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cut it with the WP:EDITORIALs please. Also please practice more concise encyclopedic language. "In addition,... as well." is entirely pointless. Also McDonough's firing for not find a PG is WP:SPECULATION from journalists, where is the quote from the owner that states that? Do not add "rumors of... speculating...," etc. This is frickin encyclopedia, not a blog
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The '''2018–19 Phoenix Suns season''' is the 51st season of the franchise in the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2019.html|title=2018-19 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats - Basketball-Reference.com|website=Basketball-Reference.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> as well as their 26th season at the [[Talking Stick Resort Arena]]. It would also be their fourth season in six years where the Suns were guaranteed a top-five draft pick in the [[NBA Draft]], while also having the best odds at their first number 1 pick in franchise history. However, this season is also projected to be a season where they look to compete properly once again moving forward,{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} starting with their coaching search onward. On May 2, 2018, it was announced that former Suns assistant coach and [[2017 EuroBasket]] winning head coach [[Igor Kokoškov]] signed a three-year deal to return as the new head coach, replacing interim coach [[Jay Triano]]. Kokoškov would be the first European-born head coach in the NBA's history.<ref name="Kokoškov2018">{{cite web|title=Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-agree-terms-igor-kokoskov-become-new-head-coach|website=NBA.com|accessdate=2 May 2018|date=2 May 2018}}</ref>
The '''2018–19 Phoenix Suns season''' is the 51st season of the franchise in the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA),<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2019.html|title=2018-19 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats - Basketball-Reference.com|website=Basketball-Reference.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> as well as their 26th season at the [[Talking Stick Resort Arena]]. It would also be their fourth season in six years where the Suns were guaranteed a top-five draft pick in the [[NBA Draft]], while also having the best odds at their first number 1 pick in franchise history. However, this season is also projected to be a season where they look to compete properly once again moving forward,{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} starting with their coaching search onward. On May 2, 2018, it was announced that former Suns assistant coach and [[2017 EuroBasket]] winning head coach [[Igor Kokoškov]] signed a three-year deal to return as the new head coach, replacing interim coach [[Jay Triano]]. Kokoškov would be the first European-born head coach in the NBA's history.<ref name="Kokoškov2018">{{cite web|title=Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-agree-terms-igor-kokoskov-become-new-head-coach|website=NBA.com|accessdate=2 May 2018|date=2 May 2018}}</ref>


On May 15, the Suns received [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|the first overall pick]] in the [[2018 NBA draft]]. They used this selection on [[Deandre Ayton]], a Bahamian center from the [[University of Arizona]]. They also gained the draft rights of the tenth overall pick, [[Mikal Bridges]], through a trade involving the [[Philadelphia 76ers]], thus recovering the final pick they received from first trading [[Steve Nash]] to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. During the 2018 NBA free agency period, the Suns also acquired some key players from the [[Houston Rockets]] with [[Trevor Ariza]] on July 1 and [[Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)|Ryan Anderson]] and rookie [[De'Anthony Melton]] nearly two months later on August 31. However, the frustrations of not finding a starting caliber point guard during free agency resulted in the surprise firing of general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]] before the regular season began on October 8. He would be temporarily replaced by former Suns player [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] and [[Trevor Bukstein]] around this time, although there were rumblings reporting that Jones would be the sole new general manager a day later.
On May 15, the Suns received [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|the first overall pick]] in the [[2018 NBA draft]]. They used this selection on [[Deandre Ayton]], a Bahamian center from the [[University of Arizona]]. They also gained the draft rights of the tenth overall pick, [[Mikal Bridges]], through a trade involving the [[Philadelphia 76ers]], thus recovering the final pick they received from first trading [[Steve Nash]] to the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. During the 2018 NBA free agency period, the Suns also acquired some key players from the [[Houston Rockets]] with [[Trevor Ariza]] on July 1 and [[Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)|Ryan Anderson]] and rookie [[De'Anthony Melton]] nearly two months later on August 31. After failing to sign a starting-caliber point guard during free agency,{{cn|date=October 2018}} general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]] was fired before the regular season began on October 8. He was replaced by former Suns' player [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] and [[Trevor Bukstein]] on an interim basis.


==Key dates==
==Key dates==
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*'''September 7, 2018:''' Former Suns' players [[Charlie Scott]], [[Jason Kidd]], [[Steve Nash]], and [[Grant Hill]], as well as former Suns' president [[Rick Welts]] are all inducted in the [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]]. It marks the largest amount of players from one NBA team to enter the Hall of Fame.
*'''September 7, 2018:''' Former Suns' players [[Charlie Scott]], [[Jason Kidd]], [[Steve Nash]], and [[Grant Hill]], as well as former Suns' president [[Rick Welts]] are all inducted in the [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]]. It marks the largest amount of players from one NBA team to enter the Hall of Fame.
*'''September 10, 2018:''' Shooting guard [[Devin Booker]] was announced to be out for up to six weeks following a surgery on his right pinkie, potentially missing at least the first two or three games of the regular season.
*'''September 10, 2018:''' Shooting guard [[Devin Booker]] was announced to be out for up to six weeks following a surgery on his right pinkie, potentially missing at least the first two or three games of the regular season.
*'''October 2, 2018:''' The Suns announce that their jersey patch partnership for at least the next three seasons, starting with this regular season onward, will be with [[PayPal]].
*'''October 2, 2018:''' The Suns announce a jersey patch partnership for at least the next three seasons with [[PayPal]].
*'''October 8, 2018:''' In a relatively surprising turn of events, [[Robert Sarver]] fires general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]] and makes former Suns player [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] and [[Trevor Bukstein]] share the interim general manager position before the regular season begins. In addition, both [[Pat Connelly]] and [[Courtney Witte]] were fired from their respective positions as well.
*'''October 8, 2018:''' [[Robert Sarver]] abruptly fired general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]] and named former Suns' player [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] and [[Trevor Bukstein]] as the interim general managers before the regular season began. In addition, both [[Pat Connelly]] and [[Courtney Witte]] were fired from their respective positions.


==Off-season==
==Off-season==
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Before June 26, the only players that were confirmed free agents were [[Alex Len]] (unrestricted) and [[Elfrid Payton (basketball)|Elfrid Payton]] (restricted, but the Suns had declared not to use their [[right of first refusal]]). Former [[two-way contract]] players [[Alec Peters]] and [[Danuel House]] also had the option to enter free agency or stay for a second year under a two-way contract. House then signed to play for the [[Houston Rockets]] in the [[2018 NBA Summer League]]. [[Tyler Ulis]] was waived from his contract on June 30 for the purpose of extra salary cap space. Two days later, the Suns waived [[Alan Williams (basketball)|Alan Williams]]' non-guaranteed deal and the exception rights on the two-way contracts of Alec Peters and Danuel House to create more salary cap space.
Before June 26, the only players that were confirmed free agents were [[Alex Len]] (unrestricted) and [[Elfrid Payton (basketball)|Elfrid Payton]] (restricted, but the Suns had declared not to use their [[right of first refusal]]). Former [[two-way contract]] players [[Alec Peters]] and [[Danuel House]] also had the option to enter free agency or stay for a second year under a two-way contract. House then signed to play for the [[Houston Rockets]] in the [[2018 NBA Summer League]]. [[Tyler Ulis]] was waived from his contract on June 30 for the purpose of extra salary cap space. Two days later, the Suns waived [[Alan Williams (basketball)|Alan Williams]]' non-guaranteed deal and the exception rights on the two-way contracts of Alec Peters and Danuel House to create more salary cap space.


