The Phoenix Suns have made some major changes to their roster this offseason. The goal, as stated in many instances by President of Basketball Operations Lon Babby, was to get younger and more athletic. Gone are Steve Nash, Grant Hill, Hakim Warrick, Josh Childress and Robin Lopez. In are Goran Dragic, Michael Beasley, Luis Scola, Kendall Marshall and Wesley Johnson.
On paper, the team has accomplished their goals. The team is younger, at an average age of about 27 years old. It is more athletic. Whether it is going to be a successful or competitive team is another question entirely.
But there is one other trait that this has taken on in the acquisition of its new players. Lance Blanks said it, too, in the press conference that introduced Wesley Johnson. "I think this is a multi-position roster," he said.
Versatility is the new trend on the roster. So many players can now play multiple positions, creating potential flexibility for rotations and matchups.
Who are the multi-positional players?
Channing Frye is one that was already on the team, who can play power forward and center.
Jared Dudley, the senior Suns player, is also versatile, having had success at small forward and at shooting guard.
Among the newcomers, there is more flexibility.
Goran Dragic is a point guard, but is an able shooting guard.
Michael Beasley can play both forward positions.
Luis Scola is a power forward that can be an undersized backup center, but would be comfortable in that role if the need arose.
Wes Johnson can play shooting guard or small forward.
Half of the roster can play more than one position. Whether that actually means anything come the regular season is left to be seen. But one thing is certain. Head coach Alvin Gentry will not be limited as to the type of rotations he can assemble. .
Will it help them win games? That is the big question.
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