Two Suns Fall in Bottom Half of Top 100 NBA Rankings

The Phoenix Suns see Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges fall in the bottom half of ESPN's Top 100 rankings.
Two Suns Fall in Bottom Half of Top 100 NBA Rankings
Two Suns Fall in Bottom Half of Top 100 NBA Rankings /
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There's no surprise to see a handful of Phoenix Suns represented in ESPN's Top 100 NBA Players ranking. 

Devin Booker paved the way by landing at No. 10, while Chris Paul wasn't too far behind at No. 21. 

However, two more members of the Suns saw themselves named: Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges. 

Ayton

No. 51: Deandre Ayton

Previous Rank: 35

"One game to watch: Feb. 7 at Brooklyn, a game that could have been vastly different following Kevin Durant's summer trade request. Had Durant gotten his wish, Ayton could have been a Net for this showdown of championship hopefuls. Instead, Ayton reupped with the Suns and can veto any trade that involves him for a year," said Dave McMenamin.

Not a whole lot of analysis there, but Ayton falling 16 spots isn't a great endorsement for his performance last season. 

Two players behind Ayton: Jaren Jackson Jr. and Jarrett Allen

Two players above Ayton: Jamal Murray and Mikal Bridges

Mikal Bridges

No. 49: Mikal Bridges

Previous Rank: 66

"Swing skill: Bridges was one of three Suns players, along with Jae Crowder and Chris Paul, to rank in the top 25 in defensive real plus-minus last season. Coach Monty Williams often credited the 6-foot-6 Bridges as the key to Phoenix's defensive success due to his ability to crowd ball handlers while also disrupting as a help defender," said McMenamin.

Bridges propelled himself 17 spots from last year, and anybody who has watched Suns basketball understands how important Bridges has been to their success. 

Two players behind Bridges: Jamal Murray and Deandre Ayton

Two players above Bridges: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Domantas Sabonis

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!