NBA: Ranking the teams in the Pacific Division for 2017-18

4. Phoenix Suns

Similar to the Kings, the Suns are loaded with young talent as well. Players such as Booker, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss, Tyler Ulis and Derrick Jones Jr. figure to play their way into the rotation this season.

Another youngster, Jackson, will also be a major part of the rotation, both now and in the future. The Suns’ progression will almost-certainly go hand-in-hand with that of Jackson’s. If the fourth overall pick is able to live up to the hype, he will help the team ascend the division ladder. If he fails to meet expectations, they will continue to be a bottom-feeder.

Other than the high pick, the Suns’ offseason was very quiet. They waived veteran Leandro Barbosa and re-signed big man Alan Williams. Those moves will go mostly unnoticed in the grand scheme of things.

Booker’s progress will be the most-watched aspect of training camp. He’s had two solid years where he has put up good numbers in the scoring categories. However, his offensive inefficiency and inability to contribute in other areas puts him in a dangerous category. He will help his team greatly if he can become a more well-rounded player.

I believe his progress, combined with that of the other young players will provide a nice mix with experienced guys such as Tyson Chandler, T.J. Warren, Jared Dudley and Eric Bledsoe. Their relatively deep roster provides them with enough depth to avoid a last-place finish, but not enough to move any higher than fourth.