PHOENIX SUNS

NBA analyst thinks Suns aren’t looking to rebuild

Jun 17, 2011, 11:03 PM | Updated: Jun 18, 2011, 12:10 am

Are the Phoenix Suns in rebuilding mode or trying to stay in contention? Are they looking to get better on the defensive end or staying committed to the run and gun style? It sounds like all of the above.

If it sounds a little spastic, we understand. Just call them the NBA’s Sybil

According to ESPN’s Chad Ford during his weekly webchat, the Suns are trying to get younger while not rebuilding and also trying to get better at defense while staying committed to their style of play.

They’re trying to do both at the same time, which is part of the problem. It’s very hard to straddle the fence in the NBA and still move up in the standings. Lon Babby hates the idea of blowing up the team and I understand why. But the other path makes it difficult to get the talent you need to take a big leap. The Suns do seem to be emphasizing defense right now. I think a player like Tristan Thompson or Chris Singleton makes some sense for that reason. I still think Jimmer has an outside shot to go here. They like him.

If Lon Babby doesn’t want to blow the team up, making another run while Steve Nash and Grant Hill still have time left seems like the logical option. Whether they find a piece to help them do that at No. 13 or look to move up isn’t clear.

What is clear is that Babby and his staff will be busy next Thursday as they try to find a way to keep part of their current team together while improving their defense and getting younger at the same time.

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