1997–98 Phoenix Suns season

NBA team season March 2026 August 2023 Phoenix Suns 1998 56 26 pacific 3rd 4th Danny Ainge Bryan Colangelo Jerry Colangelo America West Arena KUTPFox Sports ArizonaCox Sports KTAR First round(lost to Spurs 1–3) PHO The 1997–98 Phoenix Suns season was the 30th 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 Antonio McDyess from the Denver Nuggets in a three-team trade, Berger Ken Nuggets Send McDyess to Phoenix Associated Press October 1, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/806e4ff7a62141a2ffea2903428a8956 October 29, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20220920170417/https://apnews.com/article/806e4ff7a62141a2ffea2903428a8956 September 20, 2022 dead Associated Press Plus: In the News -- Pro Basketball: McDyess to Suns in Three-Team Deal The New York Times October 2, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/10/02/sports/plus-in-the-news-pro-basketball-mcdyess-to-suns-in-three-team-deal.html December 4, 2022 Staff and Wire Reports Suns Make Trade for McDyess Los Angeles Times October 2, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-02-sp-38410-story.html December 4, 2022 and signed free agents Clifford Robinson, Associated Press Robinson Joins Suns The New York Times August 26, 1997 https://www.nytimes.com/1997/08/26/sports/robinson-joins-suns.html June 24, 2023 Staff and Wire Reports Robinson Takes Pay Cut to Sign with Suns Los Angeles Times August 26, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-aug-26-sp-25918-story.html July 17, 2022 Thompson Jack Suns Sign Clifford Robinson Chicago Tribune August 26, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-08-26-9708260145-story,amp.html October 13, 2021 and George McCloud. Smith Sam Suns' Fortunes on the Rise Chicago Tribune October 5, 1997 https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1997-10-05-9710050024-story.html June 24, 2023 Springer Steve Season's Greetings Los Angeles Times October 31, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-oct-31-sp-48863-story.html November 18, 2022 The team also signed former Suns, and All-Star forward Tom Chambers, who played for the team from 1988 to 1993, and also appeared in the 1993 NBA Finals; however, he was out due to a lower strained back injury prior to the regular season. Transactions The Beaver County Times August 24, 1997 B12 https://books.google.com/books?id=oiNWAAAAIBAJ&dq=1997+Phoenix+Suns+signed+free+agent+Tom+Chambers+august&pg=PA15&article_id=1186,5644318 October 29, 2024 Reisner Mel Have Suns Returned to NBA Elite? The Daily Courier October 29, 1997 9A https://books.google.com/books?id=WFtIAAAAIBAJ&dq=1997+Phoenix+Suns+signed+free+agent+Tom+Chambers+august&pg=PA5&article_id=6591,4738677 October 29, 2024 Associated Press Chambers Retires from Sixers, Eyes Possible Post with Suns Deseret News December 12, 1997 https://www.deseret.com/1997/12/12/19350944/chambers-retires-from-sixers-eyes-possible-post-with-suns/ October 29, 2024 In November, Chambers got into trouble after punching Suns strength and conditioning coach Robin Pound during an altercation, Chambers' Punch Deseret News November 24, 1997 D2 https://books.google.com/books?id=ru5LAAAAIBAJ&dq=1997+tom+chambers+punched+robin+pound&pg=PA22&article_id=3320,4971232 October 29, 2024 Robinson Doug A Year of Living Boorishly Deseret News January 1, 1998 https://www.deseret.com/1998/1/1/19355428/a-year-of-living-boorishly/ October 29, 2024 and was soon traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Slovenian rookie small forward Marko Milič; Chambers would play one game for the 76ers before retiring from the NBA in December. Gardner Kris Tom Chambers Goes from Phoenix to Philly The Houston Roundball Review November 21, 1997 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/112197chambersdealt.html October 29, 2024 Associated Press Suns Trade Chambers Today's News-Herald November 23, 1997 16A