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Suns Finish Seventh in NBA Summer Power Rankings

While the prospect of Kevin Durant still exists, the Suns find themselves outside of the top five in these power rankings.

The Phoenix Suns are still waiting on the fate of Kevin Durant, as a trade getting the superstar to Valley would undoubtedly propel them to new heights. 

However, the Suns still feel as if they've got a fairly solid squad even without Durant. 

A starting lineup of Chris Paul-Devin Booker-Mikal Bridges-Jae Crowder-Deandre Ayton with Cam Johnson as a viable sixth man is the same group that nearly won the 2021 NBA Finals. 

However, the Suns spiraling out of the second round of the postseason to the Dallas Mavericks didn't help any of their cases in power rankings, which obviously determines who will be the best teams the following season. 

In NBC Sports' NBA Summer Power Rankings, Kurt Helin has the Golden State Warriors at the top of his list, and understandably so. Following are the Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers and Memphis Grizzlies to round out the top five. 

Sitting behind the Philadelphia 76ers, the Suns land at No. 7 in the power rankings:

Phoenix Suns Finish Seventh in NBA Summer Power Rankings

"Deandre Ayton is back and, after all the drama, is saying the right things about wanting to be there. Monty Williams will know how to make things right. The Suns extended their superstar in Devin Booker and essentially are running it back — which is the smart move for a team that won a league-best 64 games last season," said Helin. 

"If 37-year-old Chris Paul can keep playing at this level, the Suns have to be considered contenders, but will they be good enough to come out of a deeper West where the top teams are a little more versatile than them? Or will they look back and rue the missed opportunity to land Kevin Durant?"

Just below the Suns were the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves to round out the top ten. 

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