The Phoenix Suns are a playoff contender, not a championship one.
Here’s where they rank among the 30 NBA teams going into training camp. The Suns open the 2024-25 season Oct. 23 at the Los Angeles Clippers.
Championship contenders (7)
1. Boston Celtics – The defending NBA champions return one of the league’s best 1-2 punches in Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The Celtics defend at a high level on the perimeter and can quickly put teams out of their misery with the 3-point shot.
2. Denver Nuggets – Nikola Jokic won’t win a fourth MVP, but he’ll play like one. Big year for Jamal Murray to return to form, but the addition of Russell Westbrook could be the energy boost the Nuggets need to make a deep playoff run.
3. Dallas Mavericks – Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving should be an even better tandem in their second full season together. Curious to see how P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford play in a full season with the Mavs. Dereck Lively II is a live body, but Klay Thompson could be this team’s Ray Allen.
4. Philadelphia 76ers – This squad now has Paul George to go along with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. The Sixers have no excuses. They should be the biggest threat to Boston in the East and wind up facing the Celtics in the conference finals.
5. Minnesota Timberwolves – Anthony Edwards can really establish himself as a superstar by leading the T-Wolves to the finals for the first time ever. Minnesota dealing Karl-Anthony Towns to New York for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo is a big shakeup that’ll take time to figure out.
6. Oklahoma City Thunder – Everything went their way last season. Can’t see them winning the West, but the Thunder have a young, exciting team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Chet Holmgren will take another huge step this season. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein are perfect additions.
7. New York Knicks – What will Jalen Brunson do for an encore after an All-NBA season? Mikal Bridges is a proven 3-and-D guy, but Towns is the X-factor. He’s a better fit with Brunson than Randle would’ve been. Knicks clear-cut third team in the East behind Celtics and 76ers.
Playoff locks (5)
8. Indiana Pacers – Tyrese Haliburton leads a fast-paced, entertaining team with the right mix of athletes, size, shot makers and role players. Can’t see them back in the Eastern Conference finals, but the Pacers are going to once again be a tough out.
9. Milwaukee Bucks – Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard should be the NBA’s best tandem. The Bucks were a disappointment last season. Doc Rivers needs to figure out a way for his two superstars to coexist in terms of playing off each other’s strengths.
10. (T) Cleveland Cavaliers – The Cavs hired former Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson to replace J.B. Bickerstaff. Questionable firing, but Donovan Mitchell stayed in Cleveland. This may be the most talent he's ever had around him.
10. (T) Phoenix Suns – Devin Booker is poised for a career year. Kevin Durant still going strong as he turns 36 years old Sunday. Bradley Beal needs to show he’s still a star, but Tyus Jones gives the Suns the point guard they need. They should cook offensively under Mike Budenholzer.
12. New Orleans Pelicans – The Pels are a healthy Zion Williamson away from really making that push into the West’s top four. Dejounte Murray is a nice addition, but what's Brandon Ingram's future there? Big year for Willie Green as head coach. Got a lot of talent in New Orleans. No more play-in.
Scary teams (6)
13. Houston Rockets – Such a young, talented group coached by Ime Udoka. Fred VanVleet gives them veteran on-court leadership. They’re coming in hot this season.
14. Orlando Magic – They are a matchup nightmare. So much size and skill with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Are they a proven point guard away?
15. Los Angeles Lakers – LeBron James will have extra energy with his son, Bronny, on the team. Still hard to bet against him. Anthony Davis looks to remain healthy a second straight year. JJ Redick as head coach? Must see.
16. Sacramento Kings – De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis remaining this team’s 1-2 punch, but DeMar DeRozan gives Sacramento another guy who can close games.
17. Miami Heat – Never count these guys out. Jimmy Butler with a chip on his shoulder is a problem. Bam Adebayo is the team’s best player, but Miami needs a big year out of Tyler Herro.
18. Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant is back and looks to remind the league of who he is. Taylor Jenkins is one of the NBA’s best coaches. The Grizzlies aren’t short of talent. Just need cohesion.
Competing for play-in (5)
19. Los Angeles Clippers – Kawhi Leonard may never be able to stay healthy long enough to take the Clippers to the place they envisioned when landing him.
20. Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry needs help, but this is a proud franchise. Is Jonathan Kuminga really ready to be the second option?
21. San Antonio Spurs – Year 2 with phenom Victor Wembanyama should be better. Chris Paul has proven to have the magic touch when joining a new team.
22. Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball is back healthy. Looking forward to seeing how he and Brandon Miller play together.
23. Atlanta Hawks – Trae Young just had the Hawks in the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. They’re not ready to get back there, but can’t stay idle, either.
Rebuilding (7)
24. Utah Jazz – Just a weird blend of talent.
25. Toronto Raptors – Scottie Barnes needs help beyond RJ Barrett and Immanuel Quickley.
26. Portland Trail Blazers – Anfernee Simons one of the league’s best kept secrets.
27. Chicago Bulls – Hoping Lonzo Ball plays this season.
28. Brooklyn Nets – Cam Thomas one-man show, but is Ben Simmons really ready to return?
29. Detroit Pistons – Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
30. Washington Wizards – Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrakin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin .
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Playoffs? Championship contender? Where Phoenix Suns rank entering NBA season
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