https://books.google.com/books?id=8HcNAAAAIBAJ&dq=1997+Phoenix+Suns+signed+free+agent+Tom+Chambers+august&pg=PA9&article_id=2033,1922390 October 29, 2024 Regular season In Danny Ainge's first full season as the team's head coach, and with the addition of McDyess and Robinson, the Suns won nine of their first eleven games of the regular season, and later on held a 31–15 record at the All-Star break. NBA Games Played on February 5, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/?month=2&day=5&year=1998 July 20, 2022 At mid-season, the team traded Cedric Ceballos to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for three-point specialist Dennis Scott; Gardner Kris Dennis Scott Goes to Phoenix The Houston Roundball Review February 18, 1998 https://thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/021898scottceballosdeal.html September 17, 2022 Associated Press Celtics Land Anderson in Deal with Raptors Los Angeles Times February 19, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-19-sp-20865-story.html July 4, 2021 Heisler Mark It's a Big Deal for Clippers: There Are No Slam Dunks in the Flurry of NBA Deals Los Angeles Times February 20, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-feb-20-sp-21072-story.html December 5, 2022 before the trade, Ceballos averaged 9.5 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in 35 games. The Suns posted a 10-game winning streak between March and April, won eleven of their final twelve games of the season, and finished in third place in the Pacific Division with a 56–26 record, earning the fourth seed in the Western Conference; 1997–98 Phoenix Suns Schedule and Results Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/1998_games.html June 21, 2021 the team qualified for the NBA playoffs for the tenth consecutive year. The team's top scorer Rex Chapman led the Suns with 15.9 points per game, and 120 three-point field goals, while McDyess averaged 15.1 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game, and Robinson provided the team with 14.2 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. In addition, Jason Kidd contributed 11.6 points, 6.2 rebounds, 9.1 assists and 2.0 steals per game, while sixth man Danny Manning averaged 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game off the bench, 1997–98 Phoenix Suns Roster and Stats Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/1998.html June 21, 2021 and was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Howard-Cooper Scott Bryant Second to Manning in Voting for Sixth Man Los Angeles Times April 24, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-24-sp-42662-story.html July 18, 2021 Associated Press Suns Player Wins NBA Sixth "Manning" Award Deseret News April 24, 1998 https://www.deseret.com/1998/4/24/19376225/suns-player-wins-nba-sixth-manning-award February 2, 2023 NBA & ABA Sixth Man of the Year Award Winners Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/smoy.html November 29, 2022 and Kevin Johnson averaged 9.5 points and 4.9 assists per game, but only played just 50 games, starting in just 12 of them due to tendinitis in his right knee. Kevin Johnson Undergoes Knee Surgery Associated Press December 12, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/3a6749517bfe3967a87bd6ff36877d2f July 18, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20210718220717/https://apnews.com/article/3a6749517bfe3967a87bd6ff36877d2f July 18, 2021 dead Suns' Johnson to Miss at Least Six Weeks Tampa Bay Times December 13, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/12/13/suns-johnson-to-miss-at-least-six-weeks/ October 22, 2022 Johnson L.C. Povtak Tim Welcome Back Orlando Sentinel February 1, 1998 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1998-02-01-9802010258-story.html April 2, 2023 Meanwhile, second-year guard Steve Nash provided with 9.1 points and 3.4 assists per game, McCloud contributed 7.