Near the start of free agency on July 1, the Suns agreed to terms with former [[Houston Rockets]] forward [[Trevor Ariza]] on a one-year deal worth $15,000,000 and signed officially on July 6. Ariza was considered their top free agent priority that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/7/6/17541974/trevor-ariza-tasked-to-transfer-winning-qualities-over-to-phoenix-suns-roster-nba-free-agency-news|title=Trevor Ariza tasked to transfer winning qualities over to Suns roster|website=Brightsideofthesun.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Also on July 1, Suns' restricted free agent Elfrid Payton signed a one-year deal with the [[New Orleans Pelicans]], his hometown team. On July 7, the Suns' star shooting guard [[Devin Booker]] agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension of around $158.3 million to remain with the team. It was the seventh highest valued contract of the NBA at the time of its signing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NotJerryTipton/status/1015810018787160066|title=Not Jerry Tipton on Twitter|website=Twitter.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> On July 20, they announced that they had retained both [[Davon Reed]] and [[Shaquille Harrison]], and also completed two separate trades. Their first trade involved sent guard/forward [[Jared Dudley]] and their top-35 protected 2021 second round pick to the [[Brooklyn Nets]] in exchange for guard [[Darrell Arthur]], who they would later try and apply a disabled player's exception on. Not long after, the Suns next traded $1,000,000 in cash considerations to the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in exchange for power forward/center [[Richaun Holmes]]. The next day, [[Alex Len]] signed a two-year deal with the [[Atlanta Hawks]]. [[Alec Peters]] then signed with [[PBC CSKA Moscow]] in Russia instead of retaining his two-way contract with the team. On July 25, their other former two-way contract, [[Danuel House|Danuel House Jr.]] signed a regular, one-year contract with the two-time defending champion [[Golden State Warriors]]. [[Alan Williams (basketball)|Alan Williams]] later signed a [[two-way contract]] with the [[Brooklyn Nets]] on September 19, and [[Tyler Ulis]] signed a training camp deal with the [[Golden State Warriors]] two days later.
Near the start of free agency on July 1, the Suns agreed to terms with former [[Houston Rockets]] forward [[Trevor Ariza]] on a one-year deal worth $15,000,000 and signed officially on July 6. Ariza was considered their top free agent priority that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/7/6/17541974/trevor-ariza-tasked-to-transfer-winning-qualities-over-to-phoenix-suns-roster-nba-free-agency-news|title=Trevor Ariza tasked to transfer winning qualities over to Suns roster|website=Brightsideofthesun.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Also on July 1, Suns' restricted free agent Elfrid Payton signed a one-year deal with the [[New Orleans Pelicans]], his hometown team. On July 7, the Suns' star shooting guard [[Devin Booker]] agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension of around $158.3 million to remain with the team. It was the seventh highest valued contract of the NBA at the time of its signing.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/NotJerryTipton/status/1015810018787160066|title=Not Jerry Tipton on Twitter|website=Twitter.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> On July 20, they announced that they had retained both [[Davon Reed]] and [[Shaquille Harrison]], and also completed two separate trades. Their first trade involved sent guard/forward [[Jared Dudley]] and their top-35 protected 2021 second round pick to the [[Brooklyn Nets]] in exchange for guard [[Darrell Arthur]], who they later applied for a disabled-player exception.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nba.nbcsports.com/2018/10/10/report-suns-apply-for-disabled-player-exception-for-darrell-arthur/ |title=Report: Suns apply for disabled-player exception for Darrell Arthur |work=[[NBC Sports]] |date=October 10, 2018}}</ref> Not long after the trade fro Arthur, the Suns traded $1,000,000 in cash considerations to the [[Philadelphia 76ers]] in exchange for power forward/center [[Richaun Holmes]]. The next day, [[Alex Len]] signed a two-year deal with the [[Atlanta Hawks]]. [[Alec Peters]] then signed with [[PBC CSKA Moscow]] in Russia instead of retaining his two-way contract with the team. On July 25, their other former two-way contract, [[Danuel House|Danuel House Jr.]] signed a regular, one-year contract with the two-time defending champion [[Golden State Warriors]]. [[Alan Williams (basketball)|Alan Williams]] later signed a [[two-way contract]] with the [[Brooklyn Nets]] on September 19, and [[Tyler Ulis]] signed a training camp deal with the [[Golden State Warriors]] two days later.


On August 3, the Suns announced they had re-signed a point guard from the previous season, [[Isaiah Canaan]]. The team later announced his deal was a non-guaranteed training camp deal, but it marked a return to play after his previous season ended with an ankle fracture on January 31, 2018.<ref>https://ssl.cdn.turner.com/nba/big/teams/suns/2018/08/03/2204763/caption/1533326926860-SIP--Isaiah-Cannan-Doc-2204763_1280x720.mp4</ref> Before the month of August concluded, the Suns traded both projected starting point guard [[Brandon Knight (basketball)|Brandon Knight]] and third-year power forward [[Marquese Chriss]] to the [[Houston Rockets]] in exchange for new starting power forward [[Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)|Ryan Anderson]] and [[rookie]] point guard [[De'Anthony Melton]], who was previously drafted by Houston.<ref>https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2774588-rockets-select-analytics-darling-deanthony-melton-in-2018-nba-draft</ref> In order to make the trade work, Anderson agreed to cut back on his salary for next season to the same amount that Brandon Knight would have been paid; the Suns also sent a $2.6 million traded player exception to the Rockets. Melton signed a rookie deal with the Suns on September 21 after waiting on trying to have a potential point guard trade.
On August 3, the Suns announced they had re-signed a point guard from the previous season, [[Isaiah Canaan]]. The team later announced his deal was a non-guaranteed training camp deal, but it marked a return to play after his previous season ended with an ankle fracture on January 31, 2018.<ref>https://ssl.cdn.turner.com/nba/big/teams/suns/2018/08/03/2204763/caption/1533326926860-SIP--Isaiah-Cannan-Doc-2204763_1280x720.mp4</ref> Before the month of August concluded, the Suns traded both projected starting point guard [[Brandon Knight (basketball)|Brandon Knight]] and third-year power forward [[Marquese Chriss]] to the [[Houston Rockets]] in exchange for new starting power forward [[Ryan Anderson (basketball, born 1988)|Ryan Anderson]] and [[rookie]] point guard [[De'Anthony Melton]], who was previously drafted by Houston.<ref>https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2774588-rockets-select-analytics-darling-deanthony-melton-in-2018-nba-draft</ref> In order to make the trade work, Anderson agreed to cut back on his salary for next season to the same amount that Brandon Knight would have been paid; the Suns also sent a $2.6 million traded player exception to the Rockets. Melton signed a rookie deal with the Suns on September 21 after waiting on trying to have a potential point guard trade.


