2000–01 Phoenix Suns season
The 2000–01 NBA season was the 33rd season for the Phoenix Suns, members of the Pacific Division in the National Basketball Association. During the offseason, the Suns signed free agents Mario Elie and Tony Delk. The Suns were coached by Scott Skiles, who enjoyed his first full season as head coach as the Suns finished the regular season with a 51–31 record. For a franchise-record 13th season in a row, the Suns earned a trip to the playoffs, but would later lose in the first round. America West Arena was the home court venue for the Suns.
The Suns were led by point guard Jason Kidd, who again topped the league in assists per game while earning another All-NBA First Team selection and NBA All-Defensive First Team. Kidd and Clifford Robinson were the other starters to provide the majority of the team's scoring, while reserves Delk and Rodney Rogers brought offensive firepower from the bench, averaging 12 points per game. Anfernee Hardaway was the teams's highest-paid player but played in just four games, battling knee injuries.
For the fourth season in a row, the Suns finished third in the Pacific Division. The team earned a first-round match-up with the 3rd-seeded Sacramento Kings. Phoenix would take Game 1 but lose the next three in a row, losing three games to one. Following the season, Kidd was traded to the New Jersey Nets, Robinson was dealt to the Detroit Pistons and Elie retired.
For the season, the Suns changed their logo and uniforms which lasted until 2013.
Offseason
NBA Draft
Round | Pick | Player | Position | Nationality | College / Club Team |
1 | 25 | Iakovos "Jake" Tsakalidis | Center | AEK |
Roster
Regular season
Standings
Record vs. opponents
Playoffs
West First Round
Sacramento Kings vs. Phoenix SunsLast Playoff Meeting: 1981 Western Conference Semifinals
Awards and honors
All-Star
- Jason Kidd was voted as a starter for the Western Conference in the All-Star Game. It was his fourth All-Star selection. Kidd finished second in voting among Western Conference guards with 1,062,837 votes.
Season
- Jason Kidd was named to the All-NBA First Team. Kidd also finished eighth in MVP voting.
- Jason Kidd was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Kidd also finished 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
- Jason Kidd led the league in assists per game, with a 9.8 average, and total assists with 753.
- Shawn Marion finished 11th in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and fourth in Most Improved Player voting.
- Rodney Rogers finished sixth in Sixth Man of the Year voting. Rogers won the award in 2000.
- Tony Delk finished tenth in Sixth Man of the Year voting.
Player statistics
Season
- – Stats with the Suns.
^ – Minimum 125 free throws made.