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, Scott contributed 6.2 points per game in 29 games after the trade, Mark Bryant averaged 4.2 points and 3.5 rebounds per game, and Hot Rod Williams provided with 3.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. During the NBA All-Star weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, Kidd was selected for the 1998 NBA All-Star Game, as a member of the Western Conference All-Star team. Howard-Cooper Scott Lakers Get Four-Star Rating as Van Exel, Jones Honored Los Angeles Times January 28, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-jan-28-sp-13049-story.html April 20, 2023 NBA.com Staff 1998 NBA All-Star Recap NBA.com September 13, 2021 https://www.nba.com/news/history-all-star-recap-1998 May 16, 2023 1998 NBA All-Star Game: East 135, West 114 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/allstar/NBA_1998.html November 27, 2021 Meanwhile, Nash participated in the inaugural NBA 2Ball Competition, along with Michele Timms of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury. Withers Tom Cooper, Drexler Win 2Ball Contest The Day February 8, 1998 G4 https://books.google.com/books?id=2pVGAAAAIBAJ&pg=PA26&dq=1998+NBA+2Ball+steve+nash&article_id=4047,1580472&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiRkISl9-WPAxXtg4kEHb1BMvsQ6AF6BAgKEAM#v=onepage&q=1998%20NBA%202Ball%20steve%20nash&f=false September 19, 2025 Bender Patricia 1997–98 All-Star Events and Contestants - in New York Eskimo.com https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/all-star98.txt September 19, 2025 Kidd also finished tied in 13th place in Most Valuable Player voting, while Ainge finished tied in fifth place in Coach of the Year voting. 1997–98 NBA Awards Voting Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_1998.html December 24, 2024 The Suns finished ninth in the NBA in home-game attendance, with an attendance of 779,943 at the America West Arena during the regular season. 1997–98 NBA Season Summary Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_1998.html October 9, 2025 NBA playoffs In the Western Conference First Round of the 1998 NBA playoffs, the Suns faced off against the 5th–seeded San Antonio Spurs, who were led by All-Star center David Robinson, All-Star forward and Rookie of the Year, Tim Duncan, and Avery Johnson. Despite both teams finishing with the same regular-season record, the Suns had home-court advantage in the series; however, the team was without Manning, who was out due to a season-ending knee injury. Associated Press Suns Top Kings; Lose Manning Deseret News April 8, 1998 https://www.deseret.com/1998/4/8/19373359/suns-top-kings-lose-manning October 22, 2022 The Suns lost Game 1 to the Spurs at home, 102–96 at the America West Arena, but managed to win Game 2 at home, 108–101 to even the series. 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 1: San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns Box Score, April 23, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804230PHO.html June 6, 2026 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round Game 2: San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns Box Score, April 25, 1998 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199804250PHO.html June 6, 2026 However, the Suns lost the next two games on the road, which included a Game 4 loss to the Spurs at the Alamodome, 99–80, thus losing the series in four games. Associated Press Jordan Finishes Off the Nets; Rockets Put Jazz on the Ropes Los Angeles Times April 30, 1998 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-apr-30-sp-44661-story.html November 25, 2022 Associated Press Spurs' Johnson Soars in Game of "Small Ball" Deseret News April 30, 1998 https://www.deseret.com/platform/amp/1998/4/30/19377347/spurs-johnson-soars-in-game-of-small-ball June 25, 2021 1998 NBA Western Conference First Round: Spurs