Intense Battle Expected in NBA's Pacific Division as Golden State Warriors, Phoenix Suns, and L.A. Clippers Lock Horns in a Three-Front Battle
Phoenix Suns and the Pacific Division Race: A Season of Change and Rebuilding
As the 2022-2023 NBA season approaches, the Pacific Division is shaping up to be a competitive and intriguing battle. The Suns, who have won the division for the last two seasons, find themselves in a phase of strategic rebuilding under new ownership.
Mat Ishbia, the current owner, has acquired the team in February 2023 and has emphasized a patient, long-term vision for the franchise. The Suns have shifted their strategy from a star-driven approach to a focus on youth development and sustainable growth. This transition is evident in their roster moves, such as trading away Kevin Durant and buying out Bradley Beal, and the acquisition of young talent like Jalen Green, Mark Williams, and Ryan Dunn.
The Suns have also hired first-time coach Jordan Ott to build a new culture around these young players. Ishbia has been supportive but admits that his initial strategy of spending aggressively did not yield the desired results. Consequently, he is now more deliberate about the types of players and staff that align with the defined team identity.
The Suns' current outlook is modest, with no immediate championship contention. Instead, their aim is to advance their redefined culture and develop their young core. This patient rebuilding process suggests that the Suns' future implications may involve sustained growth rather than immediate playoff success, potentially setting up a stronger franchise over the next several years.
In the Pacific Division, the Los Angeles Clippers are the betting favourite to win the division at +180 odds, followed by the Suns at +225. The Warriors, who have a projected win total of 51.5 o/u, are also in the mix, with the Lakers trailing behind at +45.5 o/u. The Kings, who have the longest playoff drought in the NBA at 16 seasons and counting, have the lowest projected win total at 33.5 o/u.
The Clippers hope to bounce back this season after Kawhi Leonard returns from an ACL injury, while the Lakers' season could be hampered by injuries, trade rumours, and Russell Westbrook's shooting struggles. The Warriors, who rattled off five-straight Pacific Division titles between 2015 and 2019, will rely on Jordan Poole, the third "Splash Brother," and the return of James Wiseman.
The Kings, who have made significant roster changes, acquiring All-Star Domantas Sabonis from the Indiana Pacers and sharpshooter Kevin Huerter from the Atlanta Hawks, will look to De'Aaron Fox and their young talent to compete.
The Suns' season has been marked by the aftermath of their Game 7 loss to the Dallas Mavericks, where they were defeated by 33 points. The tension between Deandre Ayton and Chris Paul remains a topic of discussion, following Ayton's benching in Game 7.
The article was posted on October 6, 2022, at 03:40h and was last updated on October 6, 2022, at 05:04h. The Suns' future remains uncertain, but their commitment to long-term growth and development suggests a promising path for the franchise.
| Team | Odds to Win Pacific Division | Projected Win Total | |---------------|-----------------------------|--------------------| | Clippers | +180 | 52.5 o/u | | Suns | +225 | 45.5 o/u | | Warriors | +350 | 51.5 o/u | | Lakers | +800 | 45.5 o/u | | Kings | +40000 | 33.5 o/u |
This season promises to be an exciting one in the Pacific Division, with the Suns, Clippers, Warriors, and Lakers all vying for supremacy. The Kings, while not favourites, will look to break their playoff drought and challenge the established teams. The Suns, under new ownership and a rebuilding strategy, will aim to maintain their dominance in the division while developing their young talent.
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