1987–88 Phoenix Suns season

NBA team season March 2026 August 2023 Phoenix Suns 1988 28 54 pacific 4th 9th John Wetzel Jerry Colangelo Jerry Colangelo Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum KUTP KTAR Did not qualify PHO The 1987–88 Phoenix Suns season was the 19th season for the Phoenix Suns in the National Basketball Association. Phoenix Suns Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/ August 9, 2026 Season summary Off-season The Suns were coming off from a controversial drug scandal that occurred during the previous season. In April 1987, three active players, James Edwards, Jay Humphries and Grant Gondrezick, and two former Suns players, Gar Heard and Mike Bratz, were all indicted by a county grand jury on drugs charges; All-Star guard Walter Davis was not indicted, but was found by a grand jury to have used cocaine after leaving a rehabilitation program, and was suspended by the Suns. Associated Press  3 Suns Players Are Indicted in Drug Investigation  The New York Times  April 18, 1987  https://www.nytimes.com/1987/04/18/sports/3-suns-players-are-indicted-in-drug-investigation.html April 1, 2026 Times Wire Service  3 Current and 2 Former Suns Indicted on Drug Charges: Gambling Allegation Also Probed; Walter Davis Suffers Relapse  Los Angeles Times  April 18, 1987  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-18-sp-889-story.html April 1, 2026 Ketetian Armen  Dark Clouds Over Sun Country: The Biggest Drug Bust Ever in Pro Sports Implicated 11 Present or Former Members of the Phoenix Suns  Sports Illustrated Vault  April 27, 1987  https://vault.si.com/vault/1987/04/27/dark-clouds-over-sun-country-the-biggest-drug-bust-ever-in-pro-sports-implicated-11-present-or-former-members-of-the-phoenix-suns April 1, 2026 https://web.archive.org/web/20240309113214/https://vault.si.com/vault/1987/04/27/dark-clouds-over-sun-country-the-biggest-drug-bust-ever-in-pro-sports-implicated-11-present-or-former-members-of-the-phoenix-suns March 9, 2024 dead The team also dealt with tragedy during the off-season, when second-year center Nick Vanos was killed in an airlines crash on August 16, 1987, at the age of 24; Vanos and his fiancée, Carolyn Cohen, 25, were among 156 victims killed in the Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crash in Detroit, Michigan. Cohn Bob  Suns Center Among Dead in Jet Crash  The Washington Post  August 17, 1987  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1987/08/18/suns-center-among-dead-in-jet-crash/c6e34890-478d-4704-9288-ee8faacb1771/ April 1, 2026 Associated Press  Suns' Vanos Among Victims in Detroit Jet Crash: Popular Center, 24, Was Expected to Be a Starter for Phoenix Next Season  Los Angeles Times  August 18, 1987  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-08-18-sp-2233-story.html April 1, 2026 Phoenix Suns Player Nick Vanos Was Remembered Thursday Night...  United Press International  August 21, 1987  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/08/21/Phoenix-Suns-player-Nick-Vanos-was-remembered-Thursday-night/4577556516800/ April 1, 2026 For the season, the team wore a circular patch featuring Vanos' #30 jersey number on their uniforms as a tribute. Barnard Bill  Cavs Daugherty Grows During Offseason  The Item  November 1, 1987  8B  https://books.google.com/books?id=6I4iAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA11&dq=1987+Phoenix+Suns+nick+vanos+jersey+number&article_id=5967,91690&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjLjPPGsc2TAxUsj4kEHXhrFaAQ6AF6BAgHEAM#v=onepage&q=1987%20Phoenix%20Suns%20nick%20vanos%20jersey%20number&f=false April 1, 2026 Despite finishing with a 36–46 record the previous season, the Suns received the second overall pick in the 1987 NBA draft, and selected power forward Armen Gilliam from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Goldaper Sam Guards Dominate Draft, But Robinson Goes First The New York Times June 23, 1987 https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/23/sports/guards-dominate-draft-but-robinson-goes-first.html April 1, 2026 Edes Gordon Only Surprise in the NBA Draft Is the Big Demand for Guards Los Angeles Times June 23, 1987 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-06-23-sp-10130-story.html April 1, 2026 1987 NBA Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1987.html April 1, 2026 During the off-season, the team acquired Eddie Johnson from the Sacramento Kings, United Press International  Suns Trade Bedford, Pinckney  The Washington Post  June 22, 1987  https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1987/06/22/suns-trade-bedford-pinckney/f7d95407-789a-43a9-bea2-4b001c66a8eb/ April 1, 2026 Suns Deal Bedford and Ed Pinckney  The New York Times  June 22, 1987  https://www.nytimes.com/1987/06/22/sports/suns-deal-bedford-and-ed-pinckney.html April 1, 2026 The Phoenix Suns Traded Their Top Draft Picks of...  