Eric Sorenson
So what can you do for an encore?
A year ago at this time nearly every Phoenix Suns’ fan didn’t think the statement above would have a positive connotation.
Well, times have changed.
Easy to see why after general manager Ryan McDonough and Jeff Hornacek led a desert revival which featured 48 wins and, more importantly, established a blueprint of success moving forward in a Western Conference filled with talented teams on the brink of breaking through.
“The team exceeded everyone’s expectations,” NBA on TNT/NBA TV and former Sun Grant Hill told Sports360AZ.com in a recent telephone interview. “Let’s see what they do this year before we start talking about them as being a top team.”
It’s a busy week with the NBA draft being held Thursday leading into what many feel could be a hectic summer for Phoenix who hold three first-round picks and some believe enough pieces to land an elite talent either through free-agency or a trade.
They also have some of their own players they’d like to bring back, specifically restricted free-agent guard Eric Bledsoe and forward Channing Frye. Frye’s expected to opt out of his final season but could return as an unrestricted free-agent.
Channing Frye is expected to opt out of his #Suns contract today but he could sign a longer deal in July to stay. http://t.co/rD8eyuWBsj
— Paul Coro (@paulcoro) June 23, 2014
“I think they have a lot of decisions which need to be made,” Hill explained. “Considering where they were a year ago…they should probably have a parade in Phoenix for how good things are now because certainly a year ago that wasn’t the case.”
Phoenix has four total draft picks including first-rounders at number 14, 18, and 27. They also hold the 50th overall pick in the second-round. There has been speculation any of their top three picks could be moved to bring in immediate help.
