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NBA: 2016-17 Predictions For The Pacific Division

By Carter Johnson

Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 7, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; A large welcome Kevin Durant digital billboard is displayed outside of Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns players (from left) Archie Goodwin , Brandon Knight , Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker pose for a portrait during media day at Talking Stick Resort Arena. All four players previous played basketball for the Kentucky Wildcats. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Phoenix Suns

2015-16 Record: 23-59 (4th in Pacific Division) 

2016-17 Prediction: 32-50 (3rd in Pacific Division) 

On paper, the Phoenix Suns are a team that boasts a wealth of youth and depth.

Their backcourt is basically the Kentucky Wildcats Alumni Association with guards Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Archie Goodwin, Brandon Knight and rookie guard Tyler Ulis, while the frontcourt boasts the likes of Tyson Chandler, Jared Dudley, Alex Len and T.J. Warren alongside rookies Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss.

However, depth can either be a gift or a curse — and in Phoenix’s case, it’s definitely the latter.

All of their guards have spent some time in the starting lineup and with Booker being the focal point of the team’s future, it naturally creates a logjam of sorts, as Bledsoe is an All-Star caliber player and Knight is a quality starter at either guard position. Booker’s too good to bring off of the bench and risk stifling his development, so it’s widely believed that either Bledsoe or Knight will eventually be dealt — although there’s no telling when or where.

The Suns also have more forwards than they know what to do with and will undoubtedly struggle to bring project players like Bender and Chriss along while also getting solid youngsters like Len and Warren — along with their proven veterans — the playing time they deserve.

It’s a tall task for a first-year and first-time head coach like Earl Watson to manage, and the confusion over playing time and roles will hinder the team’s success in 2016-17 as they continue to search for direction in the near and distant future.

Next: No. 2