The Phoenix Suns started the 1996-97 season losing their first eight games. Charles Barkley had been traded prior to the season, and with the poor start, Coach Cotton Fitzsimmons was sent packing in favor of former Suns guard, Danny Ainge . Phoenix went 40-34 the rest of the way, making the playoffs. The Suns were 17-31 before the All-Star Break and 23-11 thereafter . Aside from the coaching change, one key in the surge was the addition of future star, Jason Kidd during the season. As an aside, the team also had a young Steve Nash , in addition to veteran Kevin Johnson . The Suns surge was rated as one of the most-dramatic second-half turnarounds in NBA history . 5. 1996-1997 Phoenix Suns Before the Break: 17-31 (35.42 Percent) After the Break: 23-11 (67.65 Percent) Turnaround: 32.23 Percent Getting rid of Charles Barkley hurts, especially when you trade him for Mark Bryant, Chucky Brown and Robert Horry. The 1996-1997 Phoenix Suns started the ...
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