Fansided

NBA: 7 Teams That Should Start To Panic

By Bryce Olin

Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 93-80. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. The Spurs defeated the Lakers 93-80. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots against the Phoenix Suns defense during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
November 15, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (3) shoots against the Phoenix Suns defense during the second half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns are one of the teams with a real chance to snagging a spot in the Western Conference playoffs, but their defense is a real concern, possibly enough concern to actually start panicking.

Through ten games, the Suns are allowing an average of 105.0 points per game, good for 25th in the league. That’s simply not good enough, especially with the Suns’ athletes across the board.

The Suns have done a great job of stockpiling assets and establishing previously unestablished players, like the Morris bros., Miles Plumlee, and Gerald Green, but those players aren’t defenders. They’re athletes who can serve as defenders in spurts, but over time, they’re going to be exploited. That’s what has happened in the first ten games.

Solution: The Suns have a ton of trade assets, including future draft picks. They could easily swap any of the three point guards, Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, or Isaiah Thomas, for a number of solid defenders around the league. The best move the Suns could make would be swapping Dragic or Thomas for a solid rim protector. That’s the only piece they’re actually missing completely. Like I mentioned, the Suns have athletes who can fill-in in spurts, but they don’t have a bona fide shot blocker to keep opposing players out of the paint.

What Will Actually Happen: I think the Suns will make a big move this season. I don’t know what it is yet, but I could see them going after Larry Sanders or Greg Monroe (although Monroe wouldn’t necessarily help with the defense).

Next: OKC Needs To Make A Trade

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