Phoenix Suns: Biggest strengths and weaknesses for 2017-18

Strength No. 3: #TheTimeline

So far, Phoenix’s biggest weaknesses can basically be described as “the offense in general,” and spoiler alert: its third biggest weakness can be labeled “the defense in general.” So where’s the good news for Suns supporters? What is there to be excited about in 2017-18?

Whether you’re a pessimistic fan who’d describe it as “lowered expectations” or a more optimistic one who’d simply call it “#TheTimeline,” the Suns’ youth movement is a certifiable strength in the wake of all these noticeable flaws.

Phoenix Suns

In an increasingly brutal Western Conference, Phoenix has virtually no shot of sneaking into the playoffs, and even if it did, it’d simply be as an 8-seed destined for a first round sweep at the hands of the mighty Golden State Warriors.

Instead, the Suns can hunker down in the fort until this current holy war between super-teams gives rise to new contenders. They can focus on player development and grooming young talents like Booker, Jackson, Bender and Chriss to be the next prominent names on the horizon.

With NBA Draft Lottery reform inbound, it’s never been more important to feed the youngsters minutes than in 2017-18 (and possibly trade Bledsoe and/or Chandler, on a similar note). After watching the team tank down the stretch last year, it won’t be surprising to see #TheTimeline take a similar path this year with the team’s long-term outlook in mind.

Rather than aim for another ill-fated playoff push on the backs of aging veterans, the Suns can let the youngsters feast while being thrown to the wolves, and even better, earn a higher pick in a 2018 NBA Draft class that’s loaded with potential franchise pillars in the top five. With so many on-court weaknesses, being patient with the Suns’ youth movement is an undeniable strength.