The Phoenix Suns are opting for a revamped lineup as they prepare to face the Philadelphia 76ers. This strategic shake-up sees both Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic moving to the bench, paving the way for Ryan Dunn and Mason Plumlee to step into starting roles. This decision comes at a crucial point in the Suns' season, reflecting both a need for defensive improvement and an exploration of available options ahead of a pivotal trade deadline.
Bradley Beal's transition to a bench role marks a significant change in his illustrious career. Known for his consistency as a starter over the years, Beal has started in 95.6% of his games since entering the league. This adjustment is particularly notable as it’s the first time he’s coming off the bench since the 2015-16 season. Despite this shift, Beal remains a key contributor to the Suns, averaging 17.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game this season, demonstrating his ongoing offensive prowess.
Meanwhile, Jusuf Nurkic returns to action following a three-game suspension. Despite his return, the Suns are reportedly considering trading Nurkic before the February 6th trade deadline. This decision might be influenced by strategic and financial considerations, as Nurkic is currently in the third year of a four-year, $70 million contract. On the court, Nurkic is attempting 4.8 three-pointers per 100 possessions, though he is connecting on just 30.4% of these shots, indicating room for improvement.
Defensively, the Suns face significant challenges, ranking 24th in overall defense and a concerning 28th in half-court defense. The current most-used lineup has struggled, allowing an alarming 122.3 points per 100 possessions while being outscored by 17.7 points per 100 possessions. A continued decline in their defensive performance could further jeopardize their standing in the Western Conference.
With a current record of 15-18 and sitting 12th in the Western Conference, the Suns are keen to recapture early-season success. Their journey this season began with an impressive 8-1 record, which has since been followed by a slump, including four consecutive losses and seven defeats in their last eight games. Amidst this challenging stretch, head coach Mike Budenholzer emphasized the importance of defensive improvement, stating, "We gotta be better at [the defensive] end of the court, give ourselves to get out and play."
The Suns' immediate future, however, presents an opportunity for recovery. In the next 11 games, only one of their opponents currently holds a winning record. This schedule offers a potential lifeline for the Suns to address their defensive woes and rebuild momentum as they strive to ascend the rankings in the Western Conference.
As the mid-season approaches, the Suns' management will closely monitor the impact of these roster adjustments and evaluate the potential trading options for Nurkic. With strategic changes and a favorable upcoming schedule, the Suns aim to harness these opportunities to reverse their fortunes and make a strong push toward playoff contention.