Phoenix Suns: Breaking Down the 2011 Offseason for Steve Nash and the Suns

It's somewhat of an understatement to say that the Phoenix Suns stumbled down the stretch of the 2010-2011 regular season.

The 2010 Western Conference Finalists went just 5-11 in the month of March (losing 15 of their last 24 games) while finishing the season two games below .500, good enough for tenth out West.

Phoenix struggled to defend like they had the season previous, ranking second to last (29th) in scoring defense while allowing nearly 106 points per game.

The Suns failed to rebound the ball efficiently all season as well, averaging just over 40 boards per contest (23rd).

Two areas where the Suns did succeed however, scoring (105.0 PPG, fourth), and assisting (23.7 APG, third). Two aspects that have not skipped a beat for Phoenix since the arrival of two-time MVP Steve Nash in the summer of 2004.

Still the future looks dim for the Suns, who find their roster crowded with over-paid talent and aging superstars.

Join Bleacher Report as we run through what the offseason should look like for Phoenix, and what they need to do to contend in 2011-2012.

What Phoenix Did Well in 2010-2011

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PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 27: Marcin Gortat #4 of the Phoenix Suns drives the ball during the NBA game against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center on March 27, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downl

Despite winning only 40 games last season and missing the postseason for the second time in three seasons, the Suns can take plenty good away from 2010-2011.

For starters, recently-acquired center Marcin Gortat shined in 55 games with Phoenix, which included 12 starts toward the end of the year.

The 27-year-old was brought over from Orlando in a December trade which also made Vince Carter and Mickael Pietrus Suns.

In those 55 games, Gortat put up some impressive numbers:

• 29.7 MPG
• 13.0 PPG
• 9.3 RPG
• 1.3 BPG
• 56.3 FG%
• 73.1 FT%

Thirty-seven year old point guard Steve Nash also played on an elite level in 2010-2011, averaging a double-double for the sixth time in seven seasons.

Nash also led the league in assists per game (11.4), beating out up-and-coming floor generals like Chris Paul, Deron Williams and Rajon Rondo.

Probably a more unknown bright spot for the Suns was the outside shooting of forward Jared Dudley.

Dudley signed an extension with Phoenix last offseason, and delivered for the Suns from beyond the arc in 2010-2011, proving to be the team's most dangerous outside threat.

Dudley knocked in 105 three-pointers during the regular season while shooting 41.5 percent from distance.

The former Boston College star shot an even better 47.7 percent from the field, while playing in all 82 games for the Suns which featured 15 starts, all coming at the end of Phoenix's season.

What Phoenix Did Poorly in 2010-2011

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PHOENIX - JANUARY 05: Vince Carter #25 of the Phoenix Suns reacts as he waits to check in to the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at US Airways Center on January 5, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Lakers defeated the Suns 99-95. NOTE TO USER: User ex

There is plenty of bad one can point out when it comes to the 2010-2011 Phoenix Suns.

Though the Suns' blockbuster December trade brought over a solid front court player in Marcin Gortat, it brought with it an over-the-hill Vince Carter who struggled to fill the void left by the departure of Jason Richardson.

Carter (11th highest paid player in 2010-2011) started only 41 games for the Suns following the mid-season trade, averaging a disappointing 13.5 points in purple and orange along the way.

Phoenix often witnessed the poor jump-shooting version of "Vinsanity," (42.2 FG%) rather than the superbly-talented rim-attacking version.

Carter is on tap to make $18 million next season meaning his time in Phoenix is likely up.

What else went wrong for the Suns in 2010-2011?

Defense, defense, rebounding and more defense.

As mentioned earlier, Phoenix ranked 23rd and 29th in team rebounding and scoring defense respectively.

Simply not good enough for a team trying to contend for an NBA championship.

The Suns need to address both of those areas this offseason.

Getting Marcin Gortat and Robin Lopez some rebounding help will be crucial, as well as acquiring one or two perimeter defenders to control the plethora of talented guards in the league.

Roster Breakdown

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 13: Grant Hill #33 of the Phoenix Suns high fives teammates Steve Nash #13 and Marcin Gortat #4 after scoring against the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA game at US Airways Center on April 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER:

The Suns were $7 million over ($65.7 million) the NBA salary cap ($58 million) in 2010-2011, but surprisingly still have the ninth lowest payroll in the entire league.

Steve Nash is on tap to collect a hefty $11.6 million next season (the last year of his current extension), while no other player is set to make more than seven-figures (excluding Vince Carter who would make $18 million in 2011-2012 if Phoenix picked up his team option).

