Jump to content

2018–19 Phoenix Suns season: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Line 44: Line 44:
*'''November 28, 2018:''' Phoenix waives [[Isaiah Canaan]]'s contract.
*'''November 28, 2018:''' Phoenix waives [[Isaiah Canaan]]'s contract.
*'''December 7, 2018:''' [[Northern Arizona Suns]] point guard [[Jawun Evans]] signs a [[two-way contract]] with the Phoenix Suns.
*'''December 7, 2018:''' [[Northern Arizona Suns]] point guard [[Jawun Evans]] signs a [[two-way contract]] with the Phoenix Suns.
*'''December 10, 2018:''' The Suns sign [[Eric Moreland]] in order to get their roster back up into the maximum amount of regular players again.


==Off-season==
==Off-season==

Revision as of 22:42, 10 December 2018

2018–19 Phoenix Suns season
Head coachIgor Kokoškov
General managerRyan McDonough (until Oct. 8)
James Jones/Trevor Bukstein (interim)
OwnersRobert Sarver
ArenaTalking Stick Resort Arena
Results
Record4–22 (.154)
PlaceDivision: 5th (Pacific)
Conference: 15th (Western)
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. 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 this year, 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. Not long after the trade for 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.[11] 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.[12] 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 October 15, they waived point guard Shaquille Harrison and power forward Darrell Arthur, with the Suns failing to get a disabled player exception for Arthur's roster spot before season starting rosters had to be finalized.[13] Shooting guard Davon Reed was also waived the following day and replaced by Jamal Crawford.[14]

On November 3, following a seven-game losing streak, the Suns bought out Tyson Chandler's last year of his contract upon his request.[citation needed] On November 30, the Suns also waived Isaiah Canaan and then signed Northern Arizona Suns player Jawun Evans to replace Canaan as the team's second two-way contract on December 7. Three days later, the Suns signed former Detroit Pistons forward/center Eric Moreland to a standard one-year contract in order to help fill their roster back up to the maximum slots allowed on their roster again.

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.[15] Vice president of basketball operations, James Jones, revealed that as many as 20 potential candidates were looked into between March and May 2018.[16] 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.[17] 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[18] 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.[19] Former Orlando Magic assistant coach Corliss Williamson then joined Kokoškov's coaching staff in Phoenix.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22][23] The team finalized the coaching appointments on June 27.[24] On July 25, assistant coach Bret Burchard was named the head coach for the Northern Arizona Suns.[25] 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.[26] 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.[27]

Front office changes

During the preseason on October 8, 2018, owner Robert Sarver made the abruptly fired general manager Ryan McDonough.[28] 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.[29]

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
T.J. Warren $11,750,000
DeAndre Ayton $8,175,840
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
Jamal Crawford $2,393,887
Richuan Holmes $1,600,520
Élie Okobo $1,117,229
De'Anthony Melton $949,000
George King $77,250
Total $97,660,805

For this season, the minimum salary for two-way contracts is at $77,250, while the maximum salary is around $385,000, with potential to earn up to $506,215 in certain situations.[30] As a result of the pre-season waiving of Darrell Arthur, Davon Reed, and Shaquille Harrison, both Arthur and Reed had their fully guaranteed respective salaries of $7,464,912 and $1,378,242 retained for the rest of the season (though with Reed signing a two-way contract with the Indiana Pacers, some of the money is paid by Indiana instead), while Harrison only received the partial guarantee he acquired earlier in the season. When Tyson Chandler and Isaiah Canaan bought out and waived on November 3 and 28 respectively, the Suns opened more salary for the remainder of the season.[31]

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.[32] 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

