Just as they did while going unbeaten at Disney World, the Suns are sporting the best record in the NBA. Phoenix is off to a 5-1 start that includes victories over three playoff teams from last season: the Mavericks, Jazz and Nuggets.
While the results are similar to what they did in Orlando, this is a different Suns team after the offseason trade that brought in Chris Paul. In addition to serving as a veteran presence to guide his younger teammates, Paul remains a high-level point guard at age 35, averaging 13.2 points and 8.7 assists through the season’s first six games.
Paul is surrounded by plenty of weapons, much like he was in Oklahoma City last year. Devin Booker has been one of the league’s most proficient scorers for the past four seasons, and former number one pick Deandre Ayton can be a dominating inside presence. Mikal Bridges looks like one of the league’s most improved players, averaging 15.3 PPG and 5.2 RPG so far.
It has been a long time since the Suns made a serious run at the playoffs. Last year’s 8-0 performance in the bubble only brought their record to 34-39, still short of the ninth-place finish needed to reach the qualifying game. Phoenix hasn’t posted a winning season since going 48-34 in 2013/14 and hasn’t been to the playoffs in 11 years.
Although there’s plenty of optimism in Phoenix, the players realize there’s a long road ahead, Paul told Duane Rankin of The Arizona Republic.
“It’s early, it’s early. It’s a long season,” he said. “We always say this, we’re just trying to pile up wins. Just trying to pile up wins. It’s a new format as far as the playoffs and all that this season. So every game matters.”
We want to get your early-season impression of the Suns. Do they have enough talent to reach the postseason in a Western Conference race that seems to be loaded with good teams? Please leave your answer in the comments section.
Only if Chris Paul stays healthy for the second straight season, which is unlikely.
Bitter?
Are you in reality the Geico lizard and just jealous that Paul’s insurance commercials are funnier than yours in recent years?
The real question is. When will Har en stop going to strip clubs. I hope you are here after Rockets vs Suns gm. Wed 1/20/21 Be here
Al, we know that is never going to happen. James loves his strip clubs.
In fairness, that is probably true of most NBA players. And most non-NBA playing men in their 20s and 30s as well.
You’re derangement for any former Rocket is pathetic. Wall makes CP3 look like Cal Ripken health wise. Paul is not that injury prone. Through his career he has played most of the games. CP3 is leading the Suns to the playoffs just like he lead OKC last year, a team no one thought would sniff the postseason. CP3 was the best teammate Harden had but the lunatics in Houston needed a scapegoat. Yall on your 2nd max contract player since CP3.
Ur everywhere
suns gonna be better than the rockets this year lol
Good young core with a selfless Vet to lead. Yes. Unlike the team that uses Hobby Airport regularly.
Yes
Suns have defeat
Heavy weight Luka Mavs
Harmony Jazz
Soft brick Nuggets
Fake Kings
Didn’t CurtisRowe have a post like this? Are you ripping him off? Pretty disgraceful even for you
Mavs were without Porzingis
Fat Luka is still better than anything on your Phoenix Scums roster
Problem is who’s playing while he catches his breath. Suns are deep this year, which was a smart strategy given the compressed schedule.
Bridges is playing great. Booker needs to take over when needed and keep improving defensively. He’s not attacking the hoop enough and his FTA are low, and limit TOs. Add Ayton staying out of foul trouble, Paul should flourish.
yes they are a playoffs team. cp3’s addition is impactful!
I predicted them top 6, so think so.
link to hoopsrumors.com
Booker hasn’t even adjusted yet… 6 turnovers pg, 12PER. Both Camerons still hot
NO
IMO
If Rockets keep Harden and Warriors don’t make trade
3rd Blazers
4th Rockets
5 Jazz
6 Mavs
7 Nuggets
8 Suns
If Rockets trade Harden for Simmons or Siakam
Pelicans make playoffs
Rockets play lottery
If Warriors make a good trade Warriors make playoffs
if the rockets trade harden they’re not a lottery team.
I agree. I doubt they would be a top 4 seed, but a Wall-Siakam or Wall-Simmons led team is definitely not a lottery team.
:)
I believe they can be a top 5 or 6 seed if Chris Paul stay healthy.
Don’t tell that one dude
Don’t know why they don’t get more nbatv games
Yes, I have them as a playoff team and an improved team this year. 6th or 7th seed maybe.
You’re out of your mind if you don’t think the Suns make it, especially with the play ins.
Clearly so far so good, top of the West & the league!
CP3 is playing very well.
Booker so far hasn’t played well at all, needs to get much better for PHO to really make it at the end of the season.
Bridges playing well too.
Ayton also isn’t doing very well neither.
IMO as important as CP3 is for PHO the real key is gonna be Booker/Ayton… & both need to play much better.
Specially I don’t understand why Ayton has so few shots, he is one of the best centers in the league, needs to have at least 15/16 shots a game, the ball & the offense needs to pass through his hands, otherwise he is just a rebounder, which is a waste of #1 pick for the team.
In that case if he ain’t gonna average like 20-25 points & 10-12 rebounds per game, they should have picked Luka in the draft.
As I said so far so good for PHO, but they have to improve a lot to keep in the picture.
Yes a good team could end up being top 4 in west
Better question is what seed will they be which some have ventured. With the play in format being implemented can 10 out 15 teams in each conference claim to have made the playoffs? Anyway, I think that in the 5-8 range is probable.
Yes, they will be the #6 seed in the west, and will even have a chance at winning a playoff series!