2012–13 Phoenix Suns season | |
---|---|
Head coach |
Alvin Gentry Lindsey Hunter (interim) |
General manager | Lance Blanks |
Owner(s) | Robert Sarver |
Arena | US Airways Center |
Results | |
Record | 25–57 (.305) |
Place |
Division: 5th (Pacific) Conference: 15th (Western) |
Playoff finish | Did not qualify |
Stats @ Basketball-Reference.com |
|
Local media | |
Television | Fox Sports Arizona |
Radio | KTAR |
The 2012–13 NBA season was the Suns' 45th season in the NBA. This season was the first season since the 2003–04 season that the Suns were without star point guard and former two-time MVP Steve Nash. Ironically enough, Nash was sign-and-traded to the rival Los Angeles Lakers despite Nash making earlier statements that he couldn't really envision himself being an L.A. Laker. Another fan favorite, Grant Hill, would also leave for Los Angeles in this season, but he would sign with the L.A. Clippers instead. By technicality, the player who held the most playing experience for the Suns this season was Jermaine O'Neal.
The Suns will once again only have pick 13 as their only first-round draft pick. The Suns used their only pick to select point guard Kendall Marshall from North Carolina. Marshall was a prolific passer, averaging 8.1 points and 9.8 assists in his last season with the Tar Heels. He also set the ACC & North Carolina University season assist records, as well as winning the Bob Cousy Award for his performance in his sophomore year. Their second-round pick was traded to the Atlanta Hawks for Josh Childress via sign and trade.
Veteran players Grant Hill and Steve Nash, as well as the newly signed Shannon Brown, Michael Redd, and Ronnie Price have all become unrestricted free agents as of the end of the 2011–12 NBA season. Center Robin Lopez has become a restricted free agent as of the end of the season as well. In a unique situation, former CBA player Aaron Brooks is still a restricted free agent, but due to him signing with the Guangdong Southern Tigers and the Suns not re-signing Brooks to a new contract during the 2011–12 NBA season, he'll be a restricted free agent with restricted benefits. For example, the Suns can match any offer that they see fit, but they cannot do any sign-and-trades whatsoever with him. However, Phoenix was unlikely to bring back Aaron Brooks to an restricted free agent offer, so they made him unrestricted after trying to get Eric Gordon. In addition, the Suns may also use their amnesty clause to get rid of a player that they see is holding them back. However, they have to use it a week after the July moratorium (July 11); otherwise, the amnesty clause stays with the team until at least next season.