===Coaching changes===
===Coaching changes===
In March 2018, the Suns confirmed their intentions of finding a new head coach. Interim head coach [[Jay Triano]] was stated as a candidate to remain as the team's head coach moving forward, although the Suns announced that they would search throughout multiple avenues for potential coaches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1499188/suns-prioritizing-nba-success-head-coach-search-clifford-fizdale/|title=Phoenix Suns are prioritizing NBA success in coaching search|date=14 April 2018|website=Arizonasports.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Future interim general manager [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] later revealed that as many as 20 potential candidates were looked into between March and May 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/5/23/17360136/phoenix-suns-notes-james-jones-on-igors-coaching-staff-women-in-coaching-and-more|title=Suns notes: James Jones on Igor's coaching staff, women in coaching, and more|website=Brightsideofthesun.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Some of their potential interests during this coaching search included former Suns and [[Utah Jazz]] assistant coach [[Igor Kokoškov]], former [[Memphis Grizzlies]] head coach [[David Fizdale]], European head coach [[David Blatt]], current (at the time) [[Atlanta Hawks]] head coach [[Mike Budenholzer]], former [[Charlotte Hornets]] head coach [[Steve Clifford]], former [[Orlando Magic]] head coach [[Frank Vogel]], [[San Antonio Spurs]] assistant coach [[James Borrego]], former [[Houston Rockets]] head coach [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], [[Toronto Raptors]] assistant coaches [[Rex Kalamian]] and [[Nick Nurse]], [[New Orleans Pelicans]] associate coach [[Chris Finch (basketball)|Chris Finch]], and former Suns players [[Jason Kidd]] and [[Vinny Del Negro]]. On May 2, 2018, Triano was relieved of his coaching duties and Kokoškov was announced to sign a three-year contract as Phoenix's new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-agree-terms-igor-kokoskov-become-new-head-coach|website=NBA.com|accessdate=May 2, 2018|date=May 2, 2018}}</ref> Triano later signed with the [[Charlotte Hornets]] as an associate coach.
In March 2018, the Suns confirmed their intentions of finding a new head coach. Interim head coach [[Jay Triano]] was stated as a candidate to remain as the team's head coach moving forward, although the Suns announced that they would search throughout multiple avenues for potential coaches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1499188/suns-prioritizing-nba-success-head-coach-search-clifford-fizdale/|title=Phoenix Suns are prioritizing NBA success in coaching search|date=14 April 2018|website=Arizonasports.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Vice president of basketball operations, [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]], revealed that as many as 20 potential candidates were looked into between March and May 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2018/5/23/17360136/phoenix-suns-notes-james-jones-on-igors-coaching-staff-women-in-coaching-and-more|title=Suns notes: James Jones on Igor's coaching staff, women in coaching, and more|website=Brightsideofthesun.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Some of their potential interests during this coaching search included former Suns and [[Utah Jazz]] assistant coach [[Igor Kokoškov]], former [[Memphis Grizzlies]] head coach [[David Fizdale]], European head coach [[David Blatt]], current (at the time) [[Atlanta Hawks]] head coach [[Mike Budenholzer]], former [[Charlotte Hornets]] head coach [[Steve Clifford]], former [[Orlando Magic]] head coach [[Frank Vogel]], [[San Antonio Spurs]] assistant coach [[James Borrego]], former [[Houston Rockets]] head coach [[Kevin McHale (basketball)|Kevin McHale]], [[Toronto Raptors]] assistant coaches [[Rex Kalamian]] and [[Nick Nurse]], [[New Orleans Pelicans]] associate coach [[Chris Finch (basketball)|Chris Finch]], and former Suns players [[Jason Kidd]] and [[Vinny Del Negro]]. On May 2, 2018, Triano was relieved of his coaching duties and Kokoškov was announced to sign a three-year contract as Phoenix's new head coach.<ref>{{cite web|title=Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach|url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/suns-agree-terms-igor-kokoskov-become-new-head-coach|website=NBA.com|accessdate=May 2, 2018|date=May 2, 2018}}</ref> Triano later signed with the [[Charlotte Hornets]] as an associate coach.


On the same day the Suns relieved [[Jay Triano]] of his coaching duties, Phoenix also let go of assistant coach [[Tyrone Corbin]] for the purpose of revamping their coaching staff<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23360248/jay-triano-removed-consideration-phoenix-suns-head-coaching-job|title=Sources: Triano out of running for Suns coach|website=Espn.com|date=April 30, 2018|accessdate=April 30, 2018}}</ref> This later resulted in removing the rest of their old coaching staff in the process, including former [[Northern Arizona Suns]] coach [[Tyrone Ellis]], though assistant coach [[Bret Burchard]] continued to be involved with their players in the [[2018 NBA Summer League]]. Triano became an associate head coach for the [[Charlotte Hornets]], while Corbin became an assistant coach for the [[Orlando Magic]], and [[Marlon Garnett]] joined the [[Atlanta Hawks]]' coaching staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0790581005474861332-4|title=New Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce has hired ex-Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Melvin Hunt as his lead assistant and ex-Phoenix Suns assistant coach and former Santa Clara teammate Marlon Garnett as an assistant coach, sources say. More staff hires to come.|date=22 May 2018|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Former [[Orlando Magic]] assistant coach [[Corliss Williamson]] then joined Kokoškov's coaching staff in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2018/05/22/phoenix-suns-suns-interview-mike-woodson-hire-corlis-williamson/635462002/|title=Suns hire Corliss Williamson as assistant coach, interview Mike Woodson|website=Azcentral.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Williamson was familiar with Kokoškov as he played when Kokoškov was an assistant coach during the [[Detroit Pistons]]' [[2003–04 Detroit Pistons season|2003–04 championship season]]. On June 4, former [[Milwaukee Bucks]] interim head coach [[Joe Prunty]] became the team's newest leading assistant head coach. Prunty was also a two-time champion with the [[San Antonio Spurs]] as an assistant coach in [[2003 NBA Finals|2003]] and [[2005 NBA Finals|2005]]. A week later, [[Jason Staudt]], an assistant coach under Kokoškov during his coaching tenure with the [[Georgia national basketball team]], became an assistant coach for Phoenix, while former player [[Devin Smith (basketball)|Devin Smith]] became a player development coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1556926/phoenix-suns-to-add-jason-staudt-devin-smith-to-coaching-staff/|title=Phoenix Suns to add Jason Staudt, Devin Smith to coaching staff|date=10 June 2018|website=Arizonasports.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> On June 18, the Suns hired former [[Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball|Arizona State University]] point guard and [[New Orleans Pelicans]] assistant coach [[Jamelle McMillan]] as an assistant coach. On June 22, the Suns also promoted [[Northern Arizona Suns]] head coach [[Cody Toppert]] to the director of player development position in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dcourier.com/news/2018/jun/21/naz-suns-coach-cody-toppert-joins-phoenix-staff-as/ |title=NAZ Suns' coach Cody Toppert joins Phoenix staff as assistant under Kokoskov |work=[[The Daily Courier (Arizona)|The Daily Courier]] |date=June 22, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/cody-toppert-joins-phoenix-suns-coaching-staff/n-5357924 |title=Cody Toppert Joins Phoenix Suns Coaching Staff |website=OurSportsCentral.com |date=June 27, 2018}}</ref> The team finalized the coaching appointments on June 27.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/phoenix-suns-announce-coaching-staff|title=Phoenix Suns Announce Coaching Staff - Phoenix Suns|website=Nba.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> On July 25, assistant coach Bret Burchard was named the head coach for the Northern Arizona Suns.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/bret-burchard-named-head-coach-of-northern-arizona-suns/n-5375874 |title=Bret Burchard Named Head Coach of Northern Arizona Suns |website=OurSportsCentral.com |date=July 25, 2018}}</ref> Former Northern Arizona Suns' head coach and Phoenix Suns assistant coach [[Tyrone Ellis]] also left the Suns organization to become the head coach of the [[Stockton Kings]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recordnet.com/sports/20180813/stockton-kings-name-ellis-new-head-coach |title=Stockton Kings name Ellis new head coach |work=[[Stockton Record]] |date=August 13, 2018}}</ref> Finally, the Suns hired a head strength and conditioning coach named Brady Howe (who was previously with the [[Atlanta Hawks]]) on August 28, 2018, who was also one of the team's four newest additions to their medical staff.<ref>https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-additions-sports-medicine-staff</ref>
On the same day the Suns relieved [[Jay Triano]] of his coaching duties, Phoenix also let go of assistant coach [[Tyrone Corbin]] for the purpose of revamping their coaching staff<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23360248/jay-triano-removed-consideration-phoenix-suns-head-coaching-job|title=Sources: Triano out of running for Suns coach|website=Espn.com|date=April 30, 2018|accessdate=April 30, 2018}}</ref> This later resulted in removing the rest of their old coaching staff in the process, including former [[Northern Arizona Suns]] coach [[Tyrone Ellis]], though assistant coach [[Bret Burchard]] continued to be involved with their players in the [[2018 NBA Summer League]]. Triano became an associate head coach for the [[Charlotte Hornets]], while Corbin became an assistant coach for the [[Orlando Magic]], and [[Marlon Garnett]] joined the [[Atlanta Hawks]]' coaching staff.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/now?nowId=21-0790581005474861332-4|title=New Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce has hired ex-Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Melvin Hunt as his lead assistant and ex-Phoenix Suns assistant coach and former Santa Clara teammate Marlon Garnett as an assistant coach, sources say. More staff hires to come.|date=22 May 2018|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Former [[Orlando Magic]] assistant coach [[Corliss Williamson]] then joined Kokoškov's coaching staff in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2018/05/22/phoenix-suns-suns-interview-mike-woodson-hire-corlis-williamson/635462002/|title=Suns hire Corliss Williamson as assistant coach, interview Mike Woodson|website=Azcentral.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> Williamson was familiar with Kokoškov as he played when Kokoškov was an assistant coach during the [[Detroit Pistons]]' [[2003–04 Detroit Pistons season|2003–04 championship season]]. On June 4, former [[Milwaukee Bucks]] interim head coach [[Joe Prunty]] became the team's newest leading assistant head coach. Prunty was also a two-time champion with the [[San Antonio Spurs]] as an assistant coach in [[2003 NBA Finals|2003]] and [[2005 NBA Finals|2005]]. A week later, [[Jason Staudt]], an assistant coach under Kokoškov during his coaching tenure with the [[Georgia national basketball team]], became an assistant coach for Phoenix, while former player [[Devin Smith (basketball)|Devin Smith]] became a player development coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://arizonasports.com/story/1556926/phoenix-suns-to-add-jason-staudt-devin-smith-to-coaching-staff/|title=Phoenix Suns to add Jason Staudt, Devin Smith to coaching staff|date=10 June 2018|website=Arizonasports.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> On June 18, the Suns hired former [[Arizona State Sun Devils men's basketball|Arizona State University]] point guard and [[New Orleans Pelicans]] assistant coach [[Jamelle McMillan]] as an assistant coach. On June 22, the Suns also promoted [[Northern Arizona Suns]] head coach [[Cody Toppert]] to the director of player development position in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.dcourier.com/news/2018/jun/21/naz-suns-coach-cody-toppert-joins-phoenix-staff-as/ |title=NAZ Suns' coach Cody Toppert joins Phoenix staff as assistant under Kokoskov |work=[[The Daily Courier (Arizona)|The Daily Courier]] |date=June 22, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/cody-toppert-joins-phoenix-suns-coaching-staff/n-5357924 |title=Cody Toppert Joins Phoenix Suns Coaching Staff |website=OurSportsCentral.com |date=June 27, 2018}}</ref> The team finalized the coaching appointments on June 27.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/phoenix-suns-announce-coaching-staff|title=Phoenix Suns Announce Coaching Staff - Phoenix Suns|website=Nba.com|accessdate=1 August 2018}}</ref> On July 25, assistant coach Bret Burchard was named the head coach for the Northern Arizona Suns.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/bret-burchard-named-head-coach-of-northern-arizona-suns/n-5375874 |title=Bret Burchard Named Head Coach of Northern Arizona Suns |website=OurSportsCentral.com |date=July 25, 2018}}</ref> Former Northern Arizona Suns' head coach and Phoenix Suns assistant coach [[Tyrone Ellis]] also left the Suns organization to become the head coach of the [[Stockton Kings]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.recordnet.com/sports/20180813/stockton-kings-name-ellis-new-head-coach |title=Stockton Kings name Ellis new head coach |work=[[Stockton Record]] |date=August 13, 2018}}</ref> Finally, the Suns hired a head strength and conditioning coach named Brady Howe (who was previously with the [[Atlanta Hawks]]) on August 28, 2018, who was also one of the team's four newest additions to their medical staff.<ref>https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-additions-sports-medicine-staff</ref>


