2001–02 Phoenix Suns season explained

Team:Phoenix Suns
End Year:2002
Wins:36
Losses:46
Division:Pacific
Division Place:6
Conf Place:10
Coach:
Gm:Bryan Colangelo
Owner:Jerry Colangelo
Arena:America West Arena
Playoffs:Did not qualify
Bbr Team:PHO
Television:
Radio:KTAR

The 2001–02 NBA season was the 34th season for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association.[1] During the off-season, the Suns acquired All-Star point guard Stephon Marbury from the New Jersey Nets,[2] [3] [4] [5] and re-signed former All-Star Suns guard and three-point specialist Dan Majerle, who was a member of the team when they appeared in the 1993 NBA Finals.[6] [7] [8] Early into the season, the team acquired Bo Outlaw from the Orlando Magic.[9] [10] The Suns got off to a 18–13 start, but soon began to slip under .500 as the season progressed as head coach Scott Skiles struggled to a 25–26 record, and was replaced by former Suns guard Frank Johnson.[11] [12] The Suns posted a six-game losing streak in March and lost eight of their final eleven games, finishing the regular season at 36–46, and missing the playoffs for the first time since 1988.[13] All home games were played at America West Arena.

Marbury would lead the team in scoring and assists, averaging 20.4 points and 8.1 assists per game, becoming the first Suns player to average 20 or more points per game since Kevin Johnson during the 1996–97 season. Shawn Marion increased his scoring as well, averaging 19.1 points per game along with 9.9 rebounds per game. Rodney Rogers and Tony Delk both continued to provide the team with scoring off the bench, before both being traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for top draft pick Joe Johnson midway through the season.[14] [15] [16] Penny Hardaway returned to appear in 80 games, after being sidelined all but four games the season before, and averaged 12.0 points and 4.1 assists per game.[17] Johnson, who earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors, rounded out a team rich in talent at the guard position. Tom Gugliotta was again plagued by knee injury, only playing just 44 games due to left quadriceps tendonitis.[18] [19]

The season was a disappointment for an organization looking to build a new core of talent. For the first time since the 1996–97 season, the All-Star Game did not feature a Suns player. To complete the season on a low note, a franchise-record of 13 straight playoff appearances was snapped when the Suns failed to qualify for postseason play.[20] Following the season, Majerle retired after playing in his second stint with the Suns.[21]

Offseason

NBA draft

See main article: 2001 NBA draft.

