Phoenix Suns: Imagining the best case scenario for next season
By Ryan Bawek
The Phoenix Suns haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, however, things are finally moving in the right direction. Let’s envision a best-case scenario for 2021.
Embark on a journey with me, if you will, to a world where the Phoenix Suns ascension is the No. 1 feel-good story in the NBA for the 2020-21 season. They become the new “it” team of the future. Think an even better version of the 2013-14 Suns team that surprised the league by winning 48 games.
It is 5 PM on a beautiful Saturday evening in mid-June, 2021.
As you practically skip from the bed to the shower to your closet, you overhear Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith debating whether LeBron James really has another elite post-season in him in his 18th season.
Ernie Johnson is sharing stats about other NBA greats and how they fared in the postseason at the age of 36 and Shaq chimes in, “Hey Chuck, what cities are you hoping to go to for the Eastern Conference Finals this year? There are a lot of Dunkin’ Donuts in Boston.”
Chuck laughs and says, “Shut up, fool. You know I stopped eating donuts. I would like to be in Miami though, Cuban food and Cuban women.”
Shaq chuckles, “Man, you know Miami is my city, I am going to have to call my boy Flash if we go down there to show us a good time.”
You arrive in your closet and the debate begins. White Devin Booker jersey, orange seven-seconds-or-less Steve Nash jersey, or black sunburst Charles Barkley jersey?
You think, “Hmmm, everyone will be waving orange towels, maybe I will go with the Nash jersey.”
After daydreaming about Nash posting 48 points against the Mavericks in 2005 or Amar’e dunking on Duncan’s head in 2007, you think, new era, new jersey and put on the Booker jersey.
After 11 years of anticipation, the day has finally arrived: the Phoenix Suns are hosting a playoff game.
How did the Suns get here? Let’s explore: