Who will be best in the West this year?
There is good news and bad news for Phoenix Suns fans this season, but the problem is there is more bad than good to be had.
The good news is the arrival of Eric Bledsoe from the Clippers who provides a potential guard for the side to build around as he can either play the one or the two.
Bledsoe showed glimpses of what he can do in his three years in Los Angeles but with the Suns being a team well and truly on the rebuilding path, he has the chance to take the next step in his career.
The other big plus for the Suns coming into season 2013-14 is the drafting of Alex Len who has the talent to become a steady offensive and rebounding presence for the side once he adjusts to the rigors of the NBA.
The 7ft 1in centre showed improving signs in his time with Maryland and finished his second season averaging 11.9 points 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks a game.
The number five draft pick showed what he was capable off when in his Sophomore year when he scored 23 points grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked four shots, all while being marked by another highlight-touted big man, Nerlens Noel.
Beyond that the cupboard is pretty bare.
Goran Dragic has the ability to potentially form a potent combination with Bledsoe in the starting side but beyond that there is not much to the side in the way of playing depth.
If Marcin Gortat continues to play above his pay grade and Len stays healthy and improves in the first half of the season, maybe expect the former to become trade bait in order for the Suns to improve a fraction in the small forward region where they are lacking with only Gerald Green and P.J Tucker.
But Suns fans could be in for better times in the not to distant future with the club potentially holding three first-round draft picks for 2014, which is eagerly anticipated as being one of the deepest in more than a decade.
However, as for this season, don’t get your hopes up.
Phoenix Suns: Predicted finish 15th
Rankings
Offence: 6/10
Defence: 5/10
Front court: 6/10
Back court: 7/10
Bench: 4/10
Coach: 6/10
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