vs. Suns Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/1998-nba-western-conference-first-round-spurs-vs-suns.html February 4, 2023 Notable highlights One notable highlight of the regular season occurred on November 14, 1997, in which the Suns defeated the Portland Trail Blazers on the road in quadruple-overtime, 140–139 at the Rose Garden Arena. Manning posted a double-double of 35 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Chapman scored 28 points, and McDyess added 17 points; Johnson posted a double-double of 15 points and 13 rebounds, and Kidd contributed 16 assists and 5 steals. Associated Press Portland Falls in Fourth O.T. Los Angeles Times November 15, 1997 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1997-nov-15-sp-53986-story.html January 4, 2023 Associated Press Hawks Remain Unbeaten The Spokesman-Review November 15, 1997 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/1997/nov/15/hawks-remain-unbeaten/ January 29, 2023 Phoenix Suns at Portland Trail Blazers Box Score, November 14, 1997 Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/199711140POR.html October 22, 2022 Aftermath Following the season, McDyess re-signed as a free agent with his former team, the Denver Nuggets after only one season with the Suns, Heisler Mark McDyess, Nuggets Hit a Snag Los Angeles Times January 22, 1999 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-jan-22-sp-699-story.html October 3, 2022 Associated Press McDyess, Nuggets Agree to $67.5-Million Deal; Spurned Suns Now Expected to Turn Their Attention to Gugliotta Deseret News January 22, 1999 https://www.deseret.com/1999/1/22/19424938/mcdyess-nuggets-agree-to-67-5-million-deal-br-spurned-suns-now-expected-to-turn-their-attention-to-g January 9, 2023 Associated Press NBA Dealings: McDyess, Divac and Smith Sign Kitsap Sun January 23, 1999 https://products.kitsapsun.com/archive/1999/01-23/0066_nba_dealings__mcdyess__divac_and_.html July 27, 2021 while Kevin Johnson retired after eleven seasons in the NBA, but would eventually make a comeback late during the 1999–2000 season. Suns Quickly Fill Void with K.J. ESPN March 23, 2000 http://www.espn.com/nba/news/2000/0323/441823.html July 21, 2021 Buckley Tim K.J.'s Back: Johnson Is a Sun Again After a 2-Year Hiatus Deseret News April 6, 2000 https://www.deseret.com/2000/4/6/19556649/kj-s-back-johnson-is-a-sun-again-after-a-2-year-hiatus June 24, 2023 Associated Press Suns Tap Johnson to Replace Kidd Los Angeles Times March 24, 2000 https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-mar-24-sp-12169-story.html June 24, 2023 Meanwhile, Nash was traded to the Dallas Mavericks on draft day, CBS News.com Staff Clippers Pick Olowokandi No. 1 CBS News June 24, 1998 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/clippers-pick-olowokandi-no-1/ June 24, 2023 Gardner Kris Steve Nash Dealt to Dallas The Houston Roundball Review June 24, 1998 https://www.thehrr.com/nba/trade_archive/062498nashdealt.html January 1, 2022 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: 7 Feet 1 Inch of Potential at No. 1 The New York Times June 25, 1998 https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/25/sports/pro-basketball-7-feet-1-inch-of-potential-at-no-1.html June 24, 2023 Williams signed as a free agent with the Mavericks, Mavericks Sign Hot Rod Williams United Press International January 23, 1999 https://www.upi.com/Archives/1999/01/23/Mavericks-sign-Hot-Rod-Williams/4466917067600/ June 25, 2022 Scott signed with the New York Knicks, Povtak Tim Scott Accepts Deal to Play for Knicks Orlando Sentinel January 23, 1999 https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/os-xpm-1999-01-23-9901230126-story.html June 25, 2022 Lewis Brian Scott's Debut Breathtaking New York Post January 25, 1999 https://nypost.com/1999/01/25/scotts-debut-breathtaking/ February 2, 2023 and Bryant was traded to the Chicago Bulls. CBS News.com Staff Suns Sign Ex-Bull Luc Longley CBS News January 