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The Phoenix Suns had made the playoffs in 13 consecutive seasons before missing the postseason in 2002. The team finished last season with a 29-53 record and Mike D’Antoni, who took over as head coach before the all-star break last year, will return this season. Last year’s team was led by Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudamire who each finished the season with almost 20 points and 10 rebounds a night. In the off-season, the Suns signed point guard Steve Nash from the Dallas Mavericks, a player that nearly averaged a double-double in points and assists last season. The Suns also lured Quentin Richardson from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Suns had the seventh pick in the draft this season and drafted Luol Deng, a small forward out of Duke University. They quickly shipped him to Chicago for Jackson Vroman, $3 million, and a future first round pick. The future first round pick could also work out in favor of the Suns if the Bulls continue their run of inconsistent play in the next few years. The pick for the Suns could be a lottery pick and with the lack of talent in this year’s draft, the team felt the extra cash and pick would work better for them.
The Suns are no longer in the same division as the Trail Blazers and the SuperSonics but they’ll still have to battle the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Sacramento Kings. The Kings and Lakers will likely run away with the division but if the Suns take care of business against the Clippers and Warriors, they’ll contend for a playoff spot again. The team will likely start Steve Nash at point guard with Joe Johnson and Quentin Richardson sharing time at the shooting guard position. Shawn Marion and Amare Stoudamire will once again play small forward and power forward with Jake Voskuhl getting most of the playing time at center.
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