2010-2011 Finish: 30-52

What went bad

NLL vets remember a time when the Phoenix Suns were a team to be feared. A time when GM Legend WizKid prowled the desert and made some of the best deals in NLL history. Then came an evil GM Frank Goldstein who destroyed the franchise, leaving it in the sorry state you see today. Enter GM Shane, father of Portland GM Colton. Would he possess the magic touch to bring this team around?

Early results say no. Despite a family issue that forced Shane to take a leave of absence part way through the season, his few early moves indicated the wrong direction for this club. Look at his inaugural trade: he moved lone bright spot Al Horford and Louis Williams to the San Antonio Spurs for Greg Oden, DeMar DeRozan and a first rounder. Sure, DeRozan MAY be great, but Oden still has yet to suit up for Phoenix. The only other deal was equally a headscratcher. He sent away starting small forward Shane Battier and Mike Bibby to the Washington Wizards for Chauncey Billups' huge deal and Jeremy Evans. Wait. Doesn't this team already have Brandon Jennings. Yes, it makes no sense whatsoever.

What went worse

It's hard to truly evaluate Shane's first season with the Suns because he took leave partway through. However, the Suns are still terrible. Having Al Horford on the roster still would certainly help. Let's hope Shane's return this season will show some better judgment in trading.

Stars

- DeMar DeRozan - F

DeRozan was the team's star by default. With little to work with, the young man took the reins and pushed his team to win, hitting 18.6 ppg on 50% shooting. However, his 26% shooting from the three point range had to be disappointing. The guy is still young and will likely play a big role in Phoenix for years to come.

Goats

- Greg Oden- C

Zero games for the former #1 pick. The Spurs should thank their lucky stars they got so much value for him. Likely to go down as one of the worst trades in NLL history. Sorry, Shane.


Looking to the future

Phoenix has a lot of work to do this preseason and Shane really needs to be involved in the rebuilding process if this team has a prayer. With Nenad Krstic off to Europe, the team lacks a starting center. To be honest, Shane should build around Jennings, DeRozan and Derrick Favors and trade every single other player on the roster who makes more than $2 million. Re-signing Oden is risky. What if he turns out to be great? It's unlikely but the Suns will not be great this season, so risking a one year deal on the big guy won't kill them. When you do trade, try to get young, cheap players with potential. Don't take on guys like Billups.

The biggest salvation for the Suns may have come in the draft. In the first round, they selected forward Jan Vesely who is long and athletic. Though he may need time to develop, he will provide a good boost off the bench once he overcomes his shooting issues and his basketball IQ grows. Shooting guard Klay Thompson will be contribute immediately, even if he's not the world's greatest athlete. Second-rounder Jordan Williams will likely make the roster but it will have to be seen what the forward will do.