Preview - Phoenix Suns

Phoenix will benefit from the acquisition of Stephon Marbury, who will give them much needed scoring.
Phoenix Suns

2000 Record: (51-31), 3rd in Pacific Division

Player Losses: Jason Kidd, Cliff Robinson, Chris Dudley.

Player Additions: Stephon Marbury, John Wallace, Jud Buechler, Johnny Newman, Dan Majerle, Charlie Bell, Alton Ford.

Projected Starting Five:

Center - Jake Tskalidas (7'2" 285 lbs.)
Forward - Tom Gugliotta (6'10" 240 lbs.)
Forward - Shawn Marion (6'7" 225 lbs.)
Guard - Penny Hardaway (6'7" 215 lbs.)
Guard - Stephon Marbury (6'2" 180 lbs.)

Phoenix has as much talent as any team in the league. The problem is that they need to stay healthy. Penny Hardaway missed most of last season, as did Tom Gugliotta. If Hardaway and Gugliotta return to anywhere near their all-star form, they will elevate this team into title contention. Trading Jason Kidd for Stephon Marbury will prove to be a great move. Marbury is a better scorer and has just as much play making ability as Kidd. If everything comes together for Phoenix they will be a formidable threat to everyone in the West.

By Cory Rivera
Published: 10/24/2001
 
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