2001–02 Phoenix Suns season

NBA team season March 2026 August 2023 Phoenix Suns 2002 36 46 Pacific 6 10 Scott Skiles (resigned) Frank Johnson Bryan Colangelo Jerry Colangelo America West Arena Did not qualify PHO KUTP Fox Sports Net Arizona Cox 9 KTAR The 2001–02 Phoenix Suns season was the 34th 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 During the off-season, the Suns acquired All-Star point guard Stephon Marbury from the New Jersey Nets, Associated Press NBA: Both Kidd and Marbury to Get Fresh Starts ESPN June 29, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0628/1220083.html October 24, 2024 Robbins Liz Pro Basketball: Nets' Shake-Up Ships Marbury for Suns' Kidd The New York Times June 29, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/29/sports/pro-basketball-nets-shake-up-ships-marbury-for-suns-kidd.html July 30, 2021 Heisler Mark Kidd, Marbury Latest Big Deal Los Angeles Times June 29, 2001 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2001-jun-29-sp-16532-story.html May 28, 2022 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, Dan Majerle Signs with Suns United Press International July 19, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/07/19/Dan-Majerle-signs-with-Suns/4869995515200/ December 31, 2021 Tutumello Mike Majerle Goes Home to the Arizona Heat Sun Sentinel October 4, 2001 https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-2001-10-04-0110031055-story.html October 20, 2022 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: Jordan Against the New Generation, Lakers Against the World The New York Times October 30, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/30/sports/pro-basketball-jordan-against-the-new-generation-lakers-against-the-world.html July 16, 2022 acquired second-year center Jake Voskuhl from the Chicago Bulls, and acquired John Wallace and Jud Buechler from the Detroit Pistons. Associated Press NBA: Pistons Add Robinson in Deal with Suns ESPN June 29, 2001 https://www.espn.com/nba/news/2001/0629/1220418.html October 25, 2024 Associated Press PLUS: BASKETBALL; Suns' Robinson Is Dealt to Pistons The New York Times June 30, 2001 https://www.nytimes.com/2001/06/30/sports/plus-basketball-suns-robinson-is-dealt-to-pistons.html October 25, 2024 Regular season Early into the regular season, the Suns traded Buechler to the Orlando Magic in exchange for Bo Outlaw in a three-team trade in November. Associated Press NBA: Suns Get Outlaw from Magic as Part of Three-Team Deal ESPN November 16, 2001 https://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2001/1116/1279208.html October 23, 2024 Suns Get Outlaw in 3-Team Trade United Press International November 16, 2001 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2001/11/16/Suns-get-Outlaw-in-3-team-trade/4491005886800/ January 11, 2022 Brewer Jerry Magic Send Outlaw to Suns Orlando Sentinel November 17, 2001 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-2001-11-17-0111170334-story.html October 20, 2022 With the addition of Marbury and Majerle, and with Penny Hardaway back after only appearing in just four games the previous season due to a knee injury, the Suns lost three of their first four games of the regular season, but soon recovered by posting a five-game winning streak between November and December, and holding an 18–13 record at the end of December. However, the team soon struggled and fell below .500 in winning percentage by posting a five-game losing streak soon afterwards, and later on holding a 24–24 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 7, 2002 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=7&year=2002 December 20, 2025 Head coach Scott Skiles resigned after a 25–26 start to the season, and was replaced with assistant coach, and former Suns guard Frank Johnson. Associated Press NBA: Skiles Agrees to Leave; Assistant Johnson Takes Over ESPN February 17, 2002 https://a.espncdn.com/nba/news/2002/0217/1335276.html October 26, 2024 Associated Press Pro Basketball: Skiles Resigns as Suns' Coach The New York Times February 18, 2002 https://www.nytimes.com/2002/02/18/sports/pro-basketball-skiles-resigns-as-suns-coach.html January 11, 2022 Associated Press Suns' Skiles Resigns, Johnson Takes Over Los Angeles Times February 18, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-18-sp-skilessep18-story.html November 26, 2022 Meanwhile, the Suns traded Rodney