2001–02 Phoenix Suns season

The 2001–02 Phoenix Suns season was the 34th season for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association. The Suns would gain a new point guard in Stephon Marbury but the success of season's past were never found. Head coach Scott Skiles struggled to a 25–26 record before being replaced by Frank Johnson. The Suns finished the regular season at 36–46, missing the playoffs for the first time since 1988. All home games were played at America West Arena.

Contents

• WeekMonth
• Season
• References

Before the season began, the Suns were involved in a trade with the New Jersey Nets, which included trading Jason Kidd and replacing him with Marbury. The new Suns point guard would lead the team in scoring at 20.4 points per game, becoming the first Suns player to average 20 or more a game since Kevin Johnson during the 1996–97 season. Shawn Marion increased his scoring as well, averaging 19.1 per game. Rodney Rogers and Tony Delk both continued to provide the team with scoring off the bench before being traded to the Boston Celtics for rookie Joe Johnson midway through the season. Anfernee Hardaway returned to appear in 80 games, after being sidelined all but four games the season before, and added 12 points a game. 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, starting in just half the season's games.

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. Following the season, Dan Majerle retired after making his second stint with the Suns.