United Press International  June 22, 1987  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/06/22/The-Phoenix-Suns-traded-their-top-draft-picks-of/1140551332800/ April 1, 2026 hired assistant coach John Wetzel as their new head coach, Suns Choose Wetzel as New Head Coach  Los Angeles Times  April 28, 1987  https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-28-sp-2254-story.html April 1, 2026 and released Gondrezick to free agency. Briefs  Chicago Tribune  October 14, 1987  https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/10/14/briefs-221/ April 1, 2026 In October, general manager Jerry Colangelo became the team's new owner and restructured the franchise. Shain Jeffrey T.  New Phoenix Suns Owner Jerry Colangelo Restructured the Club's...  United Press International  October 14, 1987  https://www.upi.com/Archives/1987/10/14/New-Phoenix-Suns-owner-Jerry-Colangelo-restructured-the-clubs/1108561182400/ April 1, 2026 Regular season Under Wetzel, and with the addition of Gilliam and Eddie Johnson, the Suns got off to a 7–8 start to the regular season. However, the team struggled posting a 10-game losing streak between January and February, and held a 13–29 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 4, 1988 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/index.cgi?month=2&day=4&year=1988 April 1, 2026 At mid-season, the Suns traded All-Star forward Larry Nance, and Mike Sanders to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for rookie point guard, and first-round draft pick Kevin Johnson, Mark West and Tyrone Corbin; Associated Press Suns Revamp in Deals with Cavaliers, Bucks The Washington Post February 25, 1988 https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/sports/1988/02/26/suns-revamp-in-deals-with-cavaliers-bucks/a3fa3be9-0af7-4a79-bb96-97e2f5d64975/ April 1, 2026 Goldaper Sam Suns Trade Nance to the Cavaliers The New York Times February 26, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/26/sports/suns-trade-nance-to-the-cavaliers.html April 1, 2026 The Phoenix Suns Traded Veteran Forwards Larry... Los Angeles Times February 26, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-26-sp-30359-story.html April 1, 2026 the team also traded Humphries to the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for three-point specialist Craig Hodges, The Phoenix Suns Traded Forward Larry Nance, Their Leading... United Press International February 25, 1988 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1988/02/25/The-Phoenix-Suns-traded-forward-Larry-Nance-their-leading/8202572763600/ April 1, 2026 and dealt Edwards to the Detroit Pistons. Sports People: Suns Trade Edwards The New York Times February 25, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/02/25/sports/sports-people-suns-trade-edwards.html April 1, 2026 The Phoenix Suns Traded Center James Edwards... Los Angeles Times February 25, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-02-25-sp-45069-story.html April 1, 2026 Baker Chris The NBA: At Phoenix, Suns Are Starting All Over Again Los Angeles Times March 1, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-01-sp-45-story.html April 1, 2026 Before the trades, Nance averaged 21.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in 40 games, while Edwards provided with 15.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game in 43 games, and Humphries contributed 12.7 points, 7.1 assists and 1.2 steals per game in 50 games. The Suns posted a nine-game losing streak between February and March, and finished in fourth place in the Pacific Division with a 28–54 record. 1987–88 Phoenix Suns Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/1988_games.html April 1, 2026 Davis averaged 17.9 points, 4.1 assists and 1.3 steals per game, while Eddie Johnson averaged 17.7 points per game, and Gilliam provided the team with 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. In addition, Kevin Johnson contributed 12.6 points, 8.