Terry Porter will bring more of a defensive presence to the Suns than former coach Mike D'Antoni. AP

PHOENIX SUNS

What went right:

They signaled for a Porter

Seeking a new voice and approach after several near-misses at the Finals, Suns GM Steve Kerr hired Terry Porter to replace Mike D'Antoni as head coach. Porter brings a toughness honed from a long NBA playing career, most notably with the Blazers, and experience with Xs and Os from a stint as head coach of the Bucks. He should be able to implement Kerr's vision of a more balanced team while earning the respect of his players in the locker room.

They brought in Barnes

Unwilling to make many moves because of the luxury tax, Kerr did manage to add one key reinforcement in the form of Barnes. The 6-7 swingman brings scoring off the bench, and a toughness that should blend well with Raja Bell as the Suns go about trying to become a fiercer defensive team. With a one-year contract, Barnes also comes at a relative bargain.

They imported Dragic

In a bit of a surprise, the Suns managed to buy out the European contract of Slovenian combo guard Goran Dragic and bring him to Phoenix with a four-year deal. The 6-4 Dragic, a second-round pick (No. 45 overall in '08), averaged 11.8 points and 3.2 assists last year for Olimpija of the Slovenian league. He is expected to play a key role as Steve Nash's primary backup.

What went wrong:

Arriverderci, D'Antoni

Say what you want about his cavalier approach to defense, but D'Antoni's Suns teams won a lot of games and were always fun to watch. He surely brought out the best in Steve Nash. Kerr can hardly be faulted for wanting to put his own imprint on his club, but it doesn't take away from the job D'Antoni did in his four-plus seasons in the Valley. It's just too bad that his departure wasn't handled a bit more gracefully.

They got a year older

Not much the Suns could do about it, but Father Time continues to work against them. Nash (34), Shaquille O'Neal (36) and Grant Hill (soon-to-be 36) all got a year older. Given their history of injuries, they have to be considered longshots to make it through the entire season. But do the Suns have the depth to replace them if/when that happens?

Grade: C

Synopsis: Porter better implement his system fast, and pray for health, because the window appears to be closing fast.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

What went right:

They said bye-bye to Ron-Ron

Eliminating a potential distraction for his rebuilding club, Kings GM Geoff Petrie traded veteran swingman Ron Artest to the Rockets for veteran guard Bobby Jackson, rookie forward Donte Greene and a future first-round draft pick. Though an All-Star-caliber talent, the volatile Artest simply was not a good fit for a young team. By dealing him to the Rockets, the Kings not only rid themselves of a possible headache but also got back a popular former player (and expiring contract) in Jackson, as well as the promising Greene (see below).

They re-signed Beno

Hoping to solidify the point guard spot, Petrie re-signed veteran Beno Udrih to a reported five-year, $32.7 million deal. The 6-3 Udrih was one of the few bright spots for the Kings last year, averaging a career-best 12.8 points and 4.3 assists after being waived by the Spurs early in the season. Udrih won't ever make fans forget Mike Bibby, but if he can play like he did a year ago -- while maybe dishing a few more helpers - Sacramento will be more than content.

They added prospects

On draft night the Kings used their first-round pick (No. 12 overall) on Jason Thompson, a 6-11 power forward from Rider. He joins Greene, an athletic 6-10 forward from Syracuse who was drafted No. 28 overall in '08, to give Sacramento two top frontcourt prospects to go with last year's first rounder, 6-11 center Spencer Hawes. Along with blossoming star Kevin Martin and Udrih, the Kings at least now have a promising nucleus around which to build for the future.

What went wrong:

They didn't get immediate help

It's hard to fault Petrie for taking the package he got from Houston for Artest, but it will probably cost them victories this season. With Martin and solid pros such as Brad Miller, Mikki Moore and John Salmons, Sacramento probably could have contended for a playoff spot with the addition of even one quality veteran such as Odom. By not going that route, Petrie basically has sent the message to his roster and coach Reggie Theus that this year is really more about the future.

Brad got busted

Miller, the veteran center, will sit out the first five games of the '08-'09 season for violating the league's substance abuse policy. The 7-footer was coming off a nice bounce-back season, averaging 13.4 points and 9.5 boards. It remains to be seen how Miller's run-in with the NBA police might affect his trade value, and his absence certainly won't help Sacramento in its quest to get off to a good start.

Grade: B-

Synopsis: Petrie's moves have all been solid as he goes about rebuilding, but it's probably going to be another long season in Sac Town.