This article is part of our NBA Team Previews series.
STATE OF THE FRANCHISE
The Suns came out of nowhere in 2013-14 to close the season with a 48-34 record, just missing out on the playoffs. Coach Jeff Hornacek transformed a team, which many left for dead, into one of the most exciting teams to watch last season. By embracing the team's young and athletic makeup, Hornacek created many of his team's opportunities through the fastbreak and by outpacing opposing defenses. At the same time, Hornacek's system was very fantasy friendly, resulting in a large amount of counting stats that helped owners claim fantasy championships last season.
The Phoenix Suns head into the 2014-15 season with all eyes on Eric Bledsoe. Based on the actions Phoenix takes with the guard in free agency, the team's dynamic can change entirely. It's undeniable that Bledsoe is a talented player, one that opposing teams have to plan around because he's so physically gifted. However, Phoenix wants to make a decision that sets them up best to win a championship, not just end up in playoff purgatory. For that reason, Bledsoe's free-agency decision matters so much, not just for the team's future but also for the effect his presence will have on the rest of his teammates' production.
The Suns made some great additions in the offseason. They signed Isaiah Thomas on a reasonable contract and brought on a veteran in Anthony Tolliver. With their three draft picks, they selected a promising forward in T.J. Warren, pick-and-roll specialist Tyler Ennis, and oversees prospect Bogdan Bogdanovic. They lost Channing Frye to the Orlando Magic in free agency, but the Suns hope to replace him with Markieff Morris, who's game took a huge leap forward toward the end of last season. With so many promising players on their roster, the Suns are hoping to have a couple breakthrough performances this season as they try to build upon the progress they made last season.
PLAYING TIME DISTRIBUTION
Goran Dragic can safely be counted on to start and get at least 30 minutes per game this season. His play the last two years has justified it, and he remains the leader of the team. If Eric Bledsoe returns, he can be counted on for anywhere between 25-30 minutes. The Suns brought in Isaiah Thomas to take some of the load off the oft-injured guard, who, when healthy, remains one of the top players in the game. Thomas will likely also get between 25-30 minutes per game. He will not be asked to handle the big minutes he played in Sacramento, but his production won't fall off the map entirely. The Suns like to play with two passing guards on the court, allowing Thomas to get minutes next to both Dragic and Bledsoe. Archie Bradely and Tyler Ennis are unlikely to see much time on the court this season.
P.J. Tucker should see at least 25 minutes-per-game, and Gerald Green should pick up his slack. Green is a knockdown three-point specialist, and Tucker is a defensive-minded player. Additionally, they can each fill in minutes at shooting guard if the team needs them to, as Green served that role well last season.
Markieff Morris should build upon the 27 minutes per game he played last season. Channing Frye's departure to Orlando should give Morris more minutes. Some minutes will also go to his brother Marcus, rookie T.J. Warren, and Anthony Tolliver. However, the Suns' depth isn't anything that should worry those looking for a breakthrough season from the power forward. Markieff could play a career high in minutes this season.
Finally, there should be a slight competition for minutes at the center position with incumbent Miles Plumlee looking to fight off the advances of 2013 fifth-overall pick Alex Len. Plumlee will begin the season as the team's starter and should maintain the bulk of the minutes to begin the season. However, it should be remembered that Plumlee's production certainly tailed off toward the end of the year, and the team found other ways to distribute minutes down the stretch. Additionally, it should be noted that the team chose to send Plumlee to the Las Vegas Summer League this offseason, a message from those in the front office that they feel the third-year player still has room for development. While Plumlee will have every opportunity to seize his role as the team's starting center, the Suns likely want to see what they have in Len. If Plumee's production enters a tailspin at midseason, don't be surprised if Len starts to pick up some of his minutes.
PLAYER OUTLOOKS
Centers
Miles Plumlee: Plumlee is entering his third season in the NBA and his second with the Suns. He became one of the major fantasy surprises early last season as he saw a major jump in minutes that contributed to his averages of 8.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 25 minutes per game. He also shot 52 percent from the field on 6.9 attempts and 56 percent from the free-throw line on 1.7 attempts per game. While not a major scoring threat, Plumlee can crash the boards and reject shots, and last season, those commodities came at a very good value. The price on Plumlee has definitely risen but still remains low overall, and he could provide some sneaky value in the ever-important rebound and block categories. Plumlee shoots an abysmal percentage from the line, but with only 1.7 attempts, he shouldn't affect the outcome of that category too much. He'll slot in as the starting center for the Suns again in 2014-15 and could be an option for those who miss out on some of their higher-rated targets on draft day.
