NBA Preview: Phoenix Suns

For the month of October, Mitch Pratt, Andrew Kasmarek and Charlie Tritschler will be previewing the NBA teams for the exciting 2013-2014 season.  

What I know
 - Eric Bledsoe will be a star -  I really do think he is going to be a good player. I like what Bledsoe brings to the table and you can remember the giddiness Mitch and I had about Bledsoe coming to Milwaukee when it was heavily rumored. He is the type of player that will earn this team a couple more wins, but after Bledsoe and Goran Dragic, this team falls off a cliff.

 - This team will be pretty damn bad - I cannot see any lights at the end of the tunnel for Phoenix except for a high draft pick again in a loaded 2014 NBA Draft. Currently, the depth chart has Marcus Morris starting at the four. Marcus Morris! He is a first round pick and maybe he hasraw potential yet I still do not believe that's who you want starting at the four position.  Additionally, only one of five top scorers for a 25-win 2012-2013 Suns squad are back on the team.

 - Goran Dragic should be on the trading block - I doubt anyone would want to take on his contract (22.5 million left on his deal), but I would personally be looking to have a true number two guard versus having two point guards out there. Unless Bledsoe is going to play the two guard specifically which would then make no sense why the Los Angeles Clippers would trade him in the first place.  The counterpoint is Dragic is 26 and  Bledsoe/Dragic could be a dynamic duo. I would definitely see how they play together and if it does not seem to be working, deal him by January.

Big Question 
How close will they get to Philadelphia? - Let's be honest, we all know the Sixers will be the worst team in the NBA. Phoenix could be looking at 20 win season and that might be good for the second spot in the worst team in NBA. The only thing that might hurt their tanking chances is the Pacific is not very good meaning they could notch a few more wins.

X-Factor 
PG Kendall Marshall - Maybe it is because I follow him on Twitter, but if he shows something, that makes my third 'What I Know' point even more clearer.  Marshall had deficiencies in college with his shooter, but if he can tweak some of that, maybe there is some hope for him. Additionally, he has to become a better defender. Dragic is putrid too, but that's something Marshall can use to go over the top.

Key Additions
PG Eric Bledsoe, PF Channing Frye, SG Gerald Green - Frye is taking the victory lap and getting his money while he lives in Phoenix. Green might have a few DOY's for you and that's about it.

Key Subtractions 
PF Luis Scola, SF Jared Dudley, PF Michael Beasley, PF Jermaine O'Neal  - Beasley got arrested again so they ditched him, Scola and Dudley gone makes it easier to tank and once again, I had no idea O'Neal played in the league still.

Suns Draft 
C Alex Len, SG Archie Goodwin - Len has not played in the preseason due to a foot issue and the fact he has one should scare Suns fans a bit.  Len is actually playing this preseason. My research led me astray, sorry about that one but having a foot issue is not a great thing for Len.  Foot issues are always frightening with NBA big men and if it continues, not a great sign for Len. Goodwin is a good player but a young player. It will take some time for him to mold, still very raw.

Prediction 
This team will be near the bottom of the league and be in the tank for Andrew Wiggins category. If they did get Wiggins, a team of Bledsoe and him would be awesome to watch for a couple years.

Charlie.