Suns Rank Highly in The Athletic's NBA Power Rankings

The Athletic believes the Suns are one of the best teams in basketball heading into next season.

The Phoenix Suns have emerged as one of the top teams in basketball over the course of the last two years, thanks to a run to the 2021 NBA Finals and the best regular season in franchise history to follow. 

With a talented roster, great home support and fashionable uniforms to match, the Suns are undoubtedly a team many people love tuning into night in and night out. 

Yet we're slowly approaching a new season, and the NBA is not a league that rewards prior success. Phoenix has yet to capitalize and win a title, and the time is now for the Suns to make good on their potential championship window. 

Can the Suns again fight to be the last team standing? 

The Athletic believes so. 

In their recent NBA power rankings, Phoenix was just one of five teams to land in the "contenders" category. 

No. 1 was the Golden State Warriors, which will draw little to no arguments with how things currently stand. Following at No. 2 was the Boston Celtics, who again, will have little push back for their standing.

That's where the Suns come in at No. 3. 

Here's what Zach Harper offered on Phoenix's position:

Phoenix Suns Rank at No. 3 in NBA Power Rankings

Major additions: Damion Lee (free agent), Josh Okogie (free agent)

Major subtractions: JaVale McGee (Dallas), Aaron Holiday (Atlanta)

Did this team get better? "The Phoenix Suns did not get better this offseason, but it’s fair to wonder how much they even need to get better. Yes, the end of the postseason was a disaster. Was that Chris Paul collapsing? Was it a rift between Deandre Ayton and the organization? Was that the Suns coming back down to earth (realistic in basketball, very dangerous in science)? 

"Bringing back Ayton by matching the Indiana offer sheet was a good move, and hopefully, they can put water under the bridge. Losing McGee sucks, but they retained Bismack Biyombo and they’ll get Dario Šarić back. The Suns need to hope a healthy playoff appearance in 2023 looks more like what we saw in their 2021 finals run. They’re still a great matchup to face the defending champion Warriors."

Following behind in the "contenders" category were the Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat. 

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