NBA: Way-too-early Western Conference predictions for 2017-18

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PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 12: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns handels the ball against Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second half of the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 12, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Trailblazers defeated the Suns 110-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Predicting the Western Conference standings ahead of the 2017-18 NBA season

With my Eastern Conference predictions wrapped up (and you can check them out here), it’s time to turn to the Wild West. There’s no doubt this is from top-to-bottom the better conference.

Let’s start in Phoenix, where the future may be bright but the young guys will struggle.

15. Phoenix Suns

X-Factor: Devin Booker

Unlike the worst Eastern Conference team (Brooklyn Nets), this Phoenix Suns squad has a bright future. The Suns have talked of a potential deal for Kyrie Irving, which makes this team all the more interesting as my predicted 15-seed in the West.

You don’t see many teams with two elite guards scoring 20+ PPG go 24-58 and finish dead last in their conference, but that’s exactly what happened in Phoenix this past year. Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker are the core of this franchise and will probably put up similar numbers this season, and need to for the Suns to have any success. Josh Jackson is the exciting No. 3 overall pick in the 2017 Draft. Either he or T.J. Warren will start at SF.

Marquese Chriss should start again at PF this season. He played in all 82 games (21.3 MPG) as a rookie, and once again participated in the NBA Summer League in 2017. The veteran Tyson Chandler mans the middle for the third straight year in Phoenix.

Brandon Knight’s torn ACL will hurt the Suns’ depth. Tyler Ulis, Elijah Millsap, Derrick Jones, Jared Dudley, and Dragan Bender round out the rest of the rotation.

The Phoenix Suns play an aggressive drive-to-the-basket offense with their two guards. The Suns ranked No. 1 in 2PA and FTA last year while falling to No. 27 in 3PA. The Suns need to focus more on the 3-ball this season and knock them down at a higher rate (33.2 3P% last season). This isn’t a great team yet, but another high draft pick will help this team acquire even more talent for the future.

Final Record: 23-59

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