. This includes working through a murky arrangement in terms of settling on a primary playmaker, as well as finding creative ways to keep balance in three-point volume/efficiency.
Ighodaro's Return Will Make Positive Difference
One of the immediate solutions to the concerns that plague the Phoenix offense is the imminent return of Ighodaro.
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Whenever the 6'10 center makes a return to action, there will be multiple wrinkles he adds to the offense. This includes serving as a timely, accurate passer on high-post actions, as well as serving as a consistent screener.
Ighodaro's chemistry with Devin Booker is apparent when the two share the court as well, while Jalen Green's athleticism might be of more optimal use when the Marquette product returns to the court.
