The Phoenix Suns roster went through a makeover during the offseason. Steve Nash is now in Los Angeles with Kobe and the Lakers. One-time Suns player Goran Dragic made his return to the desert as his replacement. Forward Luis Scola, who was available after the Houston Rockets used their amnesty provision on him, was added to give the team another quality big man along with Marcin Gortat. Unrestricted free agent Michael Beasley signed a three-year deal with Phoenix and shooting guard Wesley Johnson arrived from the Timberwolves via a trade. Robin Lopez and Hakim Warrick left as part of the Johnson trade.
In keeping with the “new look” theme the floor at US Airways Center will have a different appearance this season as well.
“When you look at what we’re trying to accomplish as a team this season, the excitement of a new year and the excitement of all these new and younger players, it was important to us to utilize a more modern feel on the court,” said Nina Daily, the Suns’ senior director of marketing.
“This is the new team’s floor – whoever your favorite players is,” [vice president of facility management Alvan] Adams said. “It’s Gortat’s court, or Coach Gentry’s court. It’s Goran’s court. These players have earned a great opportunity, and there’s a chance it all comes together on this court.”
The Suns will have some work to do in the Pacific division that includes the Lakers, Clippers, and a should-be-improved Warriors squad. The good thing is the offseason acquisitions have provided an opportunity for the franchise to capitalize on the optimism leading up to the 2012-2013 season. If the Suns play as well the new court looks Suns fans should be in for a pretty good season.
Photo via the Phoenix Suns
