6. Phoenix Suns
Perhaps you think the Phoenix Suns should be higher on this list. Point taken. The Suns did nearly win the NBA Championship last season. They fell two games short. That said, there are still plenty of questions surrounding this team heading into the season.
For one, will Chris Paul hold up all year long? It seems he’s always nursing an injury but has been able to play through it for the most part. What if this is finally the year where one of his wheels falls off? Or what if Father Time finally comes hunting for Paul?
Secondly, Deandre Ayton needs to continue to show that last year’s playoff run wasn’t an aberration. He needs to be the third start for this team and do it on a consistent basis. The Suns are talented but are far from a sure thing in the West.