Phoenix Suns: Will they be the West’s next contender?
By Zack Shaw
How good can the Phoenix Suns be next season?
After an impressing showing in the NBA’s restart bubble, in which they went a perfect 8-0, you can’t help to wonder if the Phoenix Suns will emerge as the next big championship threat in the Western Conference.
Looking at the Suns, it all begins with Devin Booker who is coming off a season in which he averaged 27 points, seven assists, and four rebounds per game on 49 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent from 3-point range. He’s emerged as a certified superstar and was arguably the best player in the eight seeding games.
In only Deandre Ayton’s second year, he remains a walking double-double,18 points, and 11.5 rebounds per game. He has a strong inside presence which opens up the floor for perimeter shots. Ayton will continue to get better every year and has proved his worth as a No. 1 draft pick.
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The emergence of Mikal Bridges, 36 percent from 3, and Cameron Johnson, 39 percent from 3, are long athletic defenders who can guard multiple positions. They have also shown the ability to knock down threes, giving Booker and Ayton room to operate.
Dario Saric is a proven leader and is a great veteran presence. He has been to the playoffs before and it seems the trade was great for turning the ship around. He will be a restricted free agent this year so the Suns should match almost any offer.
As far as their roster is concerned, there is plenty to like about the Suns. And adding another lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft should only give this team more potential heading into next season.
The case against the Phoenix Suns
The Golden State Warriors will be title contenders next year when they return their big 3, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green who accumulated an NBA record 72 wins in a single season.
Golden State will be dangerous.
There are seven West playoff teams with at least 43 wins, the Warriors should be above .500 at the end of next season. That leaves out the Portland Trail Blazers and Memphis Grizzlies, both teams vying for the eighth final playoff spot this year.
Not to mention the San Antonio Spurs will get their best player, LaMarcus Aldridge, back. Never count out the Spurs especially with Gregg Popovich at the helm. Plus, who knows what other moves they will make during the offseason.
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It might be even more competitive in the Western Conference and, make no mistake, the Phoenix Suns will play a factor.