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game in 28 games after the trade, while West provided with 11.8 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game in 29 games, and Hodges contributed 10.1 points per game in 23 games. Meanwhile, second-year guard Jeff Hornacek averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game, Corbin provided with 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 30 games, Alvan Adams averaged 7.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and Bernard Thompson contributed 5.2 points per game, but only appeared in just 37 games. 1987–88 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/1988.html April 1, 2026 The Suns finished 17th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 452,354 at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum during the regular season. 1987–88 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1988.html April 1, 2026 Aftermath Following the season, Davis signed as a free agent with the Denver Nuggets, Sports People: Davis Joins Nuggets The New York Times July 7, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/07/07/sports/sports-people-davis-joins-nuggets.html April 1, 2026 Bullets Won't Keep Moses Malone; Suns Lose Davis to Nuggets Los Angeles Times July 7, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-07-07-sp-8360-story.html April 1, 2026 Changing of Guard: Davis In; Evans, Dunn on Way Out of Denver Lineup Deseret News July 7, 1988 https://www.deseret.com/1988/7/7/18771059/changing-of-guard-davis-in-evans-dunn-on-way-out-of-denver-lineup April 1, 2026 while Adams retired after thirteen seasons in the NBA with the Suns. Sports People: Alvan Adams Retires  The New York Times  April 30, 1988  https://www.nytimes.com/1988/04/30/sports/sports-people-alvan-adams-retires.html April 1, 2026 Suns' Alvan Adams Announces Retirement  Deseret News  April 30, 1988  https://www.deseret.com/1988/4/30/18764648/suns-alvan-adams-announces-retirement/ April 1, 2026 Meanwhile, Wetzel was fired as head coach after only one season, Sports People: Suns Coach Dismissed  The New York Times  May 3, 1988  https://www.nytimes.com/1988/05/03/sports/sports-people-suns-coach-dismissed.html April 1, 2026 and Thompson was left unprotected in the 1988 NBA expansion draft, where he was selected by the Charlotte Hornets expansion team. Goldaper Sam Miami Chooses "Who?" First The New York Times June 24, 1988 https://www.nytimes.com/1988/06/24/sports/miami-chooses-who-first.html April 1, 2026 Edes Gordon Billy Thompson Goes to Miami; Valentine Winds Up in Cleveland Los Angeles Times June 24, 1988 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-24-sp-5993-story.html April 1, 2026 1988 NBA Expansion Draft Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/draft/NBA_1988_expansion.html April 1, 2026 This would be the final season in which the Suns failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs until the 2001–02 season. Offseason NBA draft 1987 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 1 2 Armen Gilliam Forward United States UNLV 2 46 Bruce Dalrymple Guard United States Georgia Tech 3 53 Winston Crite Forward United States Texas A&M 4 76 Steve Beck Guard United States Arizona State 5 99 Brent Counts Forward United States Pacific 6 122 Marcel Boyce Forward United States Akron 7 145 Ron Singleton Guard United States Grand Canyon The Suns finished the 1986–87 season with the seventh worst record in the league, but managed to secure the second pick in the 1987 draft through the Draft Lottery. They lost the first pick to the San Antonio Spurs, who selected future Hall of Fame center David Robinson. With the second pick the Suns selected forward/center Armen Gilliam from UNLV. Gilliam averaged 17.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game in three years with the Runnin' Rebels. In his senior year, he led the team to a 37–2 record while averaging 23.