NBA: 2022-23 Western Conference pre-season playoff projections

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Devin Booker, Phoenix Suns – Mandatory credit: Maddie Malhotra-Getty Images /

4. Phoenix Suns

Clearly, I’m a bit bullish on the Phoenix Suns. And while it doesn’t have a lot to do with what’s happening off-the-court in the organization, I’d be remiss to say that I don’t think it won’t have at least a small impact. But it’s more so of what has happened with the team’s on-the-court dealings over the past eight months.

The Suns benched Deandre Ayton in a Game 7 (which they ultimately lost) and then refused to allow him to leave in free agency (they matched his offer sheet). If that’s not going to be an awkward situation in itself, we should also remember that Chris Paul is another year older, and there will be more pressure on Devin Booker.

Phoenix has a lot on its plate this season and I’m not quite sure how this team is going to end up handling it all. Maybe it all works out, maybe it blows up in their face. At this point, I don’t think we should be surprised either way.