What We Learned About the Phoenix Suns During First Half of the Season

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

As the Phoenix Suns have learned this season, rebuilding is not easy. With All-Star Weekend fast approaching, the only thing the Suns find themselves competing for is a higher lottery spot.

With their record now at 13-28 and with no identity, there isn't really much hope on this team. It hasn't been all bad, but this is definitely one season Suns fans will need to forget.

 

Stats are accurate as of January 21, 2013

Goran Dragic Is the Right Man to Lead the Suns

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

While the Suns as a team have struggled, no one can knock Goran Dragic's play. He is averaging 14 points and six assists per contest while the cast around him is playing poorly.

His court vision has given his teammates open looks that they have unfortunately been unable to convert. The only problem with Dragic so far has been his consistency, but that should be expected.

This is his first season starting on the Suns, and he is still getting used to the players around him. Throw in the fact that those teammates are struggling, and it's easy to forgive Dragic for his inconsistency.

When he was signed, he was just an unproven young point guard who was supposed to replace this guy. Now, he is the leader of the Suns, and I wouldn't want that to change.

They Have No Identity

Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

Being 23rd in points allowed is fine if the offense is in the top five. When the offense is ranked 18th, then it starts being an issue.

If I was to ask you what the Suns are all about, what would you tell me? It can't be defense, and based on the numbers, it can't really be offense either.

So, the only answer that's left is the Suns are all about being horrible. Maybe I'm being a little too harsh, but it's the truth.

Maybe that's why Alvin Gentry was fired. Maybe that's also why Lindsey Hunter specifically said he wants to establish an identity.

After all, that's the first step to making this team relevant again.

Michael Beasley Still Has a Ton of Work to Do

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

I've talked about Michael Beasley an awful lot this season. I even wrote a whole article about why he has been so bad this season.

Yet I want to look at the bright side for a quick moment. Beasley just turned 24 on January 9; he is still young and still has a lot of potential.

The biggest thing Beasley needs to work on is his effort. That goes for both offense and defense, but especially defense.

If Lindsey Hunter does want to focus on defense as the coach, one of two things is going to happen to Beasley. Either he starts trying, or he gets traded.

Hunter has shown faith in Beasley, but I think the management will have some different thoughts. Speaking of which...

The Management Expects Better

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

If the firing of Alvin Gentry got one message across, it's that the management expects more of the Suns. Gentry was a fan favorite, someone who really wasn't on the hot seat, but he didn't get the job done.

Most fans expected a rough transition for the Suns into this new era. I am not so confident the management did.

They went out and spent money on some solid pieces, and in return are looking at one of the worst teams in the NBA. While Hunter won't make them a playoff team, he might be able to lay down a foundation.

One thing was clear: Gentry was completely lost with this new team. They had no identity, the rotation was questionable to say the least and they were losing a whole lot of games.

Only time will tell if the decision to fire Gentry was smart, but I am fully behind the move.

The Future Is Bright

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

It seems like one of the most repeated sports cliches: "There is always next year." In this case, that's all Phoenix fans can really say. The team has some young pieces with some good potential, and they are trying to find an identity.

Goran Dragic has looked really promising, and I will also give some props to Markieff Morris for making strides in his game.

The management has shown willingness to change the team, regardless of the opinions of the fans. Michael Beasley is still growing as a player, but at worst he can be part of a good trade.

Also, let me make it clear that when I say "the future," I don't mean after the All-Star break, I mean the next few years. Time is our best friend, Suns fans, because at the end of the day, "There is always next year."

 

Thank you for reading, and please leave your thoughts in the comments below! Also, follow me on Twitter for some sports talk!