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The Phoenix Suns are only returning around half of their team from last season- and four of them may not even crack the playoff rotation (Saben Lee, Josh Okogie, Ish Wainwright, Damion Lee).
The way the Suns operated in free agency was met with widespread acclaim. Respected NBA reporters such as Brian Windhorst acknowledging that Phoenix did about as good as they possibly could have with bargain signings and attacking the market with a clear goal in sight.
Frank Vogel, James Jones and the rest of the organization will rely heavily on the team's core of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal to lead the franchise to its first ever NBA title, but there must be consistent contributions from some of the new talent that has infused the depth chart.
These three players are potentially game-changers if the coaching staff can unleash some of the obvious untapped potential each possess.
Bol Bol
Bol is an uber-talented big man that has struggled to stay healthy and play consistent basketball at the pro level. The Oregon product signed with Phoenix in July after being waived by Orlando. The 2019 second-round pick possesses a rare combination of shot blocking, shooting touch, rim-running, and handles, but has yet to show it on a consistent basis.
He did have several big games with Orlando last season, but also was a poor defender and shot a surprisingly bad percentage from three-point range. The belief in Phoenix is that coach Vogel can get the most out of Bol and his motor will be higher playing on a better team. Vogel also is known for his work with bigs.
Bol's signing was a low-risk, high-reward endeavor for general manager James Jones and hopefully will pay off.
Jordan Goodwin
Goodwin arrived in Phoenix as an add-on to the Bradley Beal blockbuster trade. The 6-foot-2 guard being included in the trade upset many Wizards fans, and understandably so.
Goodwin is a strong point-of-attack defender, and may remind some Suns fans of the relentless energy Jevon Carter brought in his short time in the Valley. Sure, Goodwin's offensive game is fairly raw, but everything coming from the organization is that Goodwin has thoroughly impressed thus far.
He is poised to be the backup point guard for the Suns, and a surprise performance on the offensive end could be in the cards for the former Saint Louis Billiken.
Deandre Ayton
Ayton is considered a core piece of this Suns team, yet his stock has fallen about as much as any other player in the NBA in the last year. The center's defensive impact took a nosedive, and his lack of consistent motor became a bane of Suns' fans existence this past year.
There's no denying that Ayton is one of the most talented bigs in the league, but he will once again have to prove himself akin to the 2021 Finals run he was a key cog in.
Ayton must tap into the motor he's showed playing for the Bahamas. The Arizona product must be an aggressive rebounder, rim protector, and rim runner/screener. He must accept that his role may be vastly different this year and embrace it.
If this is accomplished, he might be able to rebuild the mixed reputation that has been developed over the last year.
More must-reads:
- Pacers ride historic shooting performance to Game 7 blowout of Knicks
- Watch: Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton has big first half vs. Knicks
- The 'Most triple-doubles in the postseason' quiz
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