OKC Thunder: Power Rankings all teams at the trade deadline

Phoenix Suns: Cautious buyers

Week 13: 3-1

Offense: (114.8) 8th
Defense: (108.2) 3rd
Net: (Plus +6.5) 3rd

Remember last season Thunder Nation? Well glance to Phoenix and you’ll find former OKC Thunder point guard Chris Paul performing an eerily similar result in the dessert. CPE and his new crew began the season 8-8 but since January 28th have amassed a 21-5 record.

The Suns have depth and youth but are mostly inexperienced.  In spite of those barriers, it’s the Suns and not the two LA teams who reside at the top of the Pacific Division.

It’s been a  decade since the Suns were in the playoffs and they seem destined to correct that this season. Analysts expect one of the LA teams, Jazz, or Nuggets to head to the Western Conference Finals. Yet, recent issues may create an opening for the Suns.

The Jazz is still the top club in the West but they don’t have an inordinate amount of recent playoff success and haven’t looked as dominant since returning from the break. The Lakers’ two stars are felled by injury and the same chemistry and clutch time issues that plagued the Clippers have resurfaced.

So, while the Suns are deep most of that depth is based on youth and the window of opportunity may have been opened a bit wider due to the above circumstances.

Adding some frontcourt depth would be a wise move given Deandre Ayton’s inexperience. It’s not an absolutely essential move given Dario Saric might be Monty Williams; best option. If Phoenix can land a big man with size though who can defend the big centers it would be a worthwhile option.