The Phoenix Suns Are Not The Worst Defensive Team In The NBA

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

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 Bell and 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.

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