Alex Len: Len enters his second season in the league after a an injury-plagued rookie season. The fifth-overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Len averaged 2.0 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 0.4 blocks in nine minutes per game last season. He shot 42 percent from the field on 1.9 attempts and 65 percent from the free-throw line on 0.7 attempts per contest. Though Len carried potential heading into the 2013-14 fantasy basketball season, he had his thunder stolen by Miles Plumlee, who is now the starter at center for the Suns. Len projects as the backup, as long as he is healthy, and he should have an expanded role as the Suns look to feel out his potential. Right now, Len doesn't carry a tremendous amount of value in standard leagues, as he'll play behind Plumlee with little chance of cracking the starting lineup, barring an injury.
Forwards
Markieff Morris: Morris is entering his fourth season in the NBA, all of which have been with the Suns. In 2013-14, Morris enjoyed a career season, averaging 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.6 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 23 minutes per game. He shot 49 percent from the field on 10.4 shots, 32 percent from three on 1.3 shots, and 79 percent from the free-throw line on 4.0 shots per game. With a starting gig all but guaranteed, Morris is a sure bet to continue seeing similar playing time this season. He averages solid points totals and chips in decent rebounding numbers but does little else to warrant fantasy consideration. Without Channing Frye on the roster, it's possible that Morris sees a slight increase in minutes and with it an increase in scoring and rebounding. The more likely scenario is that he maintains his role, with Anthony Tolliver, T.J. Warren, and others absorbing Frye's minutes. It remains to be seen whether Morris can replicate last season's production, but he's one of the more versatile, high-upside wing options in 2014-15.
P.J. Tucker: Tucker is entering his fourth season in the NBA and his third season with the Suns. He emerged as a starter for the upstart Suns last season and averaged a career-high 9.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 31 minutes per game while shooting 43 percent on 7.6 shots from the field, 39 percent on 2.4 shots from three, and 78 percent on 2.5 shots from the free-throw line. As an enforcer for the Suns, Tucker is known mostly for his defense and will contribute in fantasy accordingly. He rebounds very well for his size (6.5 boards per game in 2013-14) and chipped in 1.4 steals per game last season. However, outside of those categories, Tucker is a low-end option for fantasy purposes. Even with over 30 minutes per game last season, he couldn't muster a double-digit point average and now finds himself suspended for the first three games of the season following a "super extreme" DUI arrest.
T.J. Warren: Warren is entering his first season in the NBA after spending two years at North Carolina State. In his final season with the Wolfpack, the 2013-14 ACC Player of the Year averaged 24.9 points and 7.1 rebounds in 35 minutes per game. As the 14th-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Warren is clearly in the plans as the team moves forward. He will likely see time at both forward positions and has the potential to carve out a role early in the season given the Suns' relative lack of wing scoring. As seen in college, and in the NBA summer league, Warren can flat out light up the scoreboard, but the question is whether or not he'll have sufficient opportunities as a rookie. His talent is unquestionable, but the Morris twins, P.J. Tucker, and Gerald Green figure to command a lion's share of the minutes at small forward. Warren saw time at power forward in college, but it seems more likely he transitions to a small forward role in the NBA. For now, he'll open as a bench player and will have to earn his spot in the rotation. Still, Warren is worth a late-round flier in deeper formats because of his potential to be a contributor offensively.
Anthony Tolliver: Tolliver is entering his seventh season in the NBA and his first with the Suns. A career journeyman, he spent last season with Charlotte where he played in 64 games. Tolliver posted averages of 6.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.6 threes in 20 minutes per game last season. He shot 42 percent from the field on 4.8 attempts, 41 percent from three on 3.9 attempts, and 81 percent from the free-throw line on 0.6 attempts per game. With the Suns, Tolliver will likely get a crack at replacing Channing Frye as their stretch-four, and that is where his fantasy value lies - on the perimeter. Tolliver offers three-pointers from the power forward position and has value for that but little else. He shoots a poor percentage from the field for a big man and is almost better served gunning it from beyond-the-arc than anywhere else on the court. Tolliver could add value for those playing in deep leagues looking for out-of-position category contributions, but standard formats can look elsewhere for value.
