Can Phoenix Suns stay afloat until Deandre Ayton return?

The Phoenix Suns are currently 7-7 and 8th in the Western Conference. With Deandre Ayton having 12 games left on his suspension, can the Suns stay afloat?

The Phoenix Suns have dropped their last three games, but have been playing well without their big man, Deandre Ayton. With Ayton still having 12 games left on his suspension, can the Suns stay in the picture by the time he returns?

On Oct. 24, Ayton was suspended for 25 games after he violated the NBA’s anti-drug policy. With the devastating news, many Phoenix Suns fans believed that their shot at making the playoffs would be in serious jeopardy. Well so far, the Suns are at .500 and are playing decent basketball.

Their last two losses were winnable, but they have a few upcoming games in which they can get back on track (more on that later).

Ayton looked promising in the only game he played this season as he put up 18 points and 11 rebounds and we can expect him to keep up with those numbers once he returns. Ayton is a crucial piece for Phoenix playoff hopes and he should be able to gel with the rest of the team easily once he gets back.

All the Suns have to do is maintain their current pace and they should be able to. They can still be around .500 or better when he comes back and for a few reasons.

Schedule

Deandre Ayton is set to return on Dec. 17 against the LA Clippers (not the first game I’d want to come to back to) which is a little over three weeks from now. Between now and then, the Suns have a favorable schedule. They will play the Timberwolves (twice), Hornets, Magic, Wizards, and have a great shot at the Spurs and Trailblazers. All of these teams are either struggling or below the Suns in their respective standings.

The Suns should be in great shape and should take advantage because they can certainly beat most of these teams without Ayton. They have a legit shot at not only being over .500, but moving up in the Western Conference. They just need to capitalize.

Devin Booker and Ricky Rubio

Earlier this season, I discussed the potential of Ricky Rubio‘s impact on the Phoenix Suns, primarily the impact he would have playing alongside Devin Booker. Well so far, so good as they are both thriving right now.

Ricky Rubio is putting up 12.5 points per game to go along with 8.1 assists per game, according to NBA.com. He is shooting horrendously from the field, but that is something we all know and expected. His shooting numbers aside, Rubio is back to his Minnesota playing days as his assists are up again and that is where he makes his biggest impact.

He is leading the team like a floor general and it has benefited several players, especially Booker.

Speaking of Devin Booker, he is putting up his usual numbers, but with a lot more efficiency. Booker is averaging 24.9 points per game on 53.2 percent from the field. That’s an extremely high percentage for a shooting guard. Needless to say, Rubio has definitely had a positive impact on his gameplay.

The chemistry is quickly developing in Phoenix as it is still early, but with the way Devin Booker is shooting and Rubio leading, they are in great position to get more wins.

The Phoenix Suns will be able to hold down the fort until Ayton comes back and when he does, the NBA will be put on notice. This is a great up and coming team that will be a headache for teams for years to come. With an easier schedule and Booker putting up great numbers, the Suns can move up the West and then really get things going with Ayton back.

They may not be a top-four seed, but their playoff chances are getting stronger with each game.

The Phoenix Suns will be a team to look out for.