Ranking the Valley’s professional franchises

PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 14: Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo address the media at Chase Field on August 14, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - AUGUST 14: Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson and Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo address the media at Chase Field on August 14, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sarah Sachs/Arizona Diamondbacks/Getty Images)
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2. Phoenix Suns, (National Basketball League)

TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson #20 and Davon Reed #32 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, 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. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY – AUGUST 11: Josh Jackson #20 and Davon Reed #32 of the Phoenix Suns poses for a photo during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG training center on August 11, 2017 in Tarrytown, 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. (Photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)

As down on their luck as the Suns have been over the past few years, things are definitely changing for the better. In fact, the Suns managed to make average to positive marks in every criteria.

Starting with the owner, Suns’ fans have questioned Robert Sarver and his competency for years. Fans have chided him for being short-sighted, or a little to cheap with his dollars. However, without getting into too much detail, Sarver is apparently making strides to improve himself in his role. If he can continue to make the Suns a more popular and better run franchise, fans will have no choice but to be happy with Sarver’s tenure as owner.

Moving past the ownership, the Suns too check all of the other boxes.

Management? Check. General Manager Ryan McDonough has largely been a success since arriving from Boston a few summers ago.

Longevity? Check. The Suns have been in the Valley twenty years longer  than any of the other franchises on this list. The connections they have made here in Phoenix with fans and local businesses are invaluable.

Success? Check(ish). Between a couple of NBA Finals appearances and some more recent promising on-court performance, Phoenix has certainly had some success throughout their history.

Looking toward the upcoming NBA season and beyond, fans certainly have plenty of reasons to be excited about their Phoenix Suns.