===Front office changes===
===Front office changes===
During the preseason on October 8, 2018, owner [[Robert Sarver]] made the rather sudden decision to fire general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Suns Relieve Ryan McDonough of General Manager Duties |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-relieve-ryan-mcdonough-general-manager-duties |website=NBA.com |accessdate=October 8, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> His decision was reflected upon the lack of a starting caliber point guard being acquired by that point of the season. As a result, his position was put into an interim role by both former Vice President of Basketball Operations [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] and former assistant general manager [[Trevor Bukstein]] at the same time. Later that same day, the team also fired former assistant general manager [[Pat Connelly]], former director of scouting [[Courtney Witte]], former director of international scouting [[Emilio Kovačić]], and former [[Northern Arizona Suns]] general manager [[Louis Lehman]].<ref>http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24942773/phoenix-suns-leaning-promoting-james-jones-full-general-manager</ref> A day later, there were reports that Sarver was leaning towards having James Jones being the sole general manager of the team for at least this upcoming season.
During the preseason on October 8, 2018, owner [[Robert Sarver]] made the abruptly fired general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Suns Relieve Ryan McDonough of General Manager Duties |url=https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-relieve-ryan-mcdonough-general-manager-duties |website=NBA.com |accessdate=October 8, 2018 |language=en}}</ref> His decision was reflected upon the lack of a starting-caliber point guard being acquired by that point of the season.{{cn|date=October 2018}} As a result, vice president of basketball operations [[James Jones (basketball player)|James Jones]] and assistant general manager [[Trevor Bukstein]] were named the interim general managers. Later that same day, the team also fired assistant general manager [[Pat Connelly]], director of scouting [[Courtney Witte]], director of international scouting [[Emilio Kovačić]], and [[Northern Arizona Suns]] general manager [[Louis Lehman]].<ref>http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24942773/phoenix-suns-leaning-promoting-james-jones-full-general-manager</ref>


==Roster==
==Roster==
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|-
|-
| Darrell Arthur
| Darrell Arthur
| align="right"|$7,464,912<!--If a disabled player's exception is applied onto him, he'd be paid no more than 50% of the salary, which would be $3,732,456 instead.-->
| align="right"|$7,464,912<!--If a disabled-player exception is granted, he'd be paid no more than 50% of the salary, $3,732,456.-->
|-
|-
| Josh Jackson
| Josh Jackson
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==Preseason==
==Preseason==
The Suns were one of the six NBA teams announced to take part in a series of preseason contests with the [[National Basketball League (Australia)|National Basketball League]] and scheduled to play the [[New Zealand Breakers]] in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sixers to host Australia's Melbourne United in 2018-19 preseason game |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/76ers/sixers-brett-brown-ben-simmons-host-australias-melbourne-united-2018-19-preseason-game |work=[[NBC Sports]] |date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> The official pre-season schedule was revealed on August 1 with their first game scheduled for October 1. This preseason period was also without [[Devin Booker]], as he was recovering from pinkie surgery at the time, with the intent on returning before the regular season began. A week after the Suns first started the pre-season, during which time they started with a 1-2 record (with their sole victory at that time being a surprisingly close game against the [[New Zealand Breakers]]), team owner [[Robert Sarver]] made the decision to fire [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]] under the morning of their penultimate preseason game against the [[Golden State Warriors]], which resulted in an upset win later that night. Ultimately, the team would end the pre-season with a 2–3 record.
The Suns were one of the six NBA teams announced to take part in a series of preseason contests with the [[National Basketball League (Australia)|National Basketball League]] and scheduled to play the [[New Zealand Breakers]] in Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sixers to host Australia's Melbourne United in 2018-19 preseason game |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/philadelphia/76ers/sixers-brett-brown-ben-simmons-host-australias-melbourne-united-2018-19-preseason-game |work=[[NBC Sports]] |date=June 26, 2018}}</ref> The official pre-season schedule was revealed on August 1 with their first game scheduled for October 1. This preseason period was also without [[Devin Booker]], as he was recovering from pinkie surgery at the time, with the intent on returning before the regular season began. A week after the Suns started the pre-season, during which time they earned a 1–2 record, with their sole victory in close game against the [[New Zealand Breakers]], team owner [[Robert Sarver]] fired general manager [[Ryan McDonough (NBA executive)|Ryan McDonough]] the morning of their penultimate preseason game against the [[Golden State Warriors]]. The team ended the preseason with a 2–3 record.
{{NBA game log start|Phoenix Suns|preseason=yes|end_year=2019|record=Total: 2–3 (Home: 1–2; Road: 1–1)}}
{{NBA game log start|Phoenix Suns|preseason=yes|end_year=2019|record=Total: 2–3 (Home: 1–2; Road: 1–1)}}
{{NBA game log section|Phoenix Suns|Preseason|first=yes|show=no
{{NBA game log section|Phoenix Suns|Preseason|first=yes|show=no
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*On May 15, 2018, the Suns would earn [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|their first #1 pick]] in franchise history, having the best odds this season to do so.
*On May 15, 2018, the Suns would earn [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|their first #1 pick]] in franchise history, having the best odds this season to do so.
*On July 17, 2018, top selection [[DeAndre Ayton]] was named a member of the All-Summer League Second Team for his consistent performances in only four games played.
*On July 17, 2018, top selection [[DeAndre Ayton]] was named a member of the All-Summer League Second Team for his consistent performances in only four games played.
*On September 7, 2018, former Suns players [[Charlie Scott]], [[Jason Kidd]], [[Steve Nash]], and [[Grant Hill]] (as well as former Suns president [[Rick Welts]]) were inducted into the [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]]. This marks the largest cast of players from one NBA team to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame under a single year.
*On September 7, 2018, former Suns players [[Charlie Scott]], [[Jason Kidd]], [[Steve Nash]], and [[Grant Hill]] (as well as former Suns president [[Rick Welts]]) were inducted into the [[Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame]]. This marks the largest cast of players from one NBA team to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in a single year.