Roster

Roster Notes

Regular season

Record vs. opponents

2001-02 NBA Records
width=100TeamATLBOSCHACHICLEDALDENDETGSWHOUINDLACLALMEMMIAMILMINNJNNYKORLPHIPHOPORSACSASSEATORUTAWAS
Atlanta2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 1–3 0–2 2–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 0–4 1–1 0–3
Boston2–2 2–1 2–2 4–0 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 3–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–3 1–1 3–1 4–0 3–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
Charlotte2–2 1–2 4–0 3–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 3–0 2–2 0–2 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
Chicago1–3 2–2 0–4 1–3 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 2–0 0–4 0–2 2–0 1–1 1–3 2–2 0–2 0–4 3–1 0–3 1–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–3
Cleveland1–3 0–4 1–3 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 2–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–3 1–1 0–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 0–2 1–2
Dallas2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 4–0 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 4–0 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 3–1 1–3 3–1 1–1 3–1 1–1
Denver0–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–4 0–2 1–3 2–2 0–2 1–3 1–3 3–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–1 1–3 0–2
Detroit3–1 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–1 2–2 1–1 3–1 3–1 2–2 2–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 3–1 1–1 4–0
Golden State0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 0–4 3–1 1–1 1–3 0–2 2–2 1–3 3–1 0–2 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–4 2–2 0–4 0–4 0–4 0–2 0–4 1–1
Houston1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 0–2 1–3 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–1 2–2 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–3 0–4 0–4 2–2 1–1 2–2 1–1
Indiana3–1 0–3 1–3 4–0 2–2 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–0 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–2 1–3 1–1 1–3 2–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 3–1
L.A. Clippers1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 1–1 1–3 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 0–2 2–0 1–1 0–2 3–1 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–3 1–1 0–4 1–1
L.A. Lakers1–1 0–2 2–0 0–2 2–0 3–1 3–1 2–0 3–1 4–0 2–0 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–2 2–2 3–1 3–1 3–1 1–1 3–1 2–0
Memphis0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–4 1–3 0–2 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 0–2 0–4 0–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 2–2 1–3 0–4 0–4 1–1 3–1 0–2
Miami1–3 1–3 0–3 3–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 1–2 2–0 2–0 2–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 3–1 0–2 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–3 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–0 1–3 0–2 2–2
Milwaukee3–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 0–2 2–0 2–2 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 0–2 1–2 1–3 2–1 1–3 0–2 0–2 0–2 2–0 0–2 4–0 2–0 3–1
Minnesota2–0 1–1 2–0 2–0 0–2 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 2–2 1–1 2–2 2–2 4–0 2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 1–1 2–2 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–2 1–1 3–1 2–0
New Jersey1–2 1–3 3–1 4–0 3–1 0–2 1–1 1–3 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–0 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–1 1–1 4–0 3–1 2–2 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–1 3–1
New York3–1 0–4 2–2 1–3 2–2 1–1 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–2 0–2 0–2 1–1 2–2 3–1 0–2 0–4 0–4 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 2–0 3–0 1–1 1–3
Orlando3–1 1–3 1–3 3–0 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 2–0 2–0 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–3 1–2 1–1 1–3 4–0 3–1 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 0–2 3–1 1–1 2–2
Philadelphia3–1 3–1 3–1 2–1 3–0 1–1 1–1 1–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 0–2 3–1 3–1 1–1 2–2 3–1 1–3 2–0 0–2 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 0–2 2–3
Phoenix1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–3 1–1 4–0 2–2 1–1 1–3 2–2 3–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 0–2 0–2 2–2 1–3 1–3 2–2 1–1 2–2 0–2
Portland1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 2–0 2–2 3–1 1–1 3–1 2–2 2–2 1–1 2–0 2–2 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 2–2 2–2 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–3 2–0
Sacramento2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 2–0 1–3 4–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 0–2 3–1 1–3 3–1 2–0 2–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 3–1 2–2 3–1 2–2 2–0 4–0 1–1
San Antonio2–0 2–0 1–1 2–0 1–1 3–1 4–0 2–0 4–0 4–0 1–1 3–1 1–3 4–0 1–1 0–2 2–2 0–2 2–0 2–0 1–1 3–1 3–1 1–3 2–2 1–1 4–0 2–0
Seattle2–0 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 1–3 1–3 1–1 4–0 2–2 2–0 3–1 1–3 4–0 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–1 0–2 2–0 1–1 2–2 1–3 2–2 2–2 2–0 1–3 1–1
Toronto4–0 2–2 2–2 4–0 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–3 2–0 1–1 3–1 1–1 1–1 1–1 3–1 0–4 1–1 2–2 0–3 1–3 3–1 1–1 1–1 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 1–2
Utah1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–0 1–3 3–1 1–1 4–0 2–2 1–1 4–0 1–3 1–3 2–0 0–2 1–3 1–1 1–1 1–1 2–0 2–2 3–1 0–4 0–4 3–1 1–1 2–0
Washington3–0 1–3 1–3 3–1 2–1 1–1 2–0 0–4 1–1 1–1 1–3 1–1 0–2 2–0 2–2 1–3 0–2 1–3 3–1 2–2 3–2 2–0 0–2 1–1 0–2 1–1 2–1 0–2

Awards and honors

Week/Month

Season

Player statistics

Season

PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
5 0 8.4 .273 .000 1.000# 0.8 0.4 .0 .0 1.6
6 0 9.0 .333 .333 . 1.3 0.5 .2 .0 1.0
15 0 8.6 .411 .429^ 1.000# 0.7 1.6 .3 .0 4.6
2 0 3.0 .250 . . 0.0 1.0 .0 .0 1.0
41 1 21.4 .399 .320 .836 3.0 2.0 .8 .1 10.6
53 0 8.5 .517 . .737 2.0 0.1 .1 .1 3.1
44 40 25.7 .422 .333 .757 5.0 1.8 .9 .7 6.5
80 56 30.8 .418 .277 .810 4.4 4.1 1.5 .4 12.0
29 27 31.5 .420 .333 .778 4.1 3.6 .9 .4 9.6
65 0 18.2 .343 .336^ .590 2.7 1.4 .7 .2 4.6
82 80 38.9 .442 .286 .781 3.2 8.1 .9 .2 20.4
81 81 38.4 .469 .393^ .845# 9.9 2.0 1.8 1.1 19.1
73 36 24.2 .550 .500^ .417 4.6 1.7 .8 1.1 4.7
28 1 9.7 .380 .143 .783 0.8 1.0 .3 .0 2.8
50 7 25.1 .466 .350^ .828 4.8 1.4 1.0 .3 12.6
3 0 8.0 .500 . . 2.3 0.7 .0 .3 2.7
67 47 23.6 .475 .000 .698 5.6 0.3 .3 1.0 7.3
59 34 15.3 .554 . .752 4.3 0.3 .2 .4 5.0
46 0 10.7 .435 .385^ .870# 1.8 0.6 .2 .2 5.0

† – Minimum 300 field goals made.
^ – Minimum 55 three-pointers made.

  1. – Minimum 125 free throws made.

