Each NBA team’s 2020 New Year’s resolution
Phoenix Suns: Stay the course
Unless Karl-Anthony Towns becomes available (again, he won’t), the Phoenix Suns have no business making a win-now trade this season. Too many times we’ve seen Robert Sarver’s franchise make that mistake, and it’d be a damn shame to see it do so again now that there are actual NBA players surrounding Devin Booker.
Sure, it’s been tough sledding for the Suns after a promising 7-5 start raised expectations. They’ve gone 6-15 since, including an eight-game skid, and the need for a reliable backup point guard has become apparent with Monty Williams having to cycle between Tyler Johnson, Elie Okobo, Ty Jerome and Jevon Carter.
However, making a panic trade for a big name or a marginal upgrade at the 4 isn’t the right path. Most of the Suns’ recent struggles were born from injuries or suspension, and now that Booker, Ricky Rubio, Deandre Ayton and Aron Baynes are all healthy, Phoenix should sit tight and focus on gradual improvement with this current core. Lord knows this franchise needs stability, so even if the playoffs don’t materialize, this season represents a big first step back toward relevance. It’d be a pity to blow it all up with another ill-fated win-now move.