Where Do the Phoenix Suns Go From Here?

Last night I saw that the Suns had won in a blow-out victory over the pathetic Minnesota Timberwolves. I got the slightest hint of excitement, but that went away quickly when I realized that they are arguably the most disappointing team this season.

Usually a 44-36 (Current record) gets you into the playoffs. The Western conference was way too tough for Phoenix to succeed in.

I still can't understand why they aren't a great team? They have a top five point guard in Steve Nash, a great three-point shooter in Jason Richardson, a savvy veteran in Grant Hill, one of the top power forwards in the league in Amare Stoudemire, and a tremendous future hall-of-famer in Shaquille O'Neal.

The starting line-up is great, but the bench sucks. Leandro Barbosa is the only player on the bench that would start for any other team.

I've been a fan of the Suns for five years now. I'm sick of watching wasted opportunities go by. They must do something to be a premiere team next year.

Phoenix has three overall picks in the next draft. They will likely draft 14th in the first round.

The focus in round No. 1 should be a point guard. Steve Nash is likely on his way out after this season, when his contract expires.

Ty Lawson from North Carolina would be a solid player for Phoenix to pick. He's a very quick and powerful point guard. He would be perfect for the Suns system.

Shaquille O'Neal's contract expires after the 2009-2010 season. He will likely not be re-signed when his contract ends.

There is a chance that Shaq could be traded also. He has not been the difference maker that the Suns thought he would be.

Phoenix must focus on either working on Robin Lopez or get a center like Zydrunas Ilgauskas in free-agency.

Who the Suns should keep on the team:
Guard- Leandro Barbosa
Guard- Goran Dragic
Guard- Jason Richardson
Forward-Matt Barnes
Forward- Louis Amundson
Forward- Amare Stoudemire
Forward- Jared Dudley
Center- Robin Lopez
Center- Shaquille O'Neal

Who the Suns should let go:
Guard- Steve Nash
Forward- Alando Tucker
Forward- Grant Hill
Forward- Stromile Swift

Steve Nash would like to win a championship before he retires. The Suns likely won't be a serious contender for another two or three years. Alando Tucker and Stromile Swift rarely even see the court. Grant Hill is a great veteran player, but he will either retire or go somewhere where he will see less playing time.

Phoenix needs to get depth and a true bench presence. I'm not sure if Leandro Barbosa should start next year if Nash happens to not be re-signed. He is a great athlete, but he is more of a role player off the bench.

The Suns must focus on surrounding Amare Stoudemire with more talent. They need to get a defensive mind-set. They can't win games with a terrible defense.

Free-Agents to look at:
Guard- Rafer Alston
Guard- Kyle Korver
Guard- Sasha Pavlovic
Forward- Luis Scola
Forward- Udonis Haslem
Center- Zydrunas Ilgauskas
Center- Marcus Camby

I would love to have somebody like Rafer Alston. Orlando likely won't re-sign him once Jameer Nelson is back to being fully healthy.

It's early to tell what will happen, but hopefully Phoenix makes the right moves for the very near future.