===Awards===
===Awards===
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! rowspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="10%" | Player
! rowspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="10%" | Player
! colspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="15%" class="unsortable" | Duration
! colspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="15%" class="unsortable" | Duration
! rowspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="20%" | Reason for Missed Time<!--Do not include players who did not play due to coach's decision or were forced upon the inactive list. What can be included, though, are players that were assigned time in the G-League.-->
! rowspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="20%" | Reason for missed time<!--Do not include players who did not play due to coach's decision or were forced upon the inactive list. What can be included, though, are players that were assigned time in the G-League.-->
! rowspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="5%" | Games Missed
! rowspan="2" style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="5%" | Games missed
|-
|-
! style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="10%" | Start
! style="{{NBA color cell|Phoenix Suns}}" width="10%" | Start
Line 1,156: Line 1,156:
| October 10, 2018
| October 10, 2018
| Unknown
| Unknown
| Team applied disabled player's exception on him.
| Team applied for a disabled-player exception.
| ??
|
|-
|}
|}


Revision as of 15:37, 12 October 2018

2018–19 Phoenix Suns season
Head coachIgor Kokoškov
General managerRyan McDonough
James Jones & Trevor Bukstein (interims)
OwnersRobert Sarver
ArenaTalking Stick Resort Arena
Results
Record0–0
Playoff finishTBD
Stats at Basketball-Reference.com
Local media
TelevisionFox Sports Arizona
RadioKTAR
< 2017–18 2019–20 >

The 2018–19 Phoenix Suns season is the 51st season of the franchise in the National Basketball Association (NBA),[1] as well as their 26th season at the Talking Stick Resort Arena. It would also be their fourth season in six years where the Suns were guaranteed a top-five draft pick in the NBA Draft, while also having the best odds at their first number 1 pick in franchise history. However, this season is also projected to be a season where they look to compete properly once again moving forward,[citation needed] starting with their coaching search onward. On May 2, 2018, it was announced that former Suns assistant coach and 2017 EuroBasket winning head coach Igor Kokoškov signed a three-year deal to return as the new head coach, replacing interim coach Jay Triano. Kokoškov would be the first European-born head coach in the NBA's history.[2]

On May 15, the Suns received the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. They used this selection on Deandre Ayton, a Bahamian center from the University of Arizona. They also gained the draft rights of the tenth overall pick, Mikal Bridges, through a trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers, thus recovering the final pick they received from first trading Steve Nash to the Los Angeles Lakers. During the 2018 NBA free agency period, the Suns also acquired some key players from the Houston Rockets with Trevor Ariza on July 1 and Ryan Anderson and rookie De'Anthony Melton nearly two months later on August 31. After failing to sign a starting-caliber point guard during free agency,[citation needed] general manager Ryan McDonough was fired before the regular season began on October 8. He was replaced by former Suns' player James Jones and Trevor Bukstein on an interim basis.

Key dates

Off-season

Draft picks

Main article: 2018 NBA draft
Round Pick Player Position(s) Nationality College / Club
1 1 Deandre Ayton C  Bahamas Arizona
1 10 Mikal Bridges SF  United States Villanova
2 31 Élie Okobo PG  France France Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez
2 59 George King SG  United States Colorado

Entering the draft, the Suns had just two first-round picks and two second-round picks. Their first pick would be their own pick, which became their first ever number one pick in franchise history after 50 seasons. It came as a result of having the second-worst record in franchise history, with only their inaugural season being worse. The Suns were guaranteed just the Miami Heat's first-round pick this year due to a 2015 trade involving the brothers Dragić, with both Zoran and Goran Dragić being traded to Miami in a three-way trade including the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for the rights to John Salmons, Danny Granger, the Heat's first-round pick this year, and Miami's completely unprotected 2021 first-round pick. Near the conclusion of the previous season, the Suns had a chance to also receive the Milwaukee Bucks' first-round pick as well, as that was projected to be included alongside Greg Monroe and a second-round pick in order to offload Eric Bledsoe, who no longer wanted to be with the Suns.[6] However, despite Miami winning more games against Milwaukee that season, the Suns would not gain Milwaukees's first-round pick this season. However, the Suns still retained the 16th pick from the Heat, alongside their 1st pick, up until draft night.

Phoenix was also projected to have the Los Angeles Lakers' first-round pick from the Steve Nash trade of 2012, but the pick was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers to acquire Brandon Knight in 2015. The Suns regained that selection on draft night in exchange for the Miami Heat's first round selections that were previously acquired. In the second round, the Suns traded their own pick to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Troy Daniels and what would be the Charlotte Hornets' second-round pick, although their own pick was kept by Phoenix due to top 55 protections placed on their own second-round pick for the second year in a row. Phoenix also gained the penultimate pick to the draft, the Toronto Raptors' second-round pick, after also gaining last year's second-round pick and the rights to Jared Sullinger in exchange for them briefly acquiring P. J. Tucker. In other transactions around their projected second-round picks, the Hornets' second-round pick would be traded to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Elfrid Payton, and the Bucks' second-round pick would go to the Brooklyn Nets (via a separate trade) due to it being inside the top 47.

With the top pick of the 2018 NBA Draft, the Suns selected the Bahamian freshman center DeAndre Ayton from the nearby University of Arizona. While he was reported to be the #1 pick for weeks before the draft,[7] Ayton competed with a few other players such as former high school teammate Marvin Bagley III, international superstar (and former player of new head coach Igor Kokoškov's) Luka Dončić, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Mohamed Bamba during those weeks. In his sole season playing (and starting) in 35 games for Arizona, Ayton averaged 20.1 points (on .612 overall percentage and .343 three-point percentages), 11.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks, 1.6 assists, and 0.6 steals under 33.5 minutes per game while also being named a consensus All-American First Team, the Pac-12's Player of the Year, the Pac-12's Freshman of the Year, being a member of the All-Pac-12 First Team, winning the Pac-12 Tournament's Most Outstanding Player Award, and winning the Karl Malone Award for being considered the best power forward of the NCAA, even though he projects more as a center entering the NBA.

With the 16th selection, the Suns picked Texas Tech University's Zhaire Smith, but immediately traded Smith and the Miami Heat's 2021 first round pick to the Philadelphia 76ers for the tenth overall pick, junior small forward Mikal Bridges from Villanova University.[8] Bridges was considered a key member for Villanova when they won the NCAA Championship in two of his three seasons. As the starting small forward for all 40 games played the previous season, he averaged 17.7 points (on .514 overall percentage and a .435 three-point percentage), 5.3 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.1 blocks under 32.2 minutes per game. In addition to being a two-time NCAA Tournament Champion in 2016 and 2018, Bridges also was named a consensus All-American Third Team member, an All-Big East First Team member, a Big East Tournament MVP, and the winner of the Julius Erving Award, all of which were earned in 2018. This would mark the second season in three years where the Suns would have two top ten picks in the draft. The Suns also selected French All-Star point guard Élie Okobo of the Élan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez from France's LNB Pro A as the 31st pick and shooting guard George King from the University of Colorado Boulder with the 59th pick. Okobo was made part of the regular, 15-man roster, while King became one of the team's two-way contracts. Furthermore, they would later trade for (and sign) another second-round pick in USC sophomore point guard De'Anthony Melton, the 46th pick of the NBA Draft.