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: 4–22 (Home: 3–10; Road: 1–12)
October: 1–6 (home: 1–2; road: 0–4)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
1 October 17 Dallas W 121–100 Devin Booker (35) DeAndre Ayton (10) Trevor Ariza, Devin Booker,
Isaiah Canaan (7) 		Talking Stick Resort Arena
18,422 		1–0
2 October 20 @ Denver L 91–119 Devin Booker (25) DeAndre Ayton, Tyson Chandler (8) Devin Booker (7) Pepsi Center
19,592 		1–1
3 October 22 @ Golden State L 103–123 Devin Booker (28) DeAndre Ayton (14) Devin Booker (6) Oracle Arena
19,596 		1–2
4 October 24 L.A. Lakers L 113–131 Devin Booker (23) DeAndre Ayton (11) Devin Booker (7) Talking Stick Resort Arena
18,055 		1–3
5 October 27 @ Memphis L 96–117 DeAndre Ayton (24) DeAndre Ayton (8) DeAndre Ayton, Trevor Ariza (5) FedExForum
15,926 		1–4
6 October 28 @ Oklahoma City L 110–117 T.J. Warren, Élie Okobo (18) DeAndre Ayton (11) Élie Okobo (7) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203 		1–5
7 October 31 San Antonio L 90–120 T.J. Warren (21) DeAndre Ayton (8) Élie Okobo (5) Talking Stick Resort Arena
12,328 		1–6
November : 3–12 (home: 2–6; road: 1–6)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
8 November 2 Toronto L 98–107 Isaiah Canaan (19) DeAndre Ayton (18) Trevor Ariza (4) Talking Stick Resort Arena
15,843 		1–7
9 November 4 Memphis W 102–100 Devin Booker (25) Trevor Ariza (9) Devin Booker (7) Talking Stick Resort Arena
13,074 		2–7
10 November 6 Brooklyn L 82–104 Devin Booker (20) DeAndre Ayton (13) Isaiah Canaan (4) Talking Stick Resort Arena
14,205 		2–8
11 November 8 Boston L 109–116 (OT) Devin Booker (38) DeAndre Ayton (10) Devin Booker (9) Talking Stick Resort Arena
17,359 		2–9
12 November 10 @ New Orleans L 99–119 T.J. Warren (25) DeAndre Ayton (12) Devin Booker (7) Smoothie King Center
15,222 		2–10
13 November 12 @ Oklahoma City L 101–118 T.J. Warren (21) DeAndre Ayton, Richaun Holmes (7) Devin Booker (6) Chesapeake Energy Arena
18,203 		2–11
14 November 14 San Antonio W 116–96 T.J. Warren (27) DeAndre Ayton (10) Devin Booker (12) Talking Stick Resort Arena
14,532 		3–11
15 November 17 Oklahoma City L 100–110 T.J. Warren (23) DeAndre Ayton (9) Devin Booker (12) Talking Stick Resort Arena
16,376 		3–12
16 November 19 @ Philadelphia L 114–119 Devin Booker (37) DeAndre Ayton (9) Devin Booker (8) Wells Fargo Center
20,459 		3–13
17 November 21 @ Chicago L 116–124 Devin Booker (23) DeAndre Ayton (12) Devin Booker, Isaiah Canaan (6) United Center
19,014 		3–14
18 November 23 @ Milwaukee W 116–114 Devin Booker (29) Trevor Ariza (11) Devin Booker (7) Fiserv Forum
17,852 		4–14
19 November 25 @ Detroit L 107–118 Devin Booker (37) DeAndre Ayton (14) Devin Booker, Jamal Crawford (5) Little Caesars Arena
14,413 		4–15
20 November 27 Indiana L 104–109 Devin Booker (25) Trevor Ariza (12) Devin Booker (8) Talking Stick Resort Arena
13,038 		4–16
21 November 28 @ L.A. Clippers L 99–115 Devin Booker (23) DeAndre Ayton (9) Trevor Ariza, Jamal Crawford, Devin Booker, Élie Okobo (4) Staples Center
16,372 		4–17
22 November 30 Orlando L 85–99 DeAndre Ayton (19) Josh Jackson, DeAndre Ayton (9) Josh Jackson (7) Talking Stick Resort Arena
13,228 		4–18
December: 0–4 (home: 0–2; road: 0–2)
Game Date Team Score High points High rebounds High assists Location
Attendance		 Record
23 December 2 @ L.A. Lakers L 96–120 Richaun Holmes (15) DeAndre Ayton (10) Jamal Crawford, Élie Okobo (4) Staples Center
18,997 		4–19
24 December 4 Sacramento L 105–122 De'Anthony Melton (21) DeAndre Ayton (9) De'Anthony Melton (5) Talking Stick Resort Arena
12,977 		4–20
25 December 6 @ Portland L 86–108 Troy Daniels (15) DeAndre Ayton (8) Jamal Crawford (5) Moda Center
19,001 		4–21
26 December 7 Miami L 98–115 Troy Daniels (18) DeAndre Ayton (11) Trevor Ariza (6) Talking Stick Resort Arena
14,273 		4–22
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
The Phoenix Suns (purple) played the Memphis Grizzlies (white) in an NBA game at Phoenix on November 4, 2018, and won 102–100.

