2006 Phoenix Suns Preview

Welcome to the 2006 Phoenix Suns NBA Preview from Maddux Sports. The regular season opens up October 31st and now is the time to study up on this years teams. If you regularly wager on the NBA our handicappers for Expert NBA Picks and check out the NBA Spreads page to compare odds and increase your winning percentage this season.

2006 Phoenix Suns Basketball Season Preview

The Suns made it to the Western Conference Finals and then the team’s run ended as they lost to the Dallas Mavericks 4-2. They did all of that without frontcourt man Amare Stoudemire (8.7 PPG, 5.3 APG, 0.7 APG, 33.3 FG%, 88.9 FT%), who was out for the season after only four games. If Stoudemire can stay healthy, it can mean the title for this team.

Steve Nash (18.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 10.5 APG, 51.2 FG%, 92.1 FT%) is a dynamo on offense. He hits threes at the rate of 44%, is an assist machine and with Stoudemire creates a pick-and-roll that’s impossible to defend. Nash is weak on “D,” but the two-time MVP is a solid on-court and off-court leader. Shooting guard Raja Bell (14.7 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 2.6 APG, 45.7 FG%, 78.8 FT%) is tough on perimeter defense and also a fine shooter. Like Nash, he’s 44% on threes! Add shooting guard Leandro Barbosa and his 44% three-point mark and you’ve got the best high artillery backcourt in the league.

The forwards are also some of the NBA’s best. Small forward Shawn Marion (21.8 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 52.5 FG%, 80.9 FT%) is massive on defense and a huge threat on offense. Power forward Stoudemire can really take some of the pressure off of Marion in the rebound area.

At center, Kurt Thomas (8.6 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 1.1 APG, 48.6 FG%, 81.5 FT%) plays an excellent “D,” putting pressure on inside players and blocking out and grabbing the rebound. He’s got an accurate midrange jump shot.

Head coach Mike D’Antoni embraces and extols the up-tempo game, both on offense and defense. He’s really adept at understanding what each of his players brings to the court and the bench. His love of quickness and the small man reduces his club’s effectiveness on the boards.

Guards and forwards are dynamite, while the center position demands some extra creativity. Still, a sound perimeter defense, an ability to block out under the boards and the most accurate shooters in the game make the Suns candidates for the NBA title.

For more info on the 2006 Suns basketball team visit the Suns official website from NBA.com or keep reading up on their division rivals including the Warriors, Kings, Clippers, and Lakers.