The Phoenix Suns have been defying expectations all season, emerging as a team with a blend of grit and talent that has them playing beyond what anyone anticipated. With a roster full of determined players, the Suns have quietly climbed the ranks, and now find themselves in a well-deserved 11th spot in Marc Stein's power rankings as we come out of the All-Star break.
This recognition places them ahead of more traditionally favored teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic. It's a testament to the work being done by first-time head coach Jordan Ott, who's already making waves in the Coach of the Year conversation alongside names like Detroit's J.B.
Bickerstaff and Boston's Joe Mazzulla. Dillon Brooks, too, has been turning heads, making a strong case for All-Star recognition.
The Suns have found that elusive "frisky" label-meaning they're a tough opponent every night, featuring genuine stars like Devin Booker and Jalen Green. This is a team that was expected to languish at the bottom of the Western Conference, yet here they are, right in the thick of the playoff race.
What makes this journey even more remarkable is that they're doing it without control over most of their draft picks for the rest of the decade. Making the postseason would be a significant achievement, and while a tough first-round exit might be the realistic outcome, it would still be a victory for a team that had little to no expectations of championship contention this year.
The Suns also have promising young talents in Ryan Dunn, Oso Ighodaro, and Khaman Maluach, who are poised to develop further. Veterans Mark Williams and Collin Gillespie are enjoying career years, signaling a shift from the previous strategy of chasing big-name stars at inopportune times.
Being ranked as the 11th best team is a significant milestone, but it comes with a caveat. Expectations will inevitably rise if the Suns make the playoffs.
For now, though, the Suns and their fans can relish this moment of being ahead of the curve, embracing a season that has already surpassed many hopes. Enjoy it while it lasts, because in sports, as in life, nothing stays the same forever.