Improving isn’t easy, no matter what you’re attempting to accomplish. When you speak in the context of roster improvement in the NBA, with millions of dollars at play and a complex salary and luxury tax structure, it is challenging. You seek the ultimate balance, combining talent with chemistry, and ability with scheme.
James Jones and the Phoenix Suns, who were buyers at the trade deadline, had to operate within the second apron restrictions while trying to improve a roster that needed assistance. The bench was underperforming. Their defense was inconsistent, as was their shooting. The players who signed as free agents this past offseason didn’t provide the assistance that was expected.