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/gilliar01.html Armen Gilliam NBA & ABA Statistics basketball-reference.com On October 8, the Suns signed Gilliam to an undisclosed contract, which general manager Jerry Colangelo stated was "for a long period of time", and was "the largest contract ever signed by a rookie with the Phoenix Suns."https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1320&dat=19871009&id=CT9WAAAAIBAJ&sjid=CuoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3500,2436408 Suns sign Armon Gilliam, their top draft pick from Las Vegas Gainesville Sun Gilliam would play part of three seasons with the Suns, averaging 14.7 points and 7.2 rebounds in 145 games, before being traded to the Charlotte Hornets in December 1989. The Suns traded the 30th pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in 1985. With the pick the Blazers would select forward Nikita Wilson.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/w/wilsoni01.html Nikita Wilson NBA & ABA Statistics basketball-reference.com The Suns acquired the 46th pick from a trade with the Detroit Pistons in 1983. With the pick they would select guard Bruce Dalrymple from Georgia Tech. On October 3, Dalrymple was signed to a one-year contract, but was waived on October 13 before ever playing for the franchise.http://www.prosportstransactions.com/basketball/Search/SearchResults.php?Player=bruce+dalrymple&Team=&BeginDate=&EndDate=&PlayerMovementChkBx=yes&submit=Search Basketball Transactions Search Results prosportstransactions.com The Suns used their third-round pick to select forward Winston Crite from Texas A&M. Crite averaged 12.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game in four years with the Aggies. Crite would play part of two seasons with the Suns, averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 31 games, before being waived in December 1988.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/critewi01.html Winston Crite NBA & ABA Statistics basketball-reference.com Drug scandal On April 17, 1987, the Maricopa County attorney's office announced indictments against 13 individuals in relation to a cocaine-trafficking investigation. The indictees included Suns players James Edwards, Jay Humphries and Grant Gondrezick, and former players Garfield Heard and Mike Bratz. Edwards, Gondrezick and Bratz were charged with three counts of conspiracy to traffic in or possess a narcotic drug, while Humphries and Heard were charged with one count. A number of other current or former Suns players (Walter Davis, William Bedford, Alvin Scott, Johnny High, Don Buse and Curtis Perry) were named in the indictments but not charged. Other indictees were: Terrence Patrick Kelly, a waiter at Avanti's restaurant in Phoenix; Wynn and Kim Lesure, local businessmen; James Jordan, manager of Malarkey's nightclub in Phoenix; Joseph Beninato, a team photographer; Ramon Vives, owner of Avanti's restaurants in Phoenix and Scottsdale; Kevin Merriweather, roommate of Suns' center William Bedford; and an undisclosed team ticket taker.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2245&dat=19870418&id=7hc0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=qDIHAAAAIBAJ&pg=6813,6568866 Past, present Suns hit with drug charges Lodi News-Sentinel The investigation began as a gambling probe in February 1987. While at Malarkey's night club on February 21, a group including James Edwards and two other NBA players allegedly claimed that that night's Suns-Bucks game (a 115–107 Milwaukee victory) would not exceed 226 points. No further evidence was cited and no mention of gambling was made in the indictments.https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1987-04-18-sp-889-story.html 3 Current and 2 Former Suns Indicted on Drug Charges Los Angeles Times The drug charges were in part based on testimony from Suns star Walter Davis, who was subpoenaed in March and offered immunity in exchange for testimony. Davis stated that he first used cocaine with then-teammate Garfield Heard during the 1978–79 season, and admitted to using the drug with multiple teammates. Davis had first admitted to his drug problem in December 1985 when he left the team mid-season to enter a drug rehabilitation program. Upon news of the indictments, Davis was suspended and re-entered a drug rehab program. Suns rookie center William Bedford was also granted immunity in exchange for testimony.