Rogers, and Tony Delk to the Boston Celtics in exchange for rookie shooting guard, and first-round draft pick Joe Johnson, and Randy Brown in a mid-season trade. NBA: Report: Celts Acquire F Rogers, G Delk from Suns ESPN February 20, 2002 https://www.espn.com/nba/newswire/2002/20020220/01301611.html October 24, 2024 Associated Press Boston Acquires Delk, Rogers from Phoenix Los Angeles Times February 21, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-21-sp-nbareport21-story.html October 20, 2022 Celts, Suns Make Trade; Jackson Set to Be Dealt Deseret News February 21, 2002 https://www.deseret.com/2002/2/21/19639160/celts-suns-make-trade-jackson-set-to-be-dealt July 24, 2021 Under Frank Johnson, the Suns posted a six-game losing streak in March, and lost eight of their final eleven games of the season, finishing in sixth place in the Pacific Division with a disappointing 36–46 record; 2001–02 Phoenix Suns Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2002_games.html July 2, 2021 the team failed to qualify for the NBA playoffs for the first time since the 1987–88 season. Marbury averaged 20.4 points and 8.1 assists per game, while Shawn Marion averaged 19.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game, and Hardaway provided the team with 12.0 points, 4.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game. In addition, Joe Johnson contributed 9.6 points and 3.6 assists per game in 27 games after the trade, and was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, while second-year center Jake Tsakalidis provided with 7.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, and Tom Gugliotta averaged 6.5 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, but continued to struggle with knee injuries, as he only appeared in just 44 games due to left quadriceps tendonitis. Suns Place Gugliotta on Injured List United Press International January 8, 2002 https://www.upi.com/Archives/2002/01/08/Suns-place-Gugliotta-on-injured-list/1111010466000/ January 11, 2022 Suns Activate Oft-Injured Gugliotta Midland Daily News February 12, 2002 https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Suns-Activate-Oft-Injured-Gugliotta-7050253.php October 25, 2022 Meanwhile, Voskuhl averaged 5.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per game, Wallace contributed 5.0 points per game, Outlaw provided with 4.7 points and 4.6 rebounds per game, and Majerle contributed 4.6 points per game, but shot just .343 in field-goal percentage. 2001–02 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2002.html July 2, 2021 The Suns finished 17th in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 668,939 at the America West Arena during the regular season. 2001–02 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_2002.html January 25, 2026 This 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 NBA All-Star Game did not feature a Suns player. To complete the season on a low note, a franchise-record of thirteen consecutive NBA playoff appearances ended when the Suns failed to qualify for the postseason. Aftermath Following the season, Majerle retired after playing in his second stint with the Suns, Associated Press Buford Clarifies Drug Suspension Los Angeles Times February 15, 2002 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-feb-15-sp-nbareport15-story.html October 25, 2022 and Wallace was released to free agency. Offseason NBA draft 2001 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College / Club Team 2 51 Alton Ford Center United States Houston Roster Phoenix Suns 2001–02 #423189 #FFFFFF #808080 #000000 0 Randy Brown basketball G 6 2 190 1968–05–22 New Mexico State yes IN 11 Joe Crispin G 6 0 185 1979–07–18 Penn State 4 Alton Ford F 6 9 275 1981–05–29 Houston 24 Tom Gugliotta F 6 10 240 1969–12–19 North Carolina State yes 1 Penny Hardaway G 6 7 195 1971–07–18 Memphis 2 Joe Johnson basketball G 6 8 225 1981–06–29 Arkansas 9 Dan Majerle G 6 6 222 1965–09–09 Central Michigan 3 Stephon Marbury G 6 2 180 1977–02–20 Georgia Tech 31 Shawn Marion F 6 7 220 1978–05–07 UNLV 45 Bo Outlaw F 6 8 210 1971–04–13 Houston 10 Milt Palacio G 6 3 195 1978–02–07 Colorado State 25 Jake Tsakalidis C 7 2 285 1979–06–10 Georgia (country) 43 Jake Voskuhl C 6 11 245 1977–11–01 Connecticut 22 John Wallace basketball F 6 8 225 1974–02–09 Syracuse Scott Skiles (resigned) Frank Johnson Al Bianchi Jim Boylan