Coming into this NBA season not many people gave the Phoenix Suns a chance to compete in the Western Conference after teams like the San Antonio Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers made some serious upgrades bringing in players like Richard Jefferson and Ron Artest.

There were many reasons besides the Spurs and Lakers improving their rosters that made most people believe that the Suns couldn’t contend in the West.

One, Steve Nash seemed to be on the downside of his career as New Orleans Hornets superstar Chris Paul is arguably now considered the best point guard in the NBA. Nash still plays at a high level, but was unable to lead the Suns to the playoffs last season which have had led people to believe he is near the end of his career.

Two, Shaq was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the offseason after a pretty good season with the Suns. Shaq didn’t exactly bring the Suns to title contender status like he claimed he would once he was traded from the Miami Heat, but he played as if revitalized last season and would have been a big contributor to the team if he hadn’t been traded to Cleveland in the offseason.

Three, Amare Stoudamire, arguably the best players left on the squad, is coming off eye surgery that kept him out late last season and ultimately resulted in the Suns missing the playoffs. Without a healthy Stoudamire the Suns have struggled and his health has been in question the last couple of seasons.

Along with these three issues the Suns also seem to be in the middle of a rebuilding process as they look toward the future of the team. Nash and Grant Hill signed two year deals in the offseason, but one would think that will be the last contracts that ink before calling it quits. Jason Richardson is also a big question mark as he was as big acquisition from the Charlotte Bobcats last season. Richardson has been a great offensive threat over his career, but he never really seemed to fit in anywhere since he left the Golden State Warriors.

With all these issues and question marks for the Phoenix Suns it seemed like it would be another disappointing season for Steve Nash and company, but it has been the complete opposite as the Suns have quickly emerged as one of the best teams in the West this season. The Los Angeles Lakers still have the edge with all their talent and Kobe Bryant of course, but the San Antonio Spurs, Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers have taken a backseat to the Phoenix Suns this season as they have proved they can play with anyone so far this year.

One of the biggest indicators of the turn around in Phoenix was when the Suns handed the Boston Celtics their first loss of the season. Not only was just a victory over a very good Boston squad impressive, but they were able to put up 110 points against a team that prides itself on it’s defense and only gives up a league best 90 points per game.

It still remains to be seen if the Suns can keep up their magical run, but the true test for Phoenix will be next week when they take on the Lakers in Los Angeles. If they are able to come out on top in that game then the Suns will be force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference in my opinion!

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4. Amare Stoudemire’s Possible Trade Destinations
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