NBA: 4 Teams that will take a step back in 2022-23

Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
Dallas Mavericks Luka Doncic (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
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Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)

Phoenix Suns

I may be wrong with this prediction, but I feel as if the Phoenix Suns are going to take a bit of a step back this season. And it’s not just based on how disappointing they were during the postseason – it goes well beyond that and the way they handled their business this offseason.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to realize that there are some issues in the relationship between Deandre Ayton and the front office. Hopefully, it doesn’t drag to the head coach, but it was weird that he randomly was benched in Game 7 in the playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks – a game they ended up losing.

The Suns will still have the potential to be good but I feel like the awkwardness that will remain with Ayton coupled with the Father Time that will eventually hit Chris Paul could end up costing the Suns this season.

Phoenix will still make the playoffs, but they could drop off a bit.