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066773/1/index.htm https://archive.today/20130419052908/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066773/1/index.htm dead April 19, 2013 After an off-season darkened by drugs and death, – 11.23.87 – SI Vault Sports Illustratated The story, dubbed "Waltergate", received nationwide news coverage and damaged the team's reputation. General manager Jerry Colangelo stated, "We got crucified. We were tried, convicted and hung in 72 hours." The prosecution started falling apart in July. Davis' initial questioning did not include dates, locations and other details. When questioned in regards to the details, Davis could not provide them. No defendant in the case went to trial. Edwards and Humphries were required to join a drug counseling program. Gondrezick pleaded guilty to tampering with a witness and received three-years of probation.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066773/2/index.htm https://web.archive.org/web/20121124214415/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066773/2/index.htm dead November 24, 2012 After an off-season darkened by drugs and death, – 11.23.87 – SI Vault Sports Illustratated Terrence Patrick Kelly pleaded guilty to one count of conspiring to sell a narcotic drug and was sentenced to 30 days in jail and five-years of probation.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1320&dat=19871203&id=t0BWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=EeoDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5227,759594 Waiter draws 30-day term in Suns' drug case Sports Illustratated Wynn Lesure pleaded no contest to conspiracy to possess a narcotic drug and received three-years of probation. All other charges were dismissed.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1310&dat=19871211&id=w3w1AAAAIBAJ&sjid=e-EDAAAAIBAJ&pg=1438,2714707 Last of the Suns' drug cases won't be pursued Eugene Register-Guard This scandal led to the original ownership of the team looking to sell the franchise to someone else, potentially to move them elsewhere as well. Death of Nick Vanos On August 16, 1987, Suns center Nick Vanos and his fiancée Carolyn Cohen were among 156 killed in the Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crash. Vanos and Cohen, who had spent four days on vacation in Michigan, were returning to Phoenix when the flight crashed after takeoff due to pilot error. Separate lawsuits were filed against Northwest Airlines by the Suns and Vanos' parents. The team filed a property damage suit against the airline, due to the three years remaining on Vanos' five-year contract, claiming the center to be "irreplaceable".https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-25-sp-4974-story.html Claiming Vanos Was Irreplaceable, Suns File Suit Los Angeles Times Nick's parents, Peter and Josie, filed a wrongful death suit seeking $13.85 million in damages.https://www.chicagotribune.com/1987/10/30/briefs-185/ Briefs Chicago Tribune We are stunned, shocked, and deeply saddened at the loss of Nick Vanos. It's just a terrible shock when a young man loses his life at such an early age. Nick recently appeared to be coming into his own and to have his life taken away at this time is a tragedy to his family, friends and to our organization. Jerry Colangelo https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19870818&id=m_tNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j4sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6905,3150630 Popular Vanos will be missed The Free Lance-Star Vanos had spent most of his two seasons as a backup center. Appearing in 11 games his rookie season, Vanos averaged 4.9 points and 5.5 rebounds per game. Through 57 games in his sophomore season, he averaged 2.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per game. Vanos' role would increase late in the season due to injuries to centers James Edwards and William Bedford. He would start the final 10 games of the season, during which the team would go 9–1. His production jumped to 7.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game during the stretch.https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/v/vanosni01/gamelog/1987/ Nick Vanos 1986-87 Game Log basketball-reference.com His promising developments would lead the Suns to trade Bedford, their number one pick in the 1986 draft, to the Detroit Pistons the day before the 1987 draft. With their longtime center Alvan Adams nearing retirement, and with the oft-injured Edwards facing trial on cocaine conspiracy charges, Vanos was expected to be the team's starting center to start the 1987–88 season. The 7'2", 260 pound left-hander had become a cult favorite with Suns fan. He had developed a 145-member fan club, which sold "Let Nick Play" T-shirts.