Free agency

Main article: List of 2018–19 NBA season transactions

Before June 26, the only players that were confirmed free agents were Alex Len (unrestricted) and Elfrid Payton (restricted, but the Suns had declared not to use their right of first refusal). Former two-way contract players Alec Peters and Danuel House also had the option to enter free agency or stay for a second year under a two-way contract. House then signed to play for the Houston Rockets in the 2018 NBA Summer League. Tyler Ulis was waived from his contract on June 30 for the purpose of extra salary cap space. Two days later, the Suns waived Alan Williams' non-guaranteed deal and the exception rights on the two-way contracts of Alec Peters and Danuel House to create more salary cap space.

Near the start of free agency on July 1, the Suns agreed to terms with former Houston Rockets forward Trevor Ariza on a one-year deal worth $15,000,000 and signed officially on July 6. Ariza was considered their top free agent priority that season.[9] Also on July 1, Suns' restricted free agent Elfrid Payton signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, his hometown team. On July 7, the Suns' star shooting guard Devin Booker agreed to a five-year maximum contract extension of around $158.3 million to remain with the team. It was the seventh highest valued contract of the NBA at the time of its signing.[10] On July 20, they announced that they had retained both Davon Reed and Shaquille Harrison, and also completed two separate trades. Their first trade involved sent guard/forward Jared Dudley and their top-35 protected 2021 second round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for guard Darrell Arthur, who they later applied for a disabled-player exception.[11] Not long after the trade fro Arthur, the Suns traded $1,000,000 in cash considerations to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for power forward/center Richaun Holmes. The next day, Alex Len signed a two-year deal with the Atlanta Hawks. Alec Peters then signed with PBC CSKA Moscow in Russia instead of retaining his two-way contract with the team. On July 25, their other former two-way contract, Danuel House Jr. signed a regular, one-year contract with the two-time defending champion Golden State Warriors. Alan Williams later signed a two-way contract with the Brooklyn Nets on September 19, and Tyler Ulis signed a training camp deal with the Golden State Warriors two days later.

On August 3, the Suns announced they had re-signed a point guard from the previous season, Isaiah Canaan. The team later announced his deal was a non-guaranteed training camp deal, but it marked a return to play after his previous season ended with an ankle fracture on January 31, 2018.[12] Before the month of August concluded, the Suns traded both projected starting point guard Brandon Knight and third-year power forward Marquese Chriss to the Houston Rockets in exchange for new starting power forward Ryan Anderson and rookie point guard De'Anthony Melton, who was previously drafted by Houston.[13] In order to make the trade work, Anderson agreed to cut back on his salary for next season to the same amount that Brandon Knight would have been paid; the Suns also sent a $2.6 million traded player exception to the Rockets. Melton signed a rookie deal with the Suns on September 21 after waiting on trying to have a potential point guard trade.

Coaching changes

In March 2018, the Suns confirmed their intentions of finding a new head coach. Interim head coach Jay Triano was stated as a candidate to remain as the team's head coach moving forward, although the Suns announced that they would search throughout multiple avenues for potential coaches.[14] Vice president of basketball operations, James Jones, revealed that as many as 20 potential candidates were looked into between March and May 2018.[15] Some of their potential interests during this coaching search included former Suns and Utah Jazz assistant coach Igor Kokoškov, former Memphis Grizzlies head coach David Fizdale, European head coach David Blatt, current (at the time) Atlanta Hawks head coach Mike Budenholzer, former Charlotte Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, former Orlando Magic head coach Frank Vogel, San Antonio Spurs assistant coach James Borrego, former Houston Rockets head coach Kevin McHale, Toronto Raptors assistant coaches Rex Kalamian and Nick Nurse, New Orleans Pelicans associate coach Chris Finch, and former Suns players Jason Kidd and Vinny Del Negro. On May 2, 2018, Triano was relieved of his coaching duties and Kokoškov was announced to sign a three-year contract as Phoenix's new head coach.[16] Triano later signed with the Charlotte Hornets as an associate coach.

On the same day the Suns relieved Jay Triano of his coaching duties, Phoenix also let go of assistant coach Tyrone Corbin for the purpose of revamping their coaching staff[17] This later resulted in removing the rest of their old coaching staff in the process, including former Northern Arizona Suns coach Tyrone Ellis, though assistant coach Bret Burchard continued to be involved with their players in the 2018 NBA Summer League. Triano became an associate head coach for the Charlotte Hornets, while Corbin became an assistant coach for the Orlando Magic, and Marlon Garnett joined the Atlanta Hawks' coaching staff.[18] Former Orlando Magic assistant coach Corliss Williamson then joined Kokoškov's coaching staff in Phoenix.[19] Williamson was familiar with Kokoškov as he played when Kokoškov was an assistant coach during the Detroit Pistons' 2003–04 championship season. On June 4, former Milwaukee Bucks interim head coach Joe Prunty became the team's newest leading assistant head coach. Prunty was also a two-time champion with the San Antonio Spurs as an assistant coach in 2003 and 2005. A week later, Jason Staudt, an assistant coach under Kokoškov during his coaching tenure with the Georgia national basketball team, became an assistant coach for Phoenix, while former player Devin Smith became a player development coach.[20] On June 18, the Suns hired former Arizona State University point guard and New Orleans Pelicans assistant coach Jamelle McMillan as an assistant coach. On June 22, the Suns also promoted Northern Arizona Suns head coach Cody Toppert to the director of player development position in Phoenix.[21][22] The team finalized the coaching appointments on June 27.[23] On July 25, assistant coach Bret Burchard was named the head coach for the Northern Arizona Suns.[24] Former Northern Arizona Suns' head coach and Phoenix Suns assistant coach Tyrone Ellis also left the Suns organization to become the head coach of the Stockton Kings.[25] Finally, the Suns hired a head strength and conditioning coach named Brady Howe (who was previously with the Atlanta Hawks) on August 28, 2018, who was also one of the team's four newest additions to their medical staff.[26]

Front office changes

During the preseason on October 8, 2018, owner Robert Sarver made the abruptly fired general manager Ryan McDonough.[27] His decision was reflected upon the lack of a starting-caliber point guard being acquired by that point of the season.[citation needed] As a result, vice president of basketball operations James Jones and assistant general manager Trevor Bukstein were named the interim general managers. Later that same day, the team also fired assistant general manager Pat Connelly, director of scouting Courtney Witte, director of international scouting Emilio Kovačić, and Northern Arizona Suns general manager Louis Lehman.[28]

Roster

Phoenix Suns roster
Players Coaches
Pos. No. Name Height Weight DOB From
G 8 Allen, Grayson 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 198 lb (90 kg) 1995-10-08 Duke
G 3 Beal, Bradley 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 207 lb (94 kg) 1993-06-28 Florida
F/C 11 Bol, Bol 7 ft 3 in (2.21 m) 220 lb (100 kg) 1999-11-16 Oregon
G 1 Booker, Devin 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 206 lb (93 kg) 1996-10-30 Kentucky
F 15 Bridges, Jalen (TW) 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) 225 lb (102 kg) 2001-05-14 Baylor
G/F 0 Dunn, Ryan 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) 215 lb (98 kg) 2003-01-07 Virginia
F 35 Durant, Kevin 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) 240 lb (109 kg) 1988-09-29 Texas
G — Gillespie, Collin (TW) 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 2003-01-07 Villanova
F/C 4 Ighodaro, Oso 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 235 lb (107 kg) 2002-07-14 Marquette
G 21 Jones, Tyus 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 196 lb (89 kg) 1996-05-10 Duke
G/F 10 Lee, Damion 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 210 lb (95 kg) 1992-10-21 Louisville
G 38 Lee, Saben (FA) 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 183 lb (83 kg) 1999-06-23 Vanderbilt
G 23 Morris, Monté 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) 183 lb (83 kg) 1995-06-27 Iowa State
C 20 Nurkić, Jusuf 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) 290 lb (132 kg) 1994-08-23 Bosnia and Herzegovina
G 2 Okogie, Josh 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) 213 lb (97 kg) 1998-09-01 Georgia Tech
F 00 O'Neale, Royce 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) 226 lb (103 kg) 1993-06-05 Baylor
F/C 22 Plumlee, Mason 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) 254 lb (115 kg) 1990-03-05 Duke
G — Thomas, Isaiah (FA) 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) 185 lb (84 kg) 1989-02-07 Washington
G — Washington, TyTy Jr. (TW) 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) 195 lb (88 kg) 2001-11-15 Kentucky
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
Legend
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • (GL) On assignment to G League affiliate
  • (TW) Two-way affiliate player
  • Injured Injured

