NBA Power Rankings: The Pacific Division

Mar 9, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard

(1) drives past Golden State Warriors guard

(30) in the first quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Phoenix Suns

2013-14 record: 48-34

Key Losses: Channing Frye, Eric Bledsoe?

Key Additions: T.J. Warren, Tyler Ennis, Isaiah Thomas

Going out and grabbing Isaiah Thomas in free agency was the best move the Suns could have made this offseason. It creates a win-win scenario for the Suns. If for some reason, Bledsoe wants out, and that’s very possible right now, the Suns have a suitable replace at point guard. It also gives the Suns leverage in negotiating with Bledsoe because they aren’t desperate to keep him. It was one of the smartest moves of the NBA offseason, if you ask me.

If Bledsoe stays in Phoenix, I’m incredibly excited to see how the Suns play. The Suns were my favorite team in the league to watch last season because of the way they played. The idea that their pace could get faster with three point guards, Goran Dragic, Thomas, and Bledsoe on the floor is crazy. I can’t wait to see how it works!

If Bledsoe wants to leave, Phoenix isn’t letting him walk for nothing. At the very least, they’d work out a sign-and-trade with someone. Because Phoenix can give Bledsoe more money, it gives the Suns more leverage in any possible trade negotiations and could help the Suns net another big man to help out their post game and defense.

Right now, the Suns are a little weak upfront. They are counting on Alex Len, Miles Plumlee, and the Morris twins to do the bulk of the damage on the frontline, but the Suns are really going to miss their sharpshooter, Channing Frye.

Overall, Phoenix is a borderline playoff team in the West, but it’s going to be extremely difficult to duplicate the success they had this season.