Awards and records

Awards

Week/Month

All-Star

Records

  • The Suns scored 19 three-pointers in their 121–100 win over the Dallas Mavericks on October 17, 2018, tying an NBA record for most three-pointers made on a team's opening night game.[33]
  • Devin Booker scored 35 point and 7 assists game in the team's season opener, joining Michael Jordan and LeBron James as the only players that are 21 and younger to record five or more games with those numbers or greater.[34]
  • Throughout the first 11 games of the regular season, DeAndre Ayton became the first rookie since Terry Cummings to record averages of at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists per game. In addition, Ayton recorded the highest amount of rebounds for a rookie at that time since Tim Duncan with 119 and the most assists for a rookie center for any team since former Suns center Alvan Adams with 35.[35]

Team records

Milestones

Team milestones

  • After finishing their second-worst season in franchise history, the Suns won their first #1 pick in franchise history.
  • In the season-opening game, Devin Booker overtook Hall of Fame guard Dennis Johnson to become the Suns' 26th best all-time scorer by making a three-pointer at 3:32 near the end of the game in a 121–100 win over the Dallas Mavericks on October 17, 2018. Booker finished the night with 35 points, the highest amount for a Suns player in the team's season opener since Kevin Johnson in 1995.[citation needed]
  • In the next game, Booker tied former point guard Kyle Macy for the 25th best all-time scorer for the Suns with 25 points scored in a loss to the Denver Nuggets. He later overtook Macy two days later against the Golden State Warriors in the first two minutes of the game. Booker also overtook former point guard Stephon Marbury to become the franchise's 25th best all-time scorer and finished the game with 28 points in a 123–103 loss to the Warriors. Booker then overtook Eric Bledsoe to become the 24th best all-time scorer for the Suns in the next game.
  • For DeAndre Ayton's first 11 games of the regular season, the 35 assists were the highest by a rookie center for any player since former Suns center Alvan Adams.[citation needed]
  • On November 14, Booker overtook Hall of Fame guard Grant Hill to become the 23rd best all-time scorer for the Suns, scoring 13 points alongside a career-high 12 assists[36] in a 116–96 win over the San Antonio Spurs.[37]

Injuries/personal games missed

Player Duration Reason for missed time Games missed
Start End
Troy Daniels October 19, 2018 October 27, 2018 Failed a concussion protocol 3
Devin Booker October 24, 2018 November 2, 2018 Strained hamstring 3
Isaiah Canaan October 30, 2018 November 2, 2018 Sprained ankle 1
T.J. Warren November 4, 2018 November 6, 2018 Lower back spasms 1
Trevor Ariza November 14, 2018 November 19, 2018 Personal reasons 2
Devin Booker November 30, 2018 December 2, 2018 Left toe injury 1
T.J. Warren November 30, 2018 — Right ankle injury —
Devin Booker December 2, 2018 — Hamstring —

Transactions

Trades

June 21, 2018[38] 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[39] To Phoenix Suns
United States Darrell Arthur 		To Brooklyn Nets
United States Jared Dudley
2021 protected second-round pick
July 20, 2018[39] To Phoenix Suns
United States Richaun Holmes 		To Philadelphia 76ers
Cash considerations
August 31, 2018[40] 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[41] July 7, 2018

Additions

Player Signed Former team
Trevor Ariza[42] Signed 1-year deal worth $15,000,000 Houston Rockets
Isaiah Canaan[43] Signed 1-year non-guaranteed deal worth $1,757,429 Phoenix Suns (Previously waived on February 8, 2018)
Jamal Crawford Signed 1-year deal worth $2,393,887 Minnesota Timberwolves
Jawun Evans Signed a two-way contract Northern Arizona Suns

Subtractions

Player Reason left New team(s)
Alex Len[44] Unrestricted free agent Atlanta Hawks
Elfrid Payton[45] Unrestricted free agent New Orleans Pelicans
Danuel House Jr. Two-way contract expired Golden State Warriors
Tyler Ulis[46] Waived Golden State Warriors / Chicago Bulls / Windy City Bulls
Alan Williams[47] Waived Brooklyn Nets / Long Island Nets
Alec Peters[48] Two-way contract expired Russia PBC CSKA Moscow
Darrell Arthur Waived Unknown
Shaquille Harrison Waived Chicago Bulls
Davon Reed Waived Indiana Pacers / Fort Wayne Mad Ants
Tyson Chandler Waived / Bought out contract Los Angeles Lakers
Isaiah Canaan Waived Unknown