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1298&dat=19870818&id=m_tNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=j4sDAAAAIBAJ&pg=6905,3150630 Popular Vanos will be missed The Free Lance-Star The Suns dedicated the 1987–88 season to his memory, and the players wore a black #30 patch on their jerseys throughout the year.http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066773/1/index.htm https://archive.today/20130419052908/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1066773/1/index.htm dead April 19, 2013 After an off-season darkened by drugs and death, – 11.23.87 – SI Vault Sports Illustrated Another Suns player caught up in the drug scandal, Johnny High, died after crashing his car, at a high speed, into a freeway underpass. Franchise sold thumb|140px|Jerry Colangelo On October 14, 1987, a group headed by Suns general manager and vice president Jerry Colangelo purchased the franchise from owners Richard L. Bloch, Donald Pitt and Don Diamond for a then-record $44.5 million. Colangelo headed JDM Sports Inc., the general partnership group that owned a controlling interest of the franchise. 10 other limited partners assisted with the purchase, including the Greyhound Corporation, the El Dorado Investment Company, and the Phoenix General Basketball Partnership group, which included Suns legend and former interim coach Dick Van Arsdale, team physician Paul Steingard, team orthopedist Richard Emerson, and team podiatrist Michael Kates. Colangelo assumed the role of chief executive officer and team president. Van Arsdale replaced Colangelo as vice president. Twenty years ago, Donald Pitt, Don Diamond and Richard Bloch had the foresight to see that Phoenix had the ability to be a professional sports franchise despite the cynics back East. It has been a profitable and a successful endeavor. To own a team is a dream-come-true for me personally. This is going to be a good deal and it's going to work. We're going to re-dedicate this team to the community. Jerry Colangelo https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2519&dat=19871015&id=vHBeAAAAIBAJ&sjid=qmENAAAAIBAJ&pg=5053,2618085 Colangelo announces restructuring of Suns Observer-Reporter In the wake of the damaging drug scandal, Bloch, Pitt and Diamond were prepared to sell the team. Colangelo feared potential buyers planned to relocate the franchise to another city. The sale was finalized on October 16, just days before the October 19 "Black Monday" stock market crash happened. Colangelo later stated that if the deal had not been completed prior, it would not have happened, and that the team likely would've been sold and relocated.http://www.sportsbusinessdaily.com/Journal/Issues/2010/03/20100322/Champions-Of-Sports-Business/Jerry-Colangelo.aspx Jerry Colangelo SportsBusiness Daily Free agency On June 11, the Suns signed free agent guard Joe Ward, forward Bill Martin and guard Victor Fleming. Ward, the Suns second-round pick in 1986, had been the team's final preseason cut the previous season. Ward was again cut before the season. Martin had previously played for the Indiana Pacers and New York Knicks in between stints with the CBA. Martin appeared in 10 games with the Suns before being waived on December 26.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=336&dat=19871227&id=GxQpAAAAIBAJ&sjid=0YMDAAAAIBAJ&pg=4803,4636130 Suns activate Davis, waive Martin Deseret News Fleming, the brother of Vern Fleming, was waived on October 19, re-signed on October 21, and waived again on November 1.http://casagrandepl.newspaperarchive.com/PdfViewer.aspx?img=112181017&firstvisit=true&src=search&currentResult=2&currentPage=0 Suns Cut Fleming, Jones; Bailey Missing Casa Grande Dispatch August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes In early October, the Suns signed free agent forward Jeff Cook, and centers Greg Spurling and Ozell Jones. Cook had previously played with the franchise from 1979 to 1983, and had just returned from a stint in Italy before re-signing with Suns. He would appear in just 33 games and spend much of the season on the injured list. Spurling was waived on October 21, while Jones was waived on November 1. On October 20, the Suns signed restricted free agent center Alton Lister to a four-year offer sheet worth $3.5 million. The SuperSonics matched the offer, keeping him in Seattle.https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1917&dat=19871022&id=tQshAAAAIBAJ&sjid=fXIFAAAAIBAJ&pg=4411,5684348 