Top 2016 Offseason Priorities for the Phoenix Suns

With a miserable record of 23-59, the Phoenix Suns missed the playoffs for the sixth time in a row this season. It was the team’s worst record in franchise history.

But a glass-half-full optimist could actually find cause for these southwest cellar-dwellers. The team has three first-round picks in the upcoming NBA draft, as well as the money to be major players in free agency.

Management also moved to resolve their coaching situation quickly, awarding placeholder Earl Watson a three-year contract on Tuesday, per Jeff Goodman of ESPN.

After years of roster and personnel changes, the storm clouds may finally be receding.

There will be a number of offseason priorities to address, however, before the Suns start shining again.

Stability with Earl Watson

A carousel of coaches has resulted in an inconsistent identity for the Suns during the post-Mike D’Antoni era.

The freewheeling transitional basketball favored by Jeff Hornacek had its entertaining moments to be sure. But injuries, roster changes and devolving team chemistry ultimately doomed his efforts.

The hope is that Watson can bring a new level of stability and create a winning culture once again.

In a statement released through the team’s website, general manager Ryan McDonough praised the job Watson did after taking over in February. The losses may have piled up, but the interim head coach built a level of solidarity with the guys on the floor. 

“Earl’s natural leadership qualities and his ability to connect with and motivate our players have stood out throughout his time here in Phoenix,” McDonough said. “We are excited to see what he can do with a healthy roster after having a full offseason to prepare.”

At 36, Watson is only two seasons removed from his point guard days. He’s banking on strong relationships with his players, but he’ll also have to solve a revolving door dynamic in the backcourt that has hindered the team’s growth.

Develop Young Prospects

One of the bright spots in a difficult season has been the development of rookie shooting guard Devin Booker. The 19-year-old from Kentucky is the NBA’s youngest player and has worked hand-in-hand with Watson—the league’s youngest head coach.

Booker averaged 13.8 points per game with 51 starts out of 76 contests. More impressively, he collected 19.2 points per night following the All-Star break.

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The promise of the youth movement has also included 7’1” Ukrainian center/forward Alex Len (a strong rebounder with a woeful shooting touch), small forward T.J. Warren, shooting guard Archie Goodwin and rookie power forward Alan Williams.

But a team that went …

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