PHOENIX SUNS

Hornacek: Stars separate playoff teams from Suns

Jun 11, 2014, 7:37 PM | Updated: 7:37 pm

Follow @AZSports...

LISTEN: Jeff Hornacek, Phoenix Suns Head Coach

With the Phoenix Suns finishing the season a game out of eighth place in the Western Conference, it’s only natural to wonder what the teams ahead of them have that they don’t.

When asked what separates playoff teams from the Suns during the Doug and Wolf show on Arizona Sports 98.7, coach Jeff Hornacek said “stars” were the difference.

“All these teams have perennial all-stars,” Hornacek said. “We’re trying to find those guys. We’re trying to develop some of them. We’ve got a couple guys on the team that might take that next step.”

The Suns didn’t have an all-star in the 2013-2014 season, but guard Goran Dragic possesses that potential after being named the NBA’s Most Improved Player. Dragic scored a career-high 20.3 points per game last season and had 5.9 assists.

Teammate Eric Bledsoe flashed signs of promise as well, scoring 17.7 points and 5.5 assists in 43 games. The Suns still need to focus on re-signing Bledsoe, who is a restricted free agent.

“Most of these teams have one main guy that you can go to all the time when things (are) on the line and have them either make the shot or make a great play,” Hornacek said. “We’ll find that guy and we’ll try to develop (him). We have some promising guys, Goran and Eric and maybe Markieff (Morris).”

Phoenix Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

10 hours ago

Bradley Beal #3 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at T...

David Veenstra

Bradley Beal in, Jusuf Nurkic out for Suns’ matchup with Nuggets

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal is active for Wednesday's matchup with the Denver Nuggets while center Jusuf Nurkic is out.

14 hours ago

Tyler Kolek, Marquette...

Damon Allred

Here’s who Phoenix Suns fans should watch in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16

The Suns' first round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft sits at No. 19 overall, and they could select a star from the NCAA Tournament.

18 hours ago

Phoenix Suns take on San Antonio Spurs...

Arizona Sports

O’Neale: Phoenix Suns took Spurs ‘too lightly’ in glaring loss

The Phoenix Suns' lack of effort was on display Monday night against the San Antonio Spurs, leading to an honest film session.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Royce O’Neale: Suns took Spurs “a little too lightly”

Phoenix Suns forward Royce O'Neale joined Burns & Gambo to talk about the team's disappointing loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and to look ahead at the team's remaining schedule, as they continue to make a push toward the NBA playoffs.

2 days ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: How the Suns lost to the Spurs before they stepped on the court

Burns & Gambo react to the Phoenix Suns stunning loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, and try to figure out why it happened.

2 days ago

Hornacek: Stars separate playoff teams from Suns