Fansided

10 most dysfunctional NBA franchises

By John Buhler

Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call with the referee during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 9, 2016; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) reacts to a call with the referee during the second quarter of the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Sleep Train Arena. The Cleveland Cavaliers defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-111. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (right) and P.J. Tucker react on the bench against the Golden State Warriors at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (right) and P.J. Tucker react on the bench against the Golden State Warriors at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Pacific. Phoenix Suns. 7. player. 66. . West

It’s weird to admit it given the historically outstanding basketball culture in place with the Phoenix Suns, but the franchise is in the midst of a pretty horrendous quagmire. While the franchise had fantastic success in the mid-2000s with D’Antoni as its head coach, point guard Steve Nash as its superstar, and new owner Robert Sarver in the fold, poor front office choices have turned this highly competitive Western Conference contender into a borderline laughing-stock.

It was obvious that the Suns would fall back to Earth after the end of the Nash/D’Antoni Suns a few years back. Many consider that era of Suns basketball as the best team to have never played in an NBA Finals. However, the Suns didn’t do their usually remarkable job of reloading their roster after that era end and Phoenix is paying the price now.

Many though Phoenix would stink in the first year of Jeff Hornacek as head coach after the coaching fiascos of Gentry and Lindsey Hunter. Instead, the improbable 2013-14 Suns won 48 games and nearly made the Western Conference Playoffs. However, it was a mirage of the inevitable downturn in Suns basketball.

The team was overloaded at the point guard position with far too many ball handlers that need to possess the basketball to appropriately effect the game. Star point guard Goran Dragic had no interest in playing small forward. Eric Bledsoe has struggled to stay healthy ever since coming over from the Clippers. Brandon Knight has echoed Bledsoe’s sentiment since coming to the Suns from Milwaukee. Now their best point guard option is starring for the Boston Celtics in Isaiah Thomas.

Deciding to give the Morris Brothers (Markieff and Marcus) a lump sum of cash to play together was a recipe for disaster. Marcus was traded to the Detroit Pistons, infuriating Markieff. He took out his frustrations on Hornacek before forcing a trade to the Washington Wizards.

Yes, there are still some great parts in place in Phoenix: Bledsoe and Knight are great when healthy. Center Alex Len is still improving as a young player. Veteran big man Tyson Chandler provides a necessary defensive presence to help this young group grow. Earl Watson seems to have the feel of the team as the new head coach. The best thing Phoenix has going for it is sharp shooting young phenom Devin Booker who could very easily be an All-Star before he turns 22.

Even in a highly dysfunctional period of Suns basketball, there is a strong enough of a basketball culture in place that it won’t last forever. The worst of Phoenix’s dysfunctional behavior might be in the rearview mirror, but 2015-16 was straight up rancid for the Suns.

Next: 6. Chicago Bulls

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