The Phoenix Suns are not the worst defensive team in the NBA

In a recent article released by Dime Magazine they claimed the Suns were the worst defensive team in the NBA.

http://dimemag.com/2009/09/the-phoenix-suns-are-the-worst-defensive-team-in-the-nba/

It is not a fair assumption to call the Suns out as the worst defensive team in the NBA next season. They never have been known for their defensive ability as a team but have been slowly putting pieces in place that will play defense. Some of the Suns younger players might actually become strong defenders in the league over the next couple of years.

There have always been the open holes defensively on the Suns roster. One of the biggest is Steve Nash, he gets substantially worse defensively each year and every point guard in the league gets giddy at the thought of going head to head with him. He can’t stop anybody off the dribble but has always been good at getting where he needs to be on the court to take the charge. Jason Richardson should be traded so Leandro Barbosa can start. He has never been a good defender and doesn’t really show the drive to become any better. Grant Hill is not getting any younger and Channing Frye has never showed the potential to be a strong defender. Even with some of these players on their roster it is not enough for them to already be considered the worst defensive team in the NBA. 

They have several young players and a few wild cards on the team this year that could put forth a strong defensive effort for the team this year.

Goran Dragic looked great in euro league play this summer. He is a quick physical defender that just needs to continue to build more confidence. Nash will need a lot of rest to stay healthy this season and Dragic could benefit greatly from that if he can step up. There is a strong chance that you will see a great improvement in Dragic this season.

(great block on Rubio http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jH4wRfkKZE )

Jared Dudley the junk yard dog is a scrappy defender and rebounder who is willing to hustle and do everything else on the court that the other players don't want to do. He is not the most athletic guy in the league but he knows where to put himself on the court to get those big rebounds and second opportunities for his team. He is committed to winning and playing defense. Grant Hill is a season older and will also need substantial rest to stay healthy this year. Dudley could see some big minutes and remind Suns fans why he was included in the trade that sent away Belland Diaw. 

Robin Lopez is going to surprise some people this year. Shaq is no longer the dominate center on the team and he wants to be that defensive presence. He has the size to be a great rebounder and shot blocker. Suns fans are going to see a huge defensive commitment this year from Lopez. He is going to fill that void left by trading Shaq and intimidate players from driving in the lane. He will be up there in the rebound and shot block averages and remind everyone why the Suns used him as their lottery pick last year.

Lou Amundson is also like Dudley, a tough nosed hustler willing to do what it takes to pull down the boards and get the blocks. Amundson quickly became a fan favorite last year for his defense and hustle. Whenever he is on the floor he is disrupting the lane, blocking shots, and pulling down boards. Depending on how much playing time Lou can get he could be a substantial defensive stopper for the Suns this year.

The Suns also have a few wild cards that could give them some defensive presence this season.

Wild Card 1 Earl Clark

Clarkis an athletic hybrid forward player. He is quick enough to defend smaller players on the perimeter and also strong enough to bang under the basket with the stronger power forwards. Depending on how much playing time he get's he could be one of the top rookie defenders this year. He is committed to defense and to being an all-star in the league it all depends on how many minutes he get’s to see. He can definitely be a strong defensive presence for the Suns off the bench this year.

Wild Card 2 Amare Stoudemire

Now I know what you are immediately thinking, Amare Stoudemire defensive wild card?  Amare Stoudemire has always been left out of the premier league player’s category because he has no commitment to anything that doesn’t involve scoring points. But keep in mind, contract year. He will be motivated for that max money to show he is worth it. He has taken a lot of heat here locally for his lazy defense. Everyone knows if he committed, he could be great. This might be the year that Amare Stoudemire turns his career around to become a better all around player. This could be the season where we see some maturity and commitment from him and drive to show he wants to be the best. Kevin Garnett wasn’t always the defender he is today. He turned his game around and one point and became one of the greatest defensive players in the league today. It just takes maturity and commitment from someone who is already a great player.

Wild Card 3 Leandro Barbosa

His defense had improved greatly last season before his injury. LB is not a lock down defender but is one of the fastest guards in the league and can move his feet to stay in front of a player. He also developed the ability last year to start reading the passing lanes and getting to the right place to get steals. He looked much better defensively last season and I think we could be surprised at what he can do this year. If it was not for having to share minutes with Jason Richardson you could see LB towards the top of the list for steals averages this year. He is a great player and needs to be taken out of the shadows in Phoenix.

The Suns certainly are not the best defensive team in the league but are far from the worst. They have a young core of players that could develop into strong defenders as well as a few other players that might surprise a few this season.