Marcus Morris: One half of the Morris duo enters his fourth season in the NBA and second full season in Phoenix. In 2013-14, Morris averaged 9.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 0.9 steals in 22 minutes per game. He shot 44 percent from the field on 7.9 attempts, 38 percent from three on 3.2 attempts, and 76 percent from the free-throw line on 1.9 attempts per game. While not a major fantasy factor, Morris certainly carved out a nice role with the Suns last season and contributed to the team's success in the difficult Western Conference. On the fantasy side of things, he doesn't offer much value outside of his ability to hit three-pointers as a power forward. Given Channing Frye's departure, Morris will have a chance to fill his stretch-four role, though he has competition from his brother Markieff Morris and Anthony Tolliver, and Marcus is a bit undersized for the task. As is, Morris is only a faint blip on the fantasy radar in most formats.
Guards
Goran Dragic: Dragic is entering his seventh year in the NBA and is coming off a breakout campaign. Last season, he averaged 20.3 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35 minutes per game. He shot an extremely efficient 51 percent from the field on 14.4 attempts to go along with a 41-percent mark on 3.9 attempts from three. Dragic also shot 76 percent from the free-throw line while taking 5.5 attempts per game. This season, Dragic will have a little more help in the backcourt, as the Suns added point guard Isaiah Thomas in free agency. Eric Bledsoe is also expected to return healthy, though Bledsoe could still leave as a restricted free agent. After averaging a career-high in points and field goal percentage last year, Dragic figures to remain the go-to-guy for the Suns' offensive attack in 2014-15. Dragic will contribute to fantasy teams with his scoring, threes, and steals, while adding a solid amount of assists from the point guard position. As he heads into the season as the main piece in the Suns' fast paced system, Dragic looks to be among the top fantasy options at point guard.
Eric Bledsoe: Bledsoe is entering his fifth year in the NBA and his second with the Suns. Despite missing 39 games to injury last season, Bledsoe put together some solid numbers when healthy. He averaged a career-best 17.7 points, 5.5 assists, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 33 minutes per game. Bledsoe shot an impressive 48 percent from the field on 12.9 attempts, 36 percent from beyond the arc on 3.3 attempts, and 77 percent from the free-throw line on 5.5 attempts per game. While he has not officially signed his free agent tender yet, the Suns are set to match any offer his receives, with the likely scenario being Bledsoe returns to Phoenix on a one-year deal. However, the possibility of a trade still looms, with the Suns' offseason acquisition of Isaiah Thomas lending credence to the belief that they're prepared to move on without offering Bledsoe a max or near-max deal. In any case, assuming he returns to Phoenix, Bledsoe will likely retain his starting guard spot, as well as the potential for some major production. He carries the potential to combine efficient scoring with elite-level steals numbers and sneaky rebound and assist totals. Injuries are a concern, but if healthy, Bledsoe is a candidate to have a big 2014-15 season.
Isaiah Thomas: Thomas is entering his fourth year in the NBA and his first with the Suns. Last season as a member of the Kings, he averaged 20.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.3 steals in 35 minutes per game, while shooting a solid 45 percent from the field on 15.2 attempts. Thomas converted 35 percent of his three-point attempts and an excellent 85 percent of his free throws. He joined the Suns this offseason after spending his first three NBA seasons with the Kings. Thomas will likely come off the bench to begin his career in Phoenix, which should equate to a decline in minutes, as well as production. However, with the future of Eric Bledsoe still unsettled, Thomas could see a spike in his value at any moment this season. Even if Bledsoe sticks around all season, the Suns didn't give Thomas a contract in excess of $25 million dollars to warm the bench. Whether he starts or not, he'll have a major role on the team. As the sixth man, Thomas should add solid scoring, assists, and steals with the potential to contribute much more as his role with the fast-paced Suns fluctuates in accordance with Bledsoe's situation.