23, 1999 https://www.cbsnews.com/news/suns-sign-ex-bull-luc-longley/ June 24, 2023 Wise Mike Pro Basketball: A Scrum for the Title The New York Times February 4, 1999 https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/04/sports/pro-basketball-a-scrum-for-the-title.html June 28, 2022 Offseason NBA draft 1997 NBA draft Round Pick Player Position Nationality College 2 43 Stephen Jackson SF/SG United States Butler CC The Suns used their only draft pick to select future star Stephen Jackson, who was waived before the start of the season. The Suns traded their first-round pick to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995 when they dealt Dan Majerle and Antonio Lang for John "Hot Rod" Williams. Roster Phoenix Suns 1997–98 #423189 #FFFFFF #FF8800 #000000 52 Mike Brown basketball, born 1963 C 6 9 257 1963–07–19 George Washington 2 Mark Bryant basketball C 6 9 245 1965–04–25 Seton Hall 3 Rex Chapman G/F 6 4 185 1967–10–05 Kentucky 7 Kevin Johnson basketball player G 6 1 180 1966–03–04 California 32 Jason Kidd G 6 4 205 1973–03–23 California 17 Horacio Llamas C 6 11 285 1973–07–17 Grand Canyon 15 Danny Manning F/C 6 10 230 1966–05–17 Kansas yes 21 George McCloud F 6 6 205 1967–05–27 Florida State 34 Antonio McDyess F 6 9 220 1974–09–07 Alabama 40 Loren Meyer C 6 10 257 1972–12–30 Iowa State yes IN 20 Marko Milič F 6 6 235 1977–05–07 Slovenia 13 Steve Nash G 6 3 195 1974–02–07 Santa Clara 30 Clifford Robinson basketball, born 1966 F 6 10 225 1966–12–16 Connecticut 4 Dennis Scott basketball F 6 8 229 1968–09–05 Georgia Tech 18 John Williams basketball, born 1962 C 6 11 215 1962–08–09 Tulane Danny Ainge Frank Johnson Roger Reid Scott Skiles (IN) Inactive Roster Notes Center Mike Brown did not play in any regular season games with the Suns this season, due to previously playing overseas in Italy. However, he was re-signed by the team on April 18, 1998, just one day before the final day of the regular season, and only played in one playoff game. Center Loren Meyer was on the injured reserve list due to a back injury, and missed the entire regular season. Suns Release Stephen Jackson Associated Press October 30, 1997 https://apnews.com/article/98fb23ed6c63965e6e66ef9ccb48182c May 1, 2023 Barkley, NBA Officials to Talk Tampa Bay Times October 31, 1997 https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/10/31/barkley-nba-officials-to-talk/ December 24, 2023 Salaries Player Salary Kevin Johnson$8,000,000 Danny Manning$6,833,333 Jason Kidd$5,223,333 Hot Rod Williams$4,550,000 Antonio McDyess $2,876,640 Cedric Ceballos$2,605,000 Mark Bryant$2,250,000 Steve Nash$1,053,360 Clifford Robinson$1,000,000 Loren Meyer$722,760 Mario Bennett$630,000 Rex Chapman$326,700 Tom Chambers$272,250 George McCloud$272,250 Horacio Llamas$272,250 William Cunningham$50,000 Total $36,937,876 Regular season Standings PHO PHO Playoffs Even with a 56–26 record, the Suns were the fourth seed in the West heading into the Playoffs. They would face the fifth-seeded San Antonio Spurs, headlined by star center David Robinson and Rookie of the Year forward Tim Duncan. Duncan led the Spurs to a game one upset in Phoenix, scoring 28 second-half points in a 102–96 victory. The Suns recovered to win game two 108–101. Antonio McDyess led the Suns with 21 points and 11 rebounds, while holding Duncan to 16 points with six turnovers. On the night he received the Rookie of the Year Award, Duncan again led the Spurs with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks. Despite 26 points and 17 rebounds from McDyess, the Suns fell 88–100 and into a 1–2 series hole. The Spurs would clinch the series 3–1 in San Antonio, behind 30 points from Avery Johnson, 21 rebounds from Robinson, and 6 blocks from Duncan. McDyess pulled down 19 rebounds for the Suns, but shot only 5 of 14 from the field, while Kevin Johnson led the team with 18 points. Game log Phoenix Suns yes 1998 #423189 #FF8800 Phoenix Suns First