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The Phoenix Suns’ first week of the season has passed. The damage? A 1-3 record. While the Suns are playing as expected, the team has had some glaring issues that have put them at 20-point deficits in every contest they’ve been in this season.
Here’s a rundown of their biggest problems:
Defense and second quarter stumbles
Playing without Jalen Green in their first four contests, and without Dillon Brooks and Mark Williams in one each, the team has not had a chance to form the continuity and development they would like out of their new roster.
Defensively, their lack of experience with each other appears to be plaguing them. Phoenix is allowing the second-most points per game, with only the Brooklyn Nets allowing more.
While the Suns are about in the middle of the pack in scoring, the team is struggling in the second quarter. They’ve lost three of the four that they’ve played in so far, and as a result, have been down double digits in 75% of their contests heading into the second half.
Limited rookie minutes
None of the Suns’ rookies has gotten consistent rotation minutes. Khaman Maluach is the only one who played with the second unit before a game got out of hand, and he only did so because Mark Williams didn’t play on the second night of a back-to-back against the Denver Nuggets. Koby Brea has yet to see the floor, and Rasheer Fleming has only played in two contests.
With the amount invested in the rookies and the lack of assets the team has to build for the future, why the rookies aren’t playing more could be a cause for concern.
Devin Booker needs help
Devin Booker continues to lead the team in scoring and does so efficiently. Yet, he is constantly being trapped, with few people unable to take advantage of their matchups around him. With Jalen Green returning soon, presumably, he should have a lighter offensive load and an easier time scoring, but for Booker’s value to be maximized, he’s gonna need more help around him.
What do you think the team’s biggest issue is early on?