Players Returning (Salary in 2011-2012):

• Steve Nash ($11.6 million)
• Marcin Gortat ($6.7 million)
• Josh Childress ($6 million)
• Channing Frye ($5.6 million)
• Mickael Pietrus ($5.3 million)
• Hakim Warrick ($4.3 million)
• Jared Dudley ($4.2 million)
• Robin Lopez ($2.8 million)
• Gani Lawal ($0.7 million)
• Garret Siler ($0.7 million)

Question Marks:

• Vince Carter (would make $18 million in 2011-2012) Phoenix is expected to part ways with the former All-Star.
• Grant Hill (made $3.3 million in 2010-2011) Will he resign, retire or sign with a contender?
• Aaron Brooks ($2.9 million Qualifying Offer for 2011-2012) Phoenix traded Goran Dragic for him so he will likely be back.
• Zabian Dowdell (made just under $275,000 in 2010-2011) Played in 24 games for Phoenix, most likely will not be back.

2011 NBA Draft Options (No. 13 Pick Overall)

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The good news, Phoenix has plenty of needs, the bad news, they only have one draft pick in the entire 2011 NBA Draft pending any draft night trades.

The Suns have an excellent draft history over the past decade, unfortunately they traded a number of those picks away for cash considerations.

Rajon Rondo, Nate Robinson, Rudy Fernandez and Luol Deng are four notable Phoenix picks since 2004 that never even put on a Suns jersey.

Based on the Suns' needs this offseason, here are five potential prospects they might call on come June 23:

• Alec Burks (Colorado)
• Tristan Thompson (Texas)
• Jimmer Fredette (Brigham Young)
• Nikola Vucevic (USC)
• Klay Thompson (Washington State)

Either Klay Thompson, Burks or Fredette would provide some dynamic back court scoring help for the Suns while Tristan Thompson or Vucevic would add some much-needed defensive-resistance and rebounding to Phoenix's roster.

2011 Offseason Free Agent Options

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ATLANTA - JANUARY 15: Jamal Crawford #11 of the Atlanta Hawks against Jared Dudley #3 of the Phoenix Suns at Philips Arena on January 15, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using th

The Suns will certainly have to add and drop some players this offseason through free agency.

Thirty-four year old Vince Carter should be gone, meaning his monstrously-large contract will also be gone, freeing up the Suns' finances so they can pursue a quality player in free agency.

If 38-year-old Grant Hill retires or signs elsewhere the Suns will have quickly gotten younger with plenty of money and sunshine to offer a proven veteran.

Here are some of the free agent names that Phoenix could be in the hunt for this offseason:

Player (Age/2010-2011 Averages)

• Jamal Crawford (31/14.2 PPG)
• Glen Davis (25/11.7 & 5.4 RPG)
• Anthony Parker (35/8.3 PPG)
• Tyson Chandler (28/10.1 PPG & 9.4 RPG)
• Caron Butler (31/15.0 PPG)
• Kenyon Martin (33/8.6 PPG & 6.2 RPG)
• J.R. Smith (25/12.3 PPG)
• Nene (28/14.5 PPG & 7.6 RPG)*
• Tayshaun Prince (31/14.1 PPG)
• DeAndre Jordan (22/7.1 PPG & 7.2 RPG)
• Michael Redd (31/4.4 PPG)
• Carl Landry (27/11.9 PPG & 4.6 RPG)
• David West (30/18.9 PPG & 7.6 RPG)*
• Jason Richardson (30/15.6 PPG)
• Samuel Dalembert (30/8.1 PPG & 8.2 RPG)
• Andrei Kirilenko (30/11.7 PPG)

 * Free agent has a Player Option for the 2011-2012 season.

The Bottom Line

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PHOENIX, AZ - APRIL 13: Jared Dudley #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after hitting a three point shot during the NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at US Airways Center on April 13, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges a

If the Phoenix Suns are to rise again in 2011-2012, they will have to make moves (good ones) this offseason.

Phoenix is in need of some critical pieces (they have money to spend), but must also find a way to dump some heavy salaries (mainly Josh Childress) to present the most inviting offers to potential additions.

The idea of playing with a point guard like Steve Nash (and in Phoenix's warm climate) is enough to make Phoenix a premiere free agent destination.

Remember back to the summer of 2004, when the Suns were coming off of a dismal 29-win season and managed to sign Steve Nash; they would add a few rotation players around him and what was already there to go on to have the league's best record (62-20) the next season.

If nothing changes, Phoenix's current roster seems a lock for the lottery in 2011-2012.

The Western Conference is only getting better with championship contenders in Dallas, Oklahoma City, L.A. Lakers and San Antonio.

Not to mention outside contenders like Memphis, Portland, Denver, New Orleans, Houston and Utah.

Golden State will be better next season with recently-hired head coach Mark Jackson leading the show, as will the Clippers led by Rookie of the Year Blake Griffin.

Phoenix will have a hard time staying afloat in the division if they fall behind this offseason, let alone the playoff race.

The question with which the Suns are faced at this time however remains a difficult one.

Rebuild, or retool?

There is a huge distinction between blowing up the roster and building for the future, and looking for complementary pieces to help bring the hardware to the desert.

Which is it?

We will have to wait to find out.

Patrick Clarke is a Featured Columnist for the Phoenix Suns and a student at Towson University.