Round yes yes no #FF8800 #423189 1 1 0 2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 1 | April 23 | San Antonio | L 96–102 | Kevin Johnson (18) | George McCloud (9) | Jason Kidd (11) | America West Arena19,023 | 0–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ccffcc" | 2 | April 25 | San Antonio | W 108–101 | George McCloud (22) | Antonio McDyess (11) | Jason Kidd (10) | America West Arena19,023 | 1–1 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 3 | April 27 | @ San Antonio | L 88–100 | Antonio McDyess (26) | Antonio McDyess (17) | Johnson, Kidd (6) | Alamodome20,486 | 1–2 |- align="center" bgcolor="#ffcccc" | 4 | April 29 | @ San Antonio | L 80–99 | Kevin Johnson (18) | Antonio McDyess (19) | Steve Nash (5) | Alamodome27,528 | 1–3 |- PHO yes 1998 Awards and honors Week/Month Jason Kidd was named Player of the Week for games played March 8 through March 14. Jason Kidd was named Player of the Week for games played April 12 through April 18. All-Star Jason Kidd was selected as a reserve for the Western Conference in the All-Star Game. It was his second All-Star selection. Kidd finished fifth in voting among Western Conference guards with 305,834 votes. Season Danny Manning was awarded the Sixth Man of the Year Award. Jason Kidd finished in 13th place in MVP voting. Bender Patricia 1997–98 Regular Season Award Winners Eskimo.com https://www.eskimo.com/~pbender/misc/awards98.html December 24, 2024 Injuries/Missed games 10/28/97: George McCloud: Deep knee bruise; did not play 10/30/97: Loren Meyer: Lumbar spine surgery; placed on injured reserve for season 10/30/97: Tom Chambers; Strained lower back; placed on injured list until November 21 10/31/97: George McCloud: Concussion; did not play 11/20/97: Horacio Llamas: Strained lower back; placed on injured list until January 30 12/02/97: Kevin Johnson: Right knee tendinitis; out until December 11 12/09/97: George McCloud: Flu; did not play 12/09/97: Rex Chapman: Strained left hamstring; out until December 16 12/11/97: Kevin Johnson: Right knee tendinitis; placed on injured list until January 31 12/26/97: George McCloud: Thigh bruise; did not play 12/26/97: Brooks Thompson: Ill; did not play 12/29/97: Danny Manning: Abdominal strain; out until January 12 01/04/98: Jason Kidd: Sprained right ankle; left game 01/18/98: Hot Rod Williams; Flu, did not play 01/30/98: Cedric Ceballos: Strained right calf; placed on injured list until February 12 02/12/98: Horacio Llamas: Bruised left heel; placed on injured list until April 9 02/17/98: Rex Chapman: Sprained left ankle; did not play 02/22/98: Steve Nash: Did not play 03/05/98: Rex Chapman: Sore right foot; out until March 13 03/09/98: Antonio McDyess: Suspended one game for fighting Hakeem Olajuwon on March 7; did not play 03/13/98: Mark Bryant: Flu; out until March 17 03/25/98: Rex Chapman: Pulled right groin; out until April 4 04/06/98: Steve Nash: Did not play 04/09/98: Danny Manning: Injured right ACL; placed on injured list, out for season 04/18/98: Rex Chapman: Aggravated left hamstring; placed on injured reserve until April 23 04/23/98: Rex Chapman: Aggravated left hamstring; did not play 04/29/98: Rex Chapman: Aggravated left hamstring; did not play Player statistics Season PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Bryant, Mark Mark Bryant 70 22 15.9 .484 .000 .768 3.5 0.7 .5 .2 4.2 Ceballos, Cedric Cedric Ceballos* 35 16 17.9 .500 .300 .714 4.3 1.0 .6 .2 9.5 Chapman, Rex Rex Chapman 68 67 33.3 .427 .386 .781 2.5 3.0 1.0 .2 15.9 Johnson, Kevin Kevin Johnson 50 12 25.8 .447 .154 .871 3.3 4.9 .5 .2 9.5 Kidd, Jason Jason Kidd 82 82 38.0 .416 .313 .799 6.2 9.1 2.0 .3 11.6 Llamas, Horacio Horacio Llamas 8 0 5.3 .381 .333 .700 2.3 0.1 .1 .4 3.0 Manning, Danny Danny Manning 70 11 25.6 .516 .000 .739 5.6 2.0 1.0 .7 13.5 McCloud, George George McCloud 63 13 19.3 .405 .341 .765 3.5 1.3 .9 .2 7.2 McDyess, Antonio Antonio McDyess 81 81 30.1 .536† .000 .702 7.6 1.3 1.2 1.7 15.1 Milič, Marko Marko Milič 33 0 4.9 .609† .500^ .647 0.8 0.4 .3 .0 2.8 Nash, Steve Steve Nash 76 9 21.9 .459 .415^ .860 2.1 3.4 .8 .1 9.1 Robinson, Clifford Clifford Robinson 80 64 29.5 .479 .321 .689 5.1 2.1 1.2 1.1 14.2 Scott, Dennis Dennis Scott* 29 3 17.0 .438 .449^ .667 1.7 0.8 .3 .2 6.2 Thompson, Brooks Brooks Thompson* 13 0 3.5 .370 .313 .333 0.4 0.2 .3 .0 2.0 Williams, John John Williams 71 30 18.8 .470 . .699 4.4 0.7 .5 .8 3.6 * – Stats with the Suns. † – Minimum 300 field goals made. ^ – Minimum 55 three-pointers made. Playoffs PlayerGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG Brown, Mike Mike Brown 1 0 1.0 . . . 0.0 0.0 .0 .0 0.0 Bryant, Mark Mark Bryant 4 1 23.3 .500 . .500 5.8 0.3 1.0 .5 10.0 Chapman, Rex Rex Chapman 2 2 29.0 .261 .000 .857^ 0.0 2.0 1.0 .0 9.0 Johnson, Kevin Kevin Johnson 4 1 30.5 .548† .250 .667 2.3 4.8 .5 .2 13.8 Kidd, Jason Jason Kidd 4 4 42.8 .379 .000 .813^ 5.8 7.8 4.0 .5 14.3 McCloud, George George McCloud 4 3 31.5 .512 .571 .750 4.8 2.0 .2 .2 14.3 McDyess, Antonio Antonio McDyess 4 4 36.8 .477 . .643 13.3 1.0 .5 1.5 17.8 Milič, Marko Marko Milič 2 0 2.0 .667† . . 0.5 0.0 .5 .0 2.0 Nash, Steve Steve Nash 4 1 12.8 .444 .200 .625 2.5 1.8 .5 .0 5.5 Robinson, Clifford Clifford Robinson 4 4 23.0 .273 .000 .778 3.0 0.8 .7 .5 6.3 Scott, Dennis Dennis Scott 4 0 15.5 .412 .375 . 2.0 0.3 .2 .0 4.3 Williams, John John Williams 3 0 11.0 .286 . .667 1.3 0.3 .0 .7 2.0 † – Minimum 20 field goals made. ^ – Minimum 10 free throws made. Player statistics citation: Transactions Trades October 1, 1997 To Denver Nuggets 1998 first-round draft pick (USA Tyronn Lue) 1999 first-round draft pick (USA James Posey) 2000 second-round draft pick (USA Dan McClintock) 2001 first-round draft pick (USA Joseph Forte) 2002 second-round draft pick (USA Rod Grizzard) To Phoenix Suns USA Antonio McDyess 2005 first-round draft pick (USA Sean May) To Cleveland Cavaliers USA Wesley Person USA Tony Dumas November 21, 1997 To Philadelphia 76ers USA Tom Chambers To Phoenix Suns SLO Marko Milič February 18, 1998 To Dallas Mavericks USA Cedric Ceballos To Phoenix Suns USA Dennis Scott Free agents Additions Date Player Contract Former Team June 23, 1997 Kevin Johnson Signed one-year contract for $8,000,000 Phoenix Suns July 1, 1997 Mark Bryant Signed two-year contract for $4,300,000 Phoenix Suns July 8, 1997 John "Hot Rod" Williams Signed one-year contract for $4,550,000 Phoenix Suns July 8, 1997 Rex Chapman Signed one-year contract for $326,700 Phoenix Suns July 8, 1997 Horacio Llamas Signed one-year contract for $272,250 Sioux Falls Skyforce August 22, 1997 Tom Chambers Signed one-year contract for $272,250 Charlotte Hornets August 22, 1997 William Cunningham Undisclosed n/a August 25, 1997 Clifford Robinson Signed one-year contract for $1 million Portland Trail Blazers September 2, 1997 George McCloud Signed one-year contract for $272,250 Los Angeles Lakers December 11, 1997 Brooks Thompson Undisclosed Denver Nuggets January 9, 1998 Brooks Thompson Signed two 10-day contracts Phoenix Suns April 18, 1998 Mike Brown Signed for rest of season Viola Reggio Calabria (Italy) Subtractions Date Player Reason left New team May 3, 1997 Kevin Johnson Retired Phoenix Suns July 1, 1997 Wayman Tisdale Free agent n/a July 1, 1997 Mike Brown Free agent Viola Reggio Calabria (Italy) September 29, 1997 Ben Davis Free agent Miami Heat October 13, 1997 William Cunningham Waived Utah Jazz October 30, 1997 Stephen Jackson Waived La Crosse Bobcats (CBA) January 7, 1998 Brooks Thompson Waived Phoenix Suns January 29, 1998 Brooks Thompson 10-day contract expired New York Knicks Player transactions citation: 1997–98 Phoenix Suns Transactions Basketball-Reference https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/PHO/1998_transactions.html July 2, 2021 References External links Pacific Division standings on Basketball Reference Category:Phoenix Suns seasons Phoenix