Sonics to Match Sun's $3.5M Offer for Lister Schenectady Gazette Roster Phoenix Suns 1987–88 #702F8B #FFFFFF #FB4417 #702F8B 33 Alvan Adams F/C 6 9 210 1954-07-19 Oklahoma 2 James Bailey basketball F 6 9 220 1957-05-21 Rutgers 45 Jeff Cook basketball F/C 6 10 215 1956-10-21 Idaho State yes 23 Tyrone Corbin F 6 6 210 1962-12-31 DePaul 12 Winston Crite F 6 7 233 1965-06-20 Texas A&M 6 Walter Davis basketball G/F 6 6 193 1954-09-09 North Carolina 44 Kenny Gattison F 6 8 225 1964-05-23 Old Dominion IN yes 35 Armen Gilliam F/C 6 9 230 1964-05-28 UNLV 25 Craig Hodges G 6 2 190 1960-06-27 California State University, Long Beach 14 Jeff Hornacek G 6 3 190 1963-05-03 Iowa State 8 Eddie Johnson basketball, born 1959 F 6 7 215 1959-05-01 Illinois 11 Kevin Johnson basketball player G 6 1 180 1966-03-04 California 53 Ron Moore basketball C 7 0 260 1962-01-16 West Virginia State 7 Bernard Thompson G/F 6 6 210 1962-08-30 California State University, Fresno 41 Mark West basketball C 6 10 230 1960-11-05 Old Dominion John Wetzel (Virginia Tech) Herb Brown (Vermont) Roster notes Power forward Kenny Gattison was on the injured reserve list due to a left knee injury, and missed the entire regular season. Regular season Standings PHO PHO Game log Regular season Phoenix Suns #800080 #FF4500 1988 Total: 28–54 (Home: 22–19; Road: 6–35) Phoenix Suns November yes #FF4500 #800080 0 0 0 0 Phoenix Suns December #FF4500 #800080 0 0 0 0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 18 | December 15, 19878:30 PM MST | @ L.A. Lakers | L 97–122 | | | | The Forum17,371 | 7–11 Phoenix Suns January #FF4500 #800080 0 0 0 0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 33 | January 16, 19887:30 PM MST | L.A. Lakers | L 96–107 | | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 13–20 Phoenix Suns February #FF4500 #800080 0 0 0 0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 54 | February 28, 19888:30 PM MST | @ L.A. Lakers | L 97–111 | | | | The Forum17,505 | 17–37 Phoenix Suns March #FF4500 #800080 0 0 0 0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 60 | March 11, 19885:30 PM MST | @ Detroit | L 88–116 | | | | Pontiac Silverdome21,612 | 17–43 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 64 | March 19, 19887:30 PM MST | L.A. Lakers | W 102–95 | | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,471 | 20–44 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 68 | March 26, 19887:30 PM MST | Detroit | L 103–108 | | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,025 | 22–46 Phoenix Suns April #FF4500 #800080 0 0 0 0 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 77 | April 15, 19887:30 PM MST | @ L.A. Lakers | L 114–117 | | | | The Forum17,505 | 26–51 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 81 | April 22, 19887:30 PM MST | L.A. Lakers | L 112–117 | | | | Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum14,077 | 28–53 PHO 1988 Awards and honors Week/Month Larry Nance was named Player of the Month for December. Larry Nance was named Player of the Week for games played December 14 through December 20. Kevin Johnson was named Rookie of the Month for April. All-Star This was only the second year in franchise history that the Suns were not represented in the All-Star Game. Season Armon Gilliam was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Craig Hodges led the league in three-point field goal percentage, making .491% of his attempts. Hodges had a .466% average with the Bucks, and a .544% average with the Suns. Player statistics Season Phoenix Suns |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Adams, Alvan Alvan Adams || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 82 || 25 || 20.1 || .496 || .500 || .844 || 4.5 || 2.2 || 1.0 || .5 || 7.5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Bailey, James James Bailey || 65 || 0 || 13.4 || .452 || .000 || .787 || 3.2 || 0.6 || .3 || .4 || 4.4 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Cook, Jeff Jeff Cook || 33 || 0 || 10.9 || .237 || .000 || .821 || 3.2 || 0.4 || .3 || .2 || 1.5 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Corbin, Tyrone Tyrone Corbin* || 30 || 1 || 19.7 || .488 || .333 || .825 || 4.3 || 2.0 || 1.0 || .1 || 7.7 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Crite, Winston Winston Crite || 29 || 0 || 8.9 || .500 || . || .760 || 2.2 || 