Phoenix Suns Betting Odds – NBA Basketball Futures – Gambling Picks
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Phoenix Suns
Sportsbook.com Suns Odds to win NBA title – 50/1
Key players added – Josh Childress, Hedo Turkoglu, Hakim Warrick
Key players lost – Amare Stoudemire, Louis Amundson, Leandro Barbosa
Barring a miracle, Phoenix’s NBA Championship window may have finally closed. Yes, Steve Nash is still in town, but simply too much talent has departed and not adequately replaced.
Amare Stoudemire may be overrated, but he’s still an excellent player. Stoudemire—who will suit up for the Knicks in 2010-11—led Phoenix in scoring and rebounding last season. Excluding the 2005-06 season, when he played just three games, Stoudemire has averaged at least 20 points per game in six consecutive seasons, all with Phoenix.
Nobody has been brought in to replace Stoudemire unless you consider Hedo Turkoglu. And in that case, you must be joking. Turkoglu looked completely washed up in Toronto last season; he averaged just 11.3 points per game, a far cry from 16.8 the year before. Perhaps he’s no longer motivated by a contract year, perhaps he’s simply too old. Either way, Turkoglu looks finished. It’s possible Nash can resurrect his career, but it’s rather unlikely.
Speaking of Nash, the proud warrior is inching closer to the end of his career without a title. He remains Phoenix’s best player and one of the better guards in the NBA, even at 37 years old. Nash showed no signs of slowing down last year, posting 16.5 points and 11 assists per game. He might not have enough help to continue the magic, however.
The signing of Josh Childress was a good one. He spent the past few years playing overseas but is a respectable swingman who can score and rebound. He should ease the loss of Stoudemire a little bit, but he can’t offer the same inside presence.
Phoenix may have unearthed a hidden gem in Goran Dragic. The back-up point guard played pretty well last season. Now entering his third year, Dragic’s progression is crucial; Nash can’t be expected to play all game anymore, so the Suns need a great No. 2 option to the make the offense tick.
Ultimately, the Suns are devoid of star power. Yes, they have Nash, one of the game’s best competitors who still has plenty of skill left in the tank. How much gas is left remains to be seen. After Nash, there’s nothing, unless you count Grant Hill or Hedo Turkoglu—which you shouldn’t.
Making matters worse, Phoenix has no legitimate options up front. Stoudemire’s departure leaves a huge hole on this team, one that won’t easily be replaced. The Suns have mentioned taking a look at Eric Dampier for help inside, but certainly he can’t be considered a true replacement for Stoudemire.
2010-11 will be a battle for the Suns—not for a championship, but possibly just to make the playoffs. If Nash goes down for any extended stretch, the Suns are toast. Sadly, it’s looking increasingly likely that Nash will have to ride off into the sunset without a title to his credit.
Surprising stat: Despite a big scoring drop off, Turkoglu’s shooting percentage was nearly exactly the same as 2008-09.
Strengths: Nash remains one of the better playmakers in the league. The second unit should be solid if unspectacular.
Weaknesses: No inside presence. No star power beyond Nash. Too many old bodies that could break down.
Playoffs? Likely a lower seed, though missing out in the competitive West is a distinct possibility.
Win total projection for 2010-11: 45-48 wins.
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