Gerald Green: Green is entering his eighth season in the NBA and his second with the Suns. Filling in for the injured Eric Bledsoe last season, Green finally seemed to live up to his enormous potential after bouncing around the league for a few years. Green averaged a career-high 15.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 0.9 steals in 28 minutes per game. He shot 45 percent from the field on 12.3 attempts with a 40-percent mark from three on 6.2 attempts. Green also chipped in a solid percentage from the free-throw line with an 85-percent mark on 2.8 attempts. With Eric Bledsoe expected back healthy, Green will probably return to a bench role this season but could still carry some value as a three-point specialist. The extended minutes he saw last season will likely not be as readily available, but if given the opportunity, he's proven capable of scoring in bunches. Unfortunately, Green doesn't contribute much else outside of scoring, three-pointers, and the occasional steal. He's definitely draftable in deeper formats, but better options are usually available out of the gate in standard leagues.
Tyler Ennis: Ennis is entering his first season in the NBA after a one-and-done college career at Syracuse. In college, the Canadian averaged 12.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 2.1 steals in 36 minutes per game. He was chosen by the Suns with the 18th-overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and will likely slot in as a bench player in his first season with the club. Though Ennis is talented, he lands in a complicated situation in Phoenix, which has a logjam in the backcourt. Eric Bledsoe, Isaiah Thomas, and Goran Dragic are each starting-caliber players and figure to absorb nearly all of the minutes at the guard positions. The likely scenario is that Ennis plays spot minutes for the Suns as they chase a playoff spot, with his role set to grow in the coming seasons. Ennis carries most of his value in dynasty and keeper formats, as he projects to have a better shot at an impact role in the 2015-16 season. In deeper formats, he could be taken as a late-round flier but more likely should simply be monitored as the season progresses.
Archie Goodwin: Goodwin is entering his second season in the NBA after being selected in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Last season, Goodwin averaged 3.7 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.4 assists, and 0.4 steals in 10 minutes per game. He shot 46 percent from the field on 3.2 attempts, 14 percent from three on only 0.7 attempts, and a poor 67 percent from the free-throw line on 1.1 attempts per game. While it's clearly a small sample size, Goodwin doesn't appear poised to contribute a great deal to the guard-heavy Suns in 2014-15. Sitting behind both Eric Bledsoe and Gerald Green - as well as Isaiah Thomas and Goran Dragic, to some extent - on the depth chart, Goodwin will likely see time as a reserve. He's only 20 years-old and holds greater value in keeper formats, as he has relatively high upside. In most formats, better options than Goodwin are available when looking for a late-round flier.
SLEEPER
Markieff Morris: Morris ended the 2013-14 season playing the best basketball of his career, averaging 15.8 points (52% FG, 79% FT, 32% 3Pt), 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 0.9 steals in 29 minutes per game. Following Channing Frye's departure there are more minutes available at power forward and a starting spot that Morris should easily slide into. Assuming Morris simply plays at the same level he was over the course of last season, with an increase in minutes, he should be a solid fantasy option this season. Currently, he's ranked as the 134th best player in Yahoo!'s rankings, behind guys like Amir Johnson, Tyson Chandler, Zach Randolph, and Nikola Pekovic. Given the contributions he can make in multiple categories, as well as his center eligibility, Morris could enjoy a better fantasy year than all of those players.
BUST
Eric Bledsoe: This isn't a knock on Bledsoe's talent. When healthy, Bledsoe is one of the elite players in the game, and his across-the-board contributions make him an asset anyone would welcome on their team. But, that's just it, "when healthy." Bledsoe missed 39 games due to injury last season and had arthroscopic surgery to remove a piece of his meniscus in his right knee. It should also be noted, that he previously had surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee during the 2011-12 season. The signing of Isaiah Thomas also muddles the situation. Thomas' addition should allow Bledsoe to play less minutes this season to help avoid injury, but less minutes would mean less fantasy production. On the positive side of things, Bledsoe posted similar averages before and after his surgery last season, averaging 18.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.5 steals in 33 minutes before his surgery compared to 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals in 32 minutes after his surgery. It's fair to say his current value as the 37th best player in Yahoo!'s rankings is too high. With the investment coming so high, Bledsoe can be considered a bust heading into next season.
