Progress
What do I mean by progress, you say? Improving their place in the final NBA standings? Yes, that is part of it, but only part.
The Phoenix Suns haven’t won 30 games in an NBA regular season since 2014-15.
How long ago was that? Donald Trump wasn’t involved in politics yet (what a wonderful world that was).
In order to win 30 games in this truncated season, they will have to go 4-4 in their final eight games, that is something to strive for and signifies progress.
The other aspect of that progress? Continued development of their young core and evidence of personal preparation.
I want to see Deandre Ayton look like even more of a physical specimen than when I saw him last (if Nikola Jokic can have a Kevin Love-esque transformation, I can expect a minor transformation in Ayton).
I want Deandre Ayton to appreciate the opportunity to play again this season after how elite he was starting to look after yet another barrier to impede his growth and development (ankle injuries, suspension, pandemic) and be ticked off that there are legitimate NBA minds out there that think he is an inferior player to Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marvin Bagley III.
This is where the desire comes in.