Transactions

Trades

July 18, 2001To Detroit Pistons---- Clifford RobinsonTo Phoenix Suns---- Jud Buechler

John Wallace

$1.6 million trade exception

July 18, 2001To New Jersey Nets---- Chris Dudley

Jason Kidd

To Phoenix Suns---- Stephon Marbury

Johnny Newman

Soumaila Samake

October 29, 2001To Chicago Bulls---- Soumaila Samake

2003 second-round draft pick ( Matt Bonner)

To Phoenix Suns---- Jake Voskuhl
November 15, 2001To Orlando Magic---- Jud BuechlerTo Phoenix Suns---- Bo Outlaw

2002 first-round draft pick ( Amar'e Stoudemire)

To Los Angeles Clippers---- Vinny Del Negro

Cash considerations

February 20, 2002To Boston Celtics---- Tony Delk

Rodney Rogers

To Phoenix Suns---- Randy Brown

Joe Johnson

Milt Palacio

2002 first-round draft pick ( Casey Jacobsen)

Free agents

Additions

DatePlayerContractFormer Team
July 6, 2001Charlie BellUndisclosedMichigan State Spartans
July 19, 2001Dan MajerleSigned to 1-year contract for $1 millionMiami Heat
August 29, 2001Daniel SantiagoRe-signed to 1-year contract for $465,850Phoenix Suns
September 27, 2001Chris AndersenUndisclosedFayetteville Patriots (NBA DL)
September 27, 2001Dan McClintockUndisclosedDenver Nuggets
September 27, 2001Derek HoodUndisclosedSnaidero Udine (Italy)
September 27, 2001Kendrick JohnsonUndisclosed
January 7, 2002Joe CrispinSigned for rest of seasonSouthern California Surf (ABA)

Subtractions

DatePlayerReason LeftNew Team
September 28, 2001Johnny NewmanWaivedDallas Mavericks
October 7, 2001Chris AndersenWaivedDenver Nuggets
October 9, 2001Dan McClintockWaivedSkipper Bologna
October 11, 2001Kendrick JohnsonWaived
October 20, 2001Derek HoodWaivedMobile Revelers (NBA DL)
December 11, 2001Charlie BellWaivedPhoenix Eclipse (ABA)
January 7, 2002Daniel SantiagoWaivedLottomatica Roma (Italy)

Player Transactions Citation:[22]

External links

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2001-02 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats.
  2. News: Robbins . Liz . PRO BASKETBALL; Nets' Shake-Up Ships Marbury for Suns' Kidd . The New York Times . June 29, 2001 . July 30, 2021.
  3. News: Heisler . Mark . Kidd, Marbury Latest Big Deal . Los Angeles Times . June 29, 2001 . May 28, 2022.
  4. News: Suns Trade Star Guard Kidd, Get Nets' Marbury in Return . The Washington Post . June 29, 2001 . July 13, 2022.
  5. News: Suns Agree to Trade Kidd to Nets for Marbury . Tampa Bay Times . June 29, 2001 . November 30, 2022.
  6. News: Dan Majerle Signs with Suns . United Press International . July 19, 2001 . December 31, 2021.
  7. News: Tutumello . Mike . Majerle Goes Home to the Arizona Heat . Sun Sentinel . October 4, 2001 . October 20, 2022.
  8. News: Wise . Mike . PRO BASKETBALL; Jordan Against the New Generation, Lakers Against the World . The New York Times . October 30, 2001 . July 16, 2022.
  9. News: Brewer . Jerry . Magic Send Outlaw to Suns . Orlando Sentinel . November 17, 2001 . October 20, 2022.
  10. News: Suns Get Outlaw in 3-Team Trade . United Press International . November 16, 2001 . January 11, 2022.
  11. News: Associated Press . PRO BASKETBALL; Skiles Resigns as Suns' Coach . The New York Times . February 18, 2002 . January 11, 2022.
  12. News: Associated Press . Suns' Skiles Resigns, Johnson Takes Over . Los Angeles Times . February 18, 2002 . November 26, 2022.
  13. Web site: 2001–02 Phoenix Suns Schedule and Results. Basketball-Reference. July 2, 2021.
  14. News: Report: Rogers, Delk to Celtics . United Press International . February 20, 2002 . May 5, 2023.
  15. News: Associated Press . Boston Acquires Delk, Rogers from Phoenix . Los Angeles Times . February 21, 2002 . October 20, 2022.
  16. News: Celts, Suns Make Trade; Jackson Set to Be Dealt . Deseret News . February 21, 2002 . July 24, 2021.
  17. Web site: 2001–02 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats. Basketball-Reference. July 2, 2021.
  18. News: Suns Place Gugliotta on Injured List . United Press International . January 8, 2002 . January 11, 2022.
  19. News: Suns Activate Oft-Injured Gugliotta . Midland Daily News . February 12, 2002 . October 25, 2022.
  20. News: Phoenix Suns . Basketball-Reference . January 24, 2022.
  21. News: Associated Press . Buford Clarifies Drug Suspension . Los Angeles Times . February 15, 2002 . October 25, 2022.
  22. Web site: 2001–02 Phoenix Suns Transactions. Basketball-Reference. July 2, 2021.