B/R: Suns Can't Fix Their Biggest Problem
Change was a common theme for the Phoenix Suns this offseason as the organization moved on from not only their head coach but a handful of prominent players, most notably future Hall of Fame point guard Chris Paul and No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton.
The new-look squad features a big three of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal along with new center Jusuf Nurkic and a handful of strong role players fighting to be the team's fifth starter.
Going through each team's biggest problem in the lineup, Bleacher Report says they're concerned about Nurkic's defense:
B/R: Suns Can't Fix Biggest Problem
Can Nurkic improve his defensive play?
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mo Dakhil: "It is a championship-or-bust-season for the Phoenix Suns. They helped facilitate the Dame trade by sending out Deandre Ayton and got back Jusuf Nurkić, Grayson Allen, Nassir Little and Keon Johnson.
"The Problem: The trade answered the most pressing question for the Suns: who would be their fifth starter? Allen can slide into the guard spot moving everyone down a position. But it opens the problem: Can Nurkić defend at a high enough level to contend?
"Nurkić has not played in more than 60 games since the 2018-19 season. In the past two years, he has looked much slower on that end of the court. The options off the bench are Drew Eubanks and Chimezie Metu, but they are not starting-level bigs on a championship team.
"The Fix: Unfortunately, the Suns are out of options and have to hope Nurkić can regain his form defensively. If not, this team will have a hard time in the playoffs."
There's hope the new coaching of Frank Vogel can help Nurkic refine his defensive acumen, though it's not as if Ayton was a perennial rim protector himself.
While he displayed the talent, Ayton never consistently established himself as a dominant presence down low. It's easy forget the few good games Ayton had but it's also easy to forget he was benched multiple times in the postseason for his poor play/effort.