Roster
Last transaction: August 27, 2024

Salaries

Player 2018–19 Salary
Ryan Anderson $20,421,546
Trevor Ariza $15,000,000
Tyson Chandler $13,585,000
T.J. Warren $11,750,000
DeAndre Ayton $8,175,840
Darrell Arthur $7,464,912
Josh Jackson $6,041,520
Dragan Bender $4,661,280
Mikal Bridges $3,557,400
Devin Booker $3,314,365
Troy Daniels $3,258,539
Isaiah Canaan $1,757,429
Richuan Holmes $1,600,520
Davon Reed $1,378,242
Shaquille Harrison $1,378,242
Élie Okobo $1,117,229
De'Anthony Melton $949,000
George King $77,250
Total

The minimum salary for two-way contracts is at $77,250, while the maximum salary for them this year is around $385,000, though there's the potential to earn up to $506,215 if certain situations are met.[29][30]

Preseason

The Suns were one of the six NBA teams announced to take part in a series of preseason contests with the National Basketball League and scheduled to play the New Zealand Breakers in Phoenix.[31] The official pre-season schedule was revealed on August 1 with their first game scheduled for October 1. This preseason period was also without Devin Booker, as he was recovering from pinkie surgery at the time, with the intent on returning before the regular season began. A week after the Suns started the pre-season, during which time they earned a 1–2 record, with their sole victory in close game against the New Zealand Breakers, team owner Robert Sarver fired general manager Ryan McDonough the morning of their penultimate preseason game against the Golden State Warriors. The team ended the preseason with a 2–3 record.

2018 preseason game log
Total: 2–3 (Home: 1–2; Road: 1–1)
Preseason: 2–3 (home: 1–2; road: 1–1)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 October 1 Sacramento L 102–106 DeAndre Ayton (24) DeAndre Ayton (9) Josh Jackson (6) Talking Stick Resort Arena
8,184 		0–1
2 October 3 New Zealand W 91–86 DeAndre Ayton (21) DeAndre Ayton (15) Trevor Ariza (6) Talking Stick Resort Arena
7,183 		1–1
3 October 5 Portland L 93–115 DeAndre Ayton (19) DeAndre Ayton (14) Josh Jackson (7) Talking Stick Resort Arena
11,811 		1–2
4 October 8 @ Golden State W 117–109 DeAndre Ayton, Ryan Anderson (18) DeAndre Ayton (7) Isaiah Canaan, Shaquille Harrison, Josh Jackson (5) Oracle Arena
19,596 		2–2
5 October 10 @ Portland L 83–116 Josh Jackson (13) Davon Reed (6) Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender, Tyson Chandler (4) Moda Center
15,051 		2–3
2018–19 season schedule

Regular season

On August 8, 2018, Marc Stein revealed on Twitter that the Suns will make their season debut on October 17 against the Dallas Mavericks. The NBA would then reveal every team's schedules for the regular season two days later.

Standings

Pacific DivisionWLPCTGBHomeRoadDivGP
c – Golden State Warriors5725.695–30‍–‍1127‍–‍1413–382
x – Los Angeles Clippers4834.5859.026‍–‍1522‍–‍1911–582
Sacramento Kings3943.47618.024‍–‍1715‍–‍264–1282
Los Angeles Lakers3745.45120.022‍–‍1915‍–‍269–782
Phoenix Suns1963.23238.012‍–‍297‍–‍343–1382
Western Conference
#TeamWLPCTGBGP
1c – Golden State Warriors *5725.695–82
2y – Denver Nuggets *5428.6593.082
3x – Portland Trail Blazers5329.6464.082
4y – Houston Rockets *5329.6464.082
5x – Utah Jazz5032.6107.082
6x – Oklahoma City Thunder4933.5988.082
7x – San Antonio Spurs4834.5859.082
8x – Los Angeles Clippers4834.5859.082
9Sacramento Kings3943.47618.082
10Los Angeles Lakers3745.45120.082
11Minnesota Timberwolves3646.43921.082
12Memphis Grizzlies3349.40224.082
13New Orleans Pelicans3349.40224.082
14Dallas Mavericks3349.40224.082
15Phoenix Suns1963.23238.082

Game log

2018–19 game log
Total: 0–0 (Home: 0–0; Road: 0–0)
October: 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 October 17 Dallas Talking Stick Resort Arena
 0–0
2 October 20 @ Denver Pepsi Center
 0–0
3 October 22 @ Golden State Oracle Arena
 0–0
4 October 24 L.A. Lakers Talking Stick Resort Arena
 0–0
5 October 27 @ Memphis FedExForum
 0–0
6 October 28 @ Oklahoma City Chesapeake Energy Arena
 0–0
7 October 31 San Antonio Talking Stick Resort Arena
 0–0
November : 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
8 November 2 Toronto Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
9 November 4 Memphis Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
10 November 6 Brooklyn Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
11 November 8 Boston Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
12 November 10 @ New Orleans Smoothie King Center
 –
13 November 12 @ Oklahoma City Chesapeake Energy Arena
 –
14 November 14 San Antonio Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
15 November 17 Oklahoma City Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
16 November 19 @ Philadelphia Wells Fargo Arena
 –
17 November 21 @ Chicago United Center
 –
18 November 23 @ Milwaukee Fiserv Forum
 –
19 November 25 @ Detroit Little Caesars Arena
 –
20 November 27 Indiana Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
21 November 28 @ L.A. Clippers Staples Center
 –
22 November 30 Orlando Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
December : 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
23 December 2 @ L.A. Lakers Staples Center
 –
24 December 4 Sacramento Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
25 December 6 @ Portland Moda Center
 –
26 December 7 Miami Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
27 December 10 L.A. Clippers Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
28 December 11 @ San Antonio AT&T Center
 –
29 December 13 Dallas Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
30 December 15 Minnesota Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
31 December 17 @ New York Madison Square Garden
 –
32 December 19 @ Boston TD Garden
 –
33 December 22 @ Washington Capital One Arena
 –
34 December 23 @ Brooklyn Barclays Center
 –
35 December 26 @ Orlando Amway Center
 –
36 December 28 Oklahoma City Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
37 December 29 Denver Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
38 December 31 @ Golden State Oracle Arena
 –
January : 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
39 January 2 Philadelphia Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
40 January 4 L.A. Clippers Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
41 January 6 Charlotte Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
42 January 8 Sacramento Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
43 January 9 @ Dallas American Airlines Center
 –
44 January 12 Denver Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
45 January 15 @ Indiana Bankers Life Fieldhouse
 –
46 January 17 @ Toronto Scotiabank Arena
 –
47 January 19 @ Charlotte Spectrum Center
 –
48 January 20 @ Minnesota Target Center
 –
49 January 22 Minnesota Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
50 January 24 Portland Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
51 January 26 @ Denver Pepsi Center
 –
52 January 27 @ L.A. Lakers Staples Center
 –
53 January 29 @ San Antonio AT&T Center
 –
February : 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
54 February 2 Atlanta Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
55 February 4 Houston Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
56 February 6 @ Utah Vivint Smart Home Arena
 –
57 February 8 Golden State Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
58 February 10 @ Sacramento Golden 1 Center
 –
59 February 13 @ L.A. Clippers Staples Center
 –
All-Star Break
60 February 21 @ Cleveland Quicken Loans Arena
 –
61 February 23 @ Atlanta State Farm Arena
 –
62 February 25 @ Miami American Airlines Arena –
March : 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
63 March 1 New Orleans Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
64 March 2 L.A. Lakers Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
65 March 4 Milwaukee Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
66 March 6 New York Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
67 March 9 @ Portland Moda Center
 –
68 March 10 @ Golden State Oracle Arena
 –
69 March 13 Utah Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
70 March 15 @ Houston Toyota Center
 –
71 March 16 @ New Orleans Smoothie King Center
 –
72 March 18 Chicago Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
73 March 21 Detroit Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
74 March 23 @ Sacramento Golden 1 Center
 –
75 March 25 @ Utah Vivint Smart Home Arena
 –
76 March 27 Washington Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
77 March 30 Memphis Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
April : 0–0 (home: 0–0; road: 0–0)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
78 April 1 Cleveland Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
79 April 3 Utah Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
80 April 5 New Orleans Talking Stick Resort Arena
 –
81 April 7 @ Houston Toyota Center
 –
82 April 9 @ Dallas American Airlines Center
 –
2018–19 season schedule

