14. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have long been a bottom dweller in the Western Conference, but there are a few reasons why I have them finishing just above the last spot in the West. First of all, they have added some veterans that, while they’re not overly talented, should help make the Suns a slightly better team. Ricky Rubio, Dario Saric and Aron Baynes are all guys that have won at high levels before and have experience the young Suns desperately needed.
Not only that but unlike newly rebuilding teams that are usually less opposed to losses that will lead to better draft situations, I have to imagine the Suns are simply tired of losing by now. Despite season after season of bottoming out, they have been unable to string any sort of resurgence together, and I have to believe that has become pretty tiresome.
In other words, their mix of added veteran leadership, the motivation and chip on their shoulder that they should be playing with after so any dismal seasons, and the continued growth of young studs such as Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton should help them be much more competitive this season.
Unfortunately, even with all that I only have them rising one spot to 14th in the crowded Western Conference.