The Phoenix Suns were so much worse than the rest of the Western Conference last year, it would take a mini-miracle to climb back into the pack.
Metaphorically speaking, the rest of the West was riding comfy in the family truckster while the Suns were strapped to the back bumper. We all know how that went.
This summer, newly empowered general manager James Jones has reshaped the roster, adding basketball IQ and shooting to most of the roster around the best point guard the Suns have had since... well, a long time ago.
Some of the number-crunchers recognize the improvements, placing the Suns ahead of at least the completely rebuilding Memphis Grizzlies, and not far off from a couple of other teams as well.