0.5 || .2 || .3 || 3.0 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Davis, Walter Walter Davis || 68 || 48 || 28.7 || .473 || .375 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | .887^ || 2.3 || 4.1 || 1.3 || .0 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 17.9+ |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Edwards, James James Edwards* || 43 || 42 || 32.0 || .469 || .000 || .635 || 7.8 || 1.7 || .3 || .7+ || 15.7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Gilliam, Armon Armon Gilliam || 55 || 53 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 32.9+ || .475 || . || .679 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 7.9+ || 1.3 || 1.1 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | .5+ || 14.8 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Hodges, Craig Craig Hodges* || 23 || 0 || 20.1 || .489 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | .544 || .844 || 1.4 || 1.9 || .7 || .1 || 10.1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Hornacek, Jeff Jeff Hornacek || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 82 || 49 || 27.4 || .506 || .293 || .822 || 3.2 || 6.6 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 1.3+ || .1 || 9.5 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Humphries, Jay Jay Humphries* || 50 || 33 || 31.1 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | .545 || .188 || .741 || 3.0 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 7.1+ || 1.2 || .1 || 12.7 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Johnson, Eddie Eddie Johnson || 73 || style="background:#FF8800;color:#423189;" | 59 || 29.8 || .480 || .255 || .850 || 4.4 || 2.5 || .5 || .1 || 17.7 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Johnson, Kevin Kevin Johnson* || 28 || 25 || 31.2 || .463 || .200 || .859 || 4.3 || 8.7+ || 1.5+ || .3 || 12.6 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Martin, Bill Bill Martin || 10 || 0 || 10.1 || .314 || .000 || .615 || 2.7 || 0.6 || .5 || .0 || 4.0 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Moore, Ron Ron Moore* || 5 || 0 || 6.8 || .313 || . || 1.000^ || 1.2 || 0.0 || .6 || .0 || 2.8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Nance, Larry Larry Nance* || 40 || 34 || 36.9+ || .531 || .400 || .751 || 9.9+ || 3.1 || 1.1 || 2.4+ || 21.1+ |- align="center" bgcolor="" | Sanders, Mike Mike Sanders* || 35 || 5 || 13.3 || .480 || .000 || .736 || 1.8 || 0.9 || .5 || .1 || 5.8 |- align="center" bgcolor="#f0f0f0" | Thompson, Bernard Bernard Thompson || 37 || 7 || 15.3 || .465 || .000 || .717 || 2.1 || 1.4 || .6 || .0 || 5.2 |- align="center" bgcolor="" | West, Mark Mark West* || 29 || 29 || 31.6 || .521 || .000 || .568 || 8.3+ || 0.8 || .8 || 2.3+ || 11.8 |} * – Stats with the Suns. ^ – Minimum 125 free throws made. + – Minimum 50 games played. Transactions Trades June 21, 1987 To Sacramento Kings USA Ed Pinckney 1988 second-round draft pick (USA Fennis Dembo) To Phoenix Suns USA Eddie Johnson June 21, 1987 To Detroit Pistons USA William Bedford To Phoenix Suns 1988 first-round draft pick (USA Randolph Keys) October 29, 1987 To Cleveland 1989 second-round draft pick (USA Greg Grant) To Phoenix Suns USA James Bailey February 24, 1988 To Detroit Pistons USA James Edwards To Phoenix Suns USA Ron Moore 1991 second-round draft pick (USA Richard Dumas) February 25, 1988 To Milwaukee Bucks USA Jay Humphries To Phoenix Suns USA Craig Hodges 1988 second-round draft pick (USA Andrew Lang) February 25, 1988 To Cleveland Cavaliers USA Larry Nance USA Mike Sanders 1988 first-round draft pick (USA Randolph Keys) To Phoenix Suns USA Tyrone Corbin USA Kevin Johnson USA Mark West 1988 first-round draft pick (USA Dan Majerle) 1988 second-round draft pick (USA Dean Garrett) 1989 second-round draft pick (USA Greg Grant) Free agents Additions Date Player Contract Former Team June 11, 1987 Bill Martin Undisclosed New York Knicks October 2, 1987 Jeff Cook Undisclosed Libertas Livorno (Italy) Subtractions Date Player Reason left New team October 13, 1987 Grant Gondrezick Waived Caen Basket Calvados (France) October 19, 1987 Rafael Addison Waived Libertas Livorno (Italy) December 28, 1987 Bill Martin Waived Olimpia Milano (Italy) Player Transactions Citation: 1987–88 Phoenix Suns Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/1988_transactions.html April 1, 2026 References 2 Category:Phoenix Suns seasons Phoenix