2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or pretender with all 16 teams

2021 NBA Playoffs: Contender or Pretender – Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns have all of the boxes checked for a contender. Their top offensive option is a wing that plays alongside a wing with great defensive chops. They have size inside but an option to downsize if needed. They have a pair of stretch-4s unafraid to bomb from deep. Their point guard is a veteran who loves to distribute.

All of the boxes except one, that is. Only two of their starters have been to the playoffs in Chris Paul and Jae Crowder; Devin Booker, Mikal Bridges and DeAndre Ayton are all qualifying for the first time in their careers. Teams don’t win titles without some amount of playoff experience. Even young cores historically have made it to the postseason before leaping into title contention.

Yet the Suns have been so good this year, with the league’s second-best record. Can Paul’s experience be transferred to his teammates to some extent? While it wasn’t the playoffs per se, this team did go 8-0 in last year’s NBA Bubble, a culture-defining moment for the team.

LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are the Suns’ first-round opponent and might mark this team’s biggest test. If they can beat the Lakers, the second round might be easier than the first. The Conference Finals might be as well. The lack of experience is a major red flag, but it isn’t a disqualifying one. The Suns get a chance to prove themselves.

Verdict: Contender