Phoenix Suns 2007 Draft Preview

By Warren Blatt Jun 20, 2007, 16:45 GMT

- Phoenix is arguably the most exciting team to watch in the NBA. Steve Nash is the point guard of the most explosive offense in the league, which also features fellow All-Stars Amare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion.

The Suns finished 61-21 and won their third straight Pacific Division crown during the regular season. They were knocked out in the Western Conference finals, 4-2, by the San Antonio Spurs,

Stoudemire led Phoenix in scoring (20.4 ppg), while Marion grabbed a team-best 9.8 rebounds per game and Nash, who was second on the team in scoring (18.6 ppg), dished out a league-best 11.6 assists per contest.

Leandro Barbosa captured Sixth Man of the Year honors. The lightning-quick guard contributed 18.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 80 outings. Defensive stopper Raja Bell registered 14.7 points, 3.2 boards and 2.5 helpers in 78 contests, while Boris Diaw's production was down from a year ago, but he still managed to record 9.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 73 games.

Phoenix has a pair of first round selections (24, 29). The Suns may look to move up by packaging the picks, and have been rumored to be shopping around Marion, who was fourth on the club in scoring (17.5 ppg), in possible trades.

Stoudemire is one of the most dominant inside threats in the league, and Nash is the best pure point guard. They are a potent one-two punch and Phoenix will continue to try to build a championship contender around them.

The Suns love to get out in transition and score a lot of points. Nash is the catalyst and management will continue to try and get players who fit into their up-temp style of play. Help on the boards and another outside shooter may be what Phoenix is looking for with its picks.

Key Player(s): Leandro Barbosa (Guard), Raja Bell (Guard), Boris Diaw (Guard), James Jones (Forward), Shawn Marion (Forward), Steve Nash (Guard), Amare Stoudemire (Center/Forward), Kurt Thomas (Center/Forward),

Team Needs: Size and rebounding.

Draft picks: 1st round (24th overall), 1st round (29th overall), 2nd round (59th overall).

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