2011-12 Returning players: most improved

[Griffin]

Of our returning players, who will likely improve the most in the coming season?

Last year, Robin Lopez won this poll with Goran Dragic coming in second. Fortunately for Lopez, since he arguably regressed so much this past season, he again has a chance to do well in this poll. You'd be hard-pressed to find another returning Suns player with more room for improvement. But this time around he will likely start the season coming off the bench and playing limited minutes behind Gortat.

Speaking of Gortat, how much room for improvement does he have at the age of 27? This will be his first season in the NBA where he starts the year as a starter and is expected to play a big role. He had an extended off-season to prepare for it.

Then there's Josh Childress, who started last season injured and never really found his way into the rotation until late in the season. He is the Suns' third highest player, but will likely be coming off the bench again this year, although his minutes and his role are bound to increase.

And what about Jared Dudley? He has played well in the few games he started last year and reportedly showed up to camp in excellent shape. With Richardson and Carter out of the way, this may be his first chance to be a regular starter in the NBA.

 

[Mainstreet]

If we are going to use stats as a criteria, I think Dudley and Gortat are good candidates.

 

[Billy Bob]

Gortat will put the polish hammer down!

 

[JS22]

Lopez. He has nowhere to go but up at this point.

 

[Covert Rain]

Lopez. He has nowhere to go but up at this point.

He could stay the course as well.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I vote Lopez. He is the player who is returning from injury healthy. Everyone else is in pretty much the same position as before. Also, mgmt seems to really want to develop Lopez. My second place would be Gortat simply bc he now gets a training camp of sorts with Nash.

Some voted for Dudley. He is a hustle guy and smart bball guy, but I think he is playing at the top of his talent level. I give him credit, he is getting everything out of what he has. I just believe he is already playing at his ceiling.

 

[sunsfan88]

Marcin Gortat. I think this is the season that he just completely breaks out and goes back to Orlando to play in the all-star game in '12.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I am really hoping both Gortat and Lopez break out this year. Its the best hope the Suns have for building. Two starting caliber centers are geat pieces foe qheeling and dealing

 

[dodie53]

i would have voted for gortat but i saw dudley's name first,
hehe