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By Arlie Rahn
Arizona Daily Wildcat
October 23, 1996
The Phoenix Suns will be looking to avenge a 100-87 beating at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers last Saturday when they square off at McKale Center tonight at 7 p.m.The new-look Suns are already reaping benefits from their trade with Houston, which involved Charles Barkley leaving Phoenix for Chucky Brown, Mark Bryant, Sam Cassell and Robert Horry. With starting point guard Kevin Johnson out for six weeks due to abdominal hernia surgery, Cassell and Horry have added some much-needed scoring punch.
Both have been averaging double digits in scoring while playing limited time. Horry was the top scorer for the Suns against Golden State with 20, and Cassell matched that with 20 against Washington.
"They have really provided a lift for us in the preseason," Suns assistant coach Donn Nelson said. "The depth they give us is a major factor in our success."
With the addition of the players from Houston and the continued improvement of forward Michael Finley and guard Wesley Person, the Suns had a four-game win streak before losing to the Lakers at the Great Western Forum.
Person followed up a successful rookie year in 1994-95, where he was rated the NBA's sixth-best three-point shooter at 43.6 percent, by letting his numbers drop off in his sophomore season. Last season, Finley became only the third rookie in Suns history to score more than 1,000 points.
The Suns have also strongly considered opening a roster spot for former UA forward Ben Davi, who has already signed a contract with Phoenix and has been a favorite of the Suns' coaching staff during the preseason.
"When we were in our camp, Davis would always be the first one on the floor and cause Danny (Ainge, Suns assistant coach) to get to the gym early in the morning to let him in," Nelson said. "One thing we have learned is not to question the work ethic of Ben Davis."
Defensively, Phoenix is holding opponents to 95.2 points and a .410 shooting percentage from the field. The Suns also have five players averaging double figures.
Another key addition for the Suns was signing free agent Rex Chapman from Miami. Chapman averaged 14 points a game last season and was the Heat's team leader in three-point shots made (125) and attempted (337).
"Rex adds another phase of outside shooting to our team," Nelson said. "The fact that we managed to sign him for not that much money makes him an even more important factor."
The Lakers are using the season to take a long look at rookie sensation Kobe Bryant, who skipped college in favor of the NBA and has made great strides in the five months he has been with the team. Another key addition by the Lakers this off-season was center Shaquille O'Neal, who solidifies the Lakers' inside presence.
With the addition of 10 new players this offseason, the Suns might be leaning toward a trade or two to free up the roster space.
"With so many players, it would be irresponsible not to look at other offers," Nelson said. "But trades are not something that is high on our list of priorities at this point in the season."
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