Aging legend Chris Paul and his young Phoenix Suns charges were the story of the 2020-21 NBA season, until Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo stole every headline, punctuating the Milwaukee Bucks' first championship in 50 years with arguably the greatest close-out performance in league history.
Only, Antetokounmpo's ascent is far harder to replicate than how the Suns constructed their contender.
Even if the 2019-20 campaign ultimately ended in another lottery appearance, first-year Phoenix coach Monty Williams untapped the winning potential of Devin Booker, DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, the young foundation of a 19-win roster one year earlier.