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. ^ [1][dead link]
  12. ^ Rapp, Timothy. "Rockets Select 'Analytics Darling' De'Anthony Melton in 2018 NBA Draft".
  13. ^ "Report: Suns apply for disabled-player exception for Darrell Arthur". NBC Sports. October 10, 2018.
  14. ^ "Suns officially announce signing of Jamal Crawford". ESPN. October 17, 2018.
  15. ^ "Phoenix Suns are prioritizing NBA success in coaching search". Arizonasports.com. 14 April 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  16. ^ "Suns notes: James Jones on Igor's coaching staff, women in coaching, and more". Brightsideofthesun.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  17. ^ "Suns Agree to Terms with Igor Kokoškov To Become New Head Coach". NBA.com. May 2, 2018. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  18. ^ "Sources: Triano out of running for Suns coach". Espn.com. April 30, 2018. Retrieved April 30, 2018.
  19. ^ "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.
  20. ^ "Suns hire Corliss Williamson as assistant coach, interview Mike Woodson". Azcentral.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  21. ^ "Phoenix Suns to add Jason Staudt, Devin Smith to coaching staff". Arizonasports.com. 10 June 2018. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  22. ^ "NAZ Suns' coach Cody Toppert joins Phoenix staff as assistant under Kokoskov". The Daily Courier. June 22, 2018.
  23. ^ "Cody Toppert Joins Phoenix Suns Coaching Staff". OurSportsCentral.com. June 27, 2018.
  24. ^ "Phoenix Suns Announce Coaching Staff - Phoenix Suns". Nba.com. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
  25. ^ "Bret Burchard Named Head Coach of Northern Arizona Suns". OurSportsCentral.com. July 25, 2018.
  26. ^ "Stockton Kings name Ellis new head coach". Stockton Record. August 13, 2018.
  27. ^ "Suns Announce Additions to Sports Medicine Staff - Phoenix Suns".
  28. ^ "Suns Relieve Ryan McDonough of General Manager Duties". NBA.com. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  29. ^ "Sources: Suns leaning toward making Jones GM".
  30. ^ "What Is The Earning Power Of A Two-Way Contract For 2018–19?". 4 September 2018.
  31. ^ "HoopsHype – NBA Salaries – Phoenix Suns". hoopshype.com. September 22, 2012. Retrieved September 22, 2012.
  32. ^ "Sixers to host Australia's Melbourne United in 2018-19 preseason game". NBC Sports. June 26, 2018.
  33. ^ "Aftermath: The Kokoskov-Booker-Ayton saga could not have started any better".
  34. ^ "Kris Hanson on Twitter".
  35. ^ https://www.nba.com/suns/pregame/suns-sneak-peek-suns-vs-pelicans
  36. ^ "T.J. Warren scores 27 points, Suns beat Spurs 116-96". ESPN.com. November 14, 2018. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  37. ^ https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/players.html
  38. ^ "Draft 2018 | Sought-After Prospect, Future Pick Highlight Acquisitions". NBA.com. June 21, 2018. Retrieved June 22, 2018.
  39. ^ a b "Suns Complete Trades with Philadelphia and Brooklyn". NBA.com. July 20, 2018. Retrieved July 22, 2018.
  40. ^ "Suns Acquire Ryan Anderson and De'Anthony Melton from Houston". NBA.com. August 31, 2018. Retrieved August 31, 2018.
  41. ^ "Devin Booker has All-NBA escalators in his contract extension".
  42. ^ "Suns Sign Trevor Ariza, 14-year veteran and NBA Champion". NBA.com. July 6, 2018. Retrieved July 6, 2018.
  43. ^ "Phoenix Suns Re-Sign Isaiah Canaan". NBA.com. August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  44. ^ "Atlanta Hawks Sign Alex Len". NBA.com. August 3, 2018. Retrieved August 3, 2018.
  45. ^ "Pelicans sign free agents Elfrid Payton and Julius Randle". NBA.com. July 9, 2018. Retrieved July 9, 2018.
  46. ^ "Phoenix Suns Waive Tyler Ulis". NBA.com. June 30, 2018. Retrieved June 30, 2018.
  47. ^ "Phoenix Suns Waive Alan Williams". NBA.com. July 2, 2018. Retrieved July 2, 2018.
  48. ^ "Alec Peters joined CSKA". cskabasket.com. CSKA Moscow Professional Basketball Club. July 23, 2018. Retrieved July 23, 2018.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2018–19_Phoenix_Suns_season&oldid=873066371"