(Best E Casino) - With former head coach Mike D'Antoni now in New York, the
Phoenix Suns may change their style of play under new general Terry Porter. The 45-year-old Porter, who spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach in Detroit, was just 71-93 in two years as the general of the
Milwaukee Bucks. Porter did guide Milwaukee to the playoffs in 2004, where it was eliminated in five games by the Pistons.
The Suns are built to win now with aging center Shaquille O'Neal, who was acquired from Miami for Marcus Banks and Shawn Marion, and Steve Nash as two of their main pieces to the puzzle. Amare Stoudemire led the team in scoring (25.2 ppg) and rebounds (9.1 rpg), while two-time MVP Steve Nash averaged 16.9 points and league-best 11.1 assists per game.
More player personnel changes could be coming. Lightning quick guard Leandro Barbosa, who posted 15.6 points per contest, and versatile Boris Diaw could be on the move. Barbosa and Diaw were the only Suns to play in all 82 regular-season games.
Veteran Grant Hill is coming off a solid campaign (13.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg), and defensive stopper Raja Bell continues to be Phoenix' best perimeter defender.
The Suns, who were eliminated by the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, own the 15th and 48th selections in the draft. They will go with the best player left on their draft board.
2007-08 Results: 55-27, lost to San Antonio in first round of playoffs.
Key Player(s): Leandro Barbosa (Guard), Raja Bell (Guard), Boris Diaw (Guard), Grant Hill (Forward), Steve Nash (Guard), Shaquille O'Neal (Center), Amare Stoudemire (Center/Forward),
Team Needs: A new look.
Draft picks: 1st round (15th overall), 2nd round (48th overall).