
2012-13 record: 25-57, missed playoffs
Adi Joseph's 2013-14 record projection: 18-64, miss playoffs
Two best players (2012-13 stats): PG Goran Dragic (14.7 points, 7.4 assists a game), C Marcin Gortat (11.1 points, 8.5 rebounds a game).
Overview: The Suns rid themselves of most of their veteran role players this offseason and now have entered full-on rebuilding mode. No. 5 overall draft pick Alex Len is a long-term prospect at center, but Gortat may be traded by midseason anyway to give him more playing time. Dragic and Eric Bledsoe will do most of the heavy lifting en route to another high draft pick.
WHY YOU CAN'T MISS THEM
Small frame, big game: Bledsoe is the best 6-1 dunker in the NBA. His leaping ability was respected enough to land him a spot in last year's Sprite Slam Dunk Contest. Now, the super-athletic combo guard gets a chance to showcase his scoring as a starter after three years behind Baron Davis, then Chris Paul.
They look alike: Identical twins Marcus and Markieff Morris were reunited last season at the trade deadline, but now they will play a full season together. Despite their similar looks, the former Kansas stars have very unique games. Marcus is a skilled combo forward with a developed midrange game, and Markieff prefers to bang down low at center or power forward. There's a chance both could start on occasion.
Morris twins photo by Jennifer Stewart, USA TODAY Sports
The long game: Like the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic, the Suns have gone all-in on their rebuilding mission. That means landing a top pick in the loaded 2014 NBA draft. Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggins is the prize jewel, and it will be fascinating to watch how teams approach tanking without drawing NBA ire.
JUST TRY TO IGNORE ...
Ugly basketball: Dragic, Gortat and Bledsoe all would be role players on good teams. Here, they will be asked to be the stars. The Suns may have the worst-constructed roster in basketball, and watching Dragic and Bledsoe take shots that no one else is more qualified to take won't be pretty.
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