Robin Pound Phil Weber (IN) Inactive https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2002.html February 20, 2002 Roster notes Point guard Randy Brown was acquired by the Suns from the Boston Celtics in a mid-season trade, but was placed on the injured reserve list due to a right adductor strain, and did not play for the Suns this season. Regular season Standings PHO PHO Awards and honors Week/Month Shawn Marion was named Western Conference Player of the Month for March. Stephon Marbury was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played November 26 through December 2. Shawn Marion was named Western Conference Player of the Week for games played March 25 through March 31. Season Joe Johnson was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Bell, Charlie Charlie Bell* 5 0 8.4 .273 .000 1.000# 0.8 0.4 .0 .0 1.6 Buechler, Jud Jud Buechler* 6 0 9.0 .333 .333 . 1.3 0.5 .2 .0 1.0 Crispin, Joe Joe Crispin* 15 0 8.6 .411 .429^ 1.000# 0.7 1.6 .3 .0 4.6 Del Negro, Vinny Vinny Del Negro 2 0 3.0 .250 . . 0.0 1.0 .0 .0 1.0 Delk, Tony Tony Delk* 41 1 21.4 .399 .320 .836 3.0 2.0 .8 .1 10.6 Ford, Alton Alton Ford 53 0 8.5 .517† . .737 2.0 0.1 .1 .1 3.1 Gugliotta, Tom Tom Gugliotta 44 40 25.7 .422 .333 .757 5.0 1.8 .9 .7 6.5 Hardaway, Penny Penny Hardaway 80 56 30.8 .418 .277 .810 4.4 4.1 1.5 .4 12.0 Johnson, Joe Joe Johnson* 29 27 31.5 .420 .333 .778 4.1 3.6 .9 .4 9.6 Majerle, Dan Dan Majerle 65 1 18.2 .343 .336^ .590 2.7 1.4 .7 .2 4.6 Marbury, Stephon Stephon Marbury 82 80 38.9 .442 .286 .781 3.2 8.1 .9 .2 20.4 Marion, Shawn Shawn Marion 81 81 38.4 .469† .393^ .845# 9.9 2.0 1.8 1.1 19.1 Outlaw, Bo Bo Outlaw* 73 36 24.2 .550† .500^ .417 4.6 1.7 .8 1.1 4.7 Palacio, Milt Milt Palacio* 28 1 9.7 .380 .143 .783 0.8 1.0 .3 .0 2.8 Rogers, Rodney Rodney Rogers* 50 7 25.1 .466 .350^ .828 4.8 1.4 1.0 .3 12.6 Santiago, Daniel Daniel Santiago 3 0 8.0 .500† . . 2.3 0.7 .0 .3 2.7 Tsakalidis, Jake Jake Tsakalidis 67 47 23.6 .475† .000 .698 5.6 0.3 .3 1.0 7.3 Voskuhl, Jake Jake Voskuhl 59 34 15.3 .554† . .752 4.3 0.3 .2 .4 5.0 Wallace, John John Wallace 46 0 10.7 .435 .385^ .870# 1.8 0.6 .2 .2 5.0 * – Stats with the Suns. † – Minimum 300 field goals made. ^ – Minimum 55 three-pointers made. # – Minimum 125 free throws made. Player statistics citation: Transactions Trades July 18, 2001 To Detroit Pistons USA Clifford Robinson To Phoenix Suns USA Jud Buechler USA John Wallace $1.6 million trade exception July 18, 2001 To New Jersey Nets USA Chris Dudley USA Jason Kidd To Phoenix Suns USA Stephon Marbury USA Johnny Newman MLI Soumaila Samake October 29, 2001 To Chicago Bulls MLI Soumaila Samake 2003 second-round draft pick (USA Matt Bonner) To Phoenix Suns USA Jake Voskuhl November 15, 2001 To Orlando Magic USA Jud Buechler To Phoenix Suns USA Bo Outlaw 2002 first-round draft pick (USA Amar'e Stoudemire) To Los Angeles Clippers USA Vinny Del Negro Cash considerations February 20, 2002 To Boston Celtics USA Tony Delk USA Rodney Rogers To Phoenix Suns USA Randy Brown USA Joe Johnson BLZ Milt Palacio 2002 first-round draft pick (USA Casey Jacobsen) Free agents Additions Date Player Contract Former Team July 6, 2001 Charlie Bell Undisclosed Michigan State Spartans July 19, 2001 Dan Majerle Signed to 1-year contract for $1 million Miami Heat August 29, 2001 Daniel Santiago Re-signed to 1-year contract for $465,850 Phoenix Suns September 27, 2001 Chris Andersen Undisclosed Fayetteville Patriots (NBA DL) September 27, 2001 Dan McClintock Undisclosed Denver Nuggets September 27, 2001 Derek Hood Undisclosed Snaidero Udine (Italy) September 27, 2001 Kendrick Johnson Undisclosed January 7, 2002 Joe Crispin Signed for rest of season Southern California Surf (ABA) Subtractions Date Player Reason left New team September 28, 2001 Johnny Newman Waived Dallas Mavericks October 7, 2001 Chris Andersen Waived Denver Nuggets October 9, 2001 Dan McClintock Waived Skipper Bologna October 11, 2001 Kendrick Johnson Waived October 20, 2001 Derek Hood Waived Mobile Revelers (NBA DL) December 11, 2001 Charlie Bell Waived Phoenix Eclipse (ABA) January 7, 2002 Daniel Santiago Waived Lottomatica Roma (Italy) Player Transactions Citation:2001–02 Phoenix Suns Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/2002_transactions.html July 2, 2021 References External links Standings on Basketball Reference See also 2001–02 NBA season Category:Phoenix Suns seasons Phoenix