Awards and records

  • On May 15, 2018, the Suns would earn their first #1 pick in franchise history, having the best odds this season to do so.
  • On July 17, 2018, top selection DeAndre Ayton was named a member of the All-Summer League Second Team for his consistent performances in only four games played.
  • On September 7, 2018, former Suns players Charlie Scott, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, and Grant Hill (as well as former Suns president Rick Welts) were inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. This marks the largest cast of players from one NBA team to be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in a single year.

Awards

Week/Month

All-Star

Records

Team records

Milestones

Team milestones

  • After finishing their second-worst season in franchise history, the Suns ended up with their first #1 pick in franchise history.

Injuries/personal games missed

Player Duration Reason for missed time Games missed
Start End
Darrell Arthur October 10, 2018 Unknown Team applied for a disabled-player exception.

Transactions

Trades

June 21, 2018[32] To Phoenix Suns
Draft rights to Mikal Bridges (#10) 		To Philadelphia 76ers
Draft rights to Zhaire Smith (#16)
2021 Miami first-round pick
July 20, 2018[33] To Phoenix Suns
United States Darrell Arthur 		To Brooklyn Nets
United States Jared Dudley
2021 protected second-round pick
July 20, 2018[33] To Phoenix Suns
United States Richaun Holmes 		To Philadelphia 76ers
Cash considerations
August 31, 2018[34] To Phoenix Suns
United States Ryan Anderson
United States De'Anthony Melton 		To Houston Rockets
United States Brandon Knight
United States Marquese Chriss

Free agents

Re-signed

Player Signed Date
Devin Booker Signed 5-year maximum contract extension worth $158 million[35] July 7, 2018

Additions

Player Signed Former team
Trevor Ariza[36] Signed 1-year deal worth $15,000,000 Houston Rockets
Isaiah Canaan[37] Signed 1-year non-guaranteed deal worth $1,757,429 Phoenix Suns (Previously waived on February 8, 2018)

Subtractions

Player Reason left New team(s)
Alex Len[38] Unrestricted free agent Atlanta Hawks
Elfrid Payton[39] Unrestricted free agent New Orleans Pelicans
Danuel House Jr. Two-way contract expired Golden State Warriors
Tyler Ulis[40] Waived Golden State Warriors
Alan Williams[41] Waived Brooklyn Nets / Long Island Nets
Alec Peters[42] Two-way contract expired Russia PBC CSKA Moscow

References

  1. ^ "2018-19 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats - Basketball-Reference.com". Basketball-Reference.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  2. ^ "Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach". NBA.com. 2 May 2018. Retrieved 2 May 2018.
  3. ^ "Jazmyne Weber to accompany Josh Jackson to 2018 NBA Draft Lottery". Brightsideofthesun.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Phoenix Suns waive point guard Tyler Ulis". USA Today. June 30, 2018.
  5. ^ "Devin Booker signs five-year, $158 million extension with Suns". Azcentral.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  6. ^ "Report: Eric Bledsoe to return to Phoenix Suns team facilities". NBA.com. November 5, 2017. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
  7. ^ "Jonathan Givony on Twitter". Twitter.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  8. ^ "NBA Draft results: 76ers trade Mikal Bridges to Suns for Zhaire Smith, future first-round pick". CBS Sports. June 21, 2018.
  9. ^ "Trevor Ariza tasked to transfer winning qualities over to Suns roster". Brightsideofthesun.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  10. ^ "Not Jerry Tipton on Twitter". Twitter.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  11. ^ "Report: Suns apply for disabled-player exception for Darrell Arthur". NBC Sports. October 10, 2018.
  12. ^ https://ssl.cdn.turner.com/nba/big/teams/suns/2018/08/03/2204763/caption/1533326926860-SIP--Isaiah-Cannan-Doc-2204763_1280x720.mp4
  13. ^ https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2774588-rockets-select-analytics-darling-deanthony-melton-in-2018-nba-draft
  14. ^ "Phoenix Suns are prioritizing NBA success in coaching search". Arizonasports.com. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  15. ^ "Suns notes: James Jones on Igor's coaching staff, women in coaching, and more". Brightsideofthesun.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  16. ^ "Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach". NBA.com. May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  17. ^ "Sources: Triano out of running for Suns coach". Espn.com. April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  18. ^ "New Atlanta Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce has hired ex-Dallas Mavericks assistant coach Melvin Hunt as his lead assistant and ex-Phoenix Suns assistant coach and former Santa Clara teammate Marlon Garnett as an assistant coach, sources say. More staff hires to come". ESPN.com. 22 May 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  19. ^ "Suns hire Corliss Williamson as assistant coach, interview Mike Woodson". Azcentral.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  20. ^ "Phoenix Suns to add Jason Staudt, Devin Smith to coaching staff". Arizonasports.com. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  21. ^ "NAZ Suns' coach Cody Toppert joins Phoenix staff as assistant under Kokoskov". The Daily Courier. June 22, 2018.
  22. ^ "Cody Toppert Joins Phoenix Suns Coaching Staff". OurSportsCentral.com. June 27, 2018.
  23. ^ "Phoenix Suns Announce Coaching Staff - Phoenix Suns". Nba.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  24. ^ "Bret Burchard Named Head Coach of Northern Arizona Suns". OurSportsCentral.com. July 25, 2018.
  25. ^ "Stockton Kings name Ellis new head coach". Stockton Record. August 13, 2018.
  26. ^ https://www.nba.com/suns/press-release/suns-announce-additions-sports-medicine-staff
  27. ^ "Suns Relieve Ryan McDonough of General Manager Duties". NBA.com. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  28. ^ http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24942773/phoenix-suns-leaning-promoting-james-jones-full-general-manager
  29. ^ https://2ways10days.com/what-is-the-earning-power-of-a-two-way-contract-for-2018-19-a7fb2bdd2459
  30. ^ "HoopsHype – NBA Salaries – Phoenix Suns". hoopshype.com. September 22, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  31. ^ "Sixers to host Australia's Melbourne United in 2018-19 preseason game". NBC Sports. June 26, 2018.
  32. ^ "Draft 2018 | Sought-After Prospect, Future Pick Highlight Acquisitions". NBA.com. June 21, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  33. ^ a b "Suns Complete Trades with Philadelphia and Brooklyn". NBA.com. July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  34. ^ "Suns Acquire Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton from Houston". NBA.com. August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  35. ^ "Devin Booker has All-NBA escalators in his contract extension".
  36. ^ "Suns Sign Trevor Ariza, 14-year veteran and NBA Champion". NBA.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  37. ^ "Phoenix Suns Re-Sign Isaiah Canaan". NBA.com. August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  38. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Sign Alex Len". NBA.com. August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  39. ^ "Pelicans sign free agents Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle". NBA.com. July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  40. ^ "Phoenix Suns Waive Tyler Ulis". NBA.com. June 30, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  41. ^ "Phoenix Suns Waive Alan Williams". NBA.com. July 2, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  42. ^ "Alec Peters joined CSKA". cskabasket.com. CSKA Moscow Professional Basketball Club. July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
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