In an attempt to get myself and others hyped about the 2016–17 NBA season, I brainstormed several different preview ideas. Many outlets are doing team previews, but this is a player’s game, damnit. Why not take my favorite and/or most interesting player from each team and write a l’il somethin’ somethin’? I decided to write them in order of my projected finish for that team.
You might be shocked to see the Suns this high. In fact, most media outlets have them mistakenly lumped in the with the Lakers and Sixers. Eric Bledsoe‘s return and Devin Booker‘s projected improvement are two huge reasons why…
… I’m gonna say it…
… the Suns may be a dark horse candidate for that eight spot in the West.
My Fave Video
There’s a method to my madness for choosing this video. Experts labeled the real “Baby-Faced Assassin” (I think Stephen Curry needs to pass the torch, especially since he’s 28 and all) as a transcendent shooter in the mold of Klay Thompson. While warranted, ask yourself this question (objectively, Warrior fans): could Thompson score 34 points in a game while making just one three?
Full confession: because the Suns were ravaged with injuries, I didn’t see a ton of them. Whenever I did watch them, however, Booker’s cool demeanor and sweet stroke definitely impressed me. His emergence forced the Suns’ hand, relegating Shaqtin’ a Fool regular Brandon Knight to the bench (note: he finished a close second in my pick, mainly because for all of his viral Internet failures, he’s a really solid combo guard).
I actually really like the Suns’ depth, especially after getting two young, athletic fours and probably the best pure point guard in the draft. If Bledsoe can stay healthy and the young guys grow up quickly, at the very least the Suns will have something to play for in early April.
Archive
29. Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers
28. Ben Simmons, Philadelphia 76ers
26. Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets
25. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
24. DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings
23. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons
22. Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
