Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top Five Classic Suns Teams for NBA 2K18

By Steve Miner

NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets plays NBA2k15 with fans at the Playstation area at NBA House at Moynihan Station during the 2015 NBA All-Star on February 13, 2015 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - FEBRUARY 13: Kenneth Faried of the Denver Nuggets plays NBA2k15 with fans at the Playstation area at NBA House at Moynihan Station during the 2015 NBA All-Star on February 13, 2015 in New York, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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#4 – The In-Betweeners (1983-1984)

DENVER – JANUARY 28: Larry Nance #22 of the Phoenix Suns goes for a dunk in the 1984 NBA Slam Dunk Competition during the All-Star Weekend on January 28, 1984 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1984 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER – JANUARY 28: Larry Nance #22 of the Phoenix Suns goes for a dunk in the 1984 NBA Slam Dunk Competition during the All-Star Weekend on January 28, 1984 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1984 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

To me, the 1980’s are almost the forgotten decade in Phoenix Suns history. After the 1982-83 season, Phoenix didn’t post a winning record until the 1988-89 season. I’ve always looked at that period as the time between the late ’70’s team that went to the Finals and won at least 50 games multiple times (though not in the same year), and the early ’90’s teams that were one GOAT away from hoisting the trophy. However, there is still a lot of history from those days worth enjoying.

Several Suns legends played during the ’80’s. The two that stick out from this team are Walter Davis and Larry Nance. Davis is now remembered by many Suns fans for testifying against some of his teammates about their drug use and trafficking. However, he also happens to be the franchise’s leading scorer, a six time All-Star, and Ring of Honor inductee. Fans frequently associate Nance with the trade that ultimately brought Phoenix Kevin Johnson and Dan Majerle. However, he was a multiple All-Star for the Suns and the league’s first Slam Dunk Contest Champion in that decade

This ’83-84 team may not have been the best team during that era, but it had some special qualities. Walter Davis was selected to the All-Star game, while Larry Nance probably should have been (he would make it for the first time in his career the next season). Maurice Lucas, another Suns’ All-Star from the ’80’s, averaged about a double-double, with 16 PPG and 10 RPG. Alvan Adams also had a pretty solid season.

Aside from the talent that would be fun to play with on 2K18, this is just a special season to highlight. Larry Nance won the first ever NBA Dunk Contest, defeating Julius Erving in the final round. It was also Paul Westphal’s last season in the NBA, which he returned to spend in Phoenix. Finally, after winning only 41 regular season games, they made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals where they would eventually lose in six games to the Showtime Lakers. Walter Davis played unbelievable basketball in the postseason, averaging 24.9 points and 6.4 assists per game. It’s a forgotten season in Phoenix Suns history, but it is no less magical.

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