NBA Power Rankings: Suns Placed Lower Than Expected?

The 2021-22 NBA season is now a thing of the past, but things such as the NBA Draft and free agency are already on the horizon.

That also goes for way-too-early power rankings, which are practically everywhere across the world of basketball.

While the Golden State Warriors look to defend their NBA title, the Phoenix Suns are just one of many teams hoping they can claim their rightful spot among the league's best and hold the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the end of next season.

However, obstacles still remain in Phoenix's way. The contract situation of center Deandre Ayton is the most notable decision the Suns will handle in the offseason.

For now, the unknown has impacted Phoenix in recent power rankings, which includes Bleacher Report's 2022-23 list.

The Bucks, Celtics, Grizzlies and Nuggets follow Golden State to round out the top five. Where do the Suns rank?

Phoenix Suns No. 9 in Bleacher Report Power Rankings

"The Phoenix Suns won 64 games in the regular season before imploding in the playoffs. Most of the attention was understandably directed at Games 6 and 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals, which Phoenix lost by 27 and 33, respectively," said B/R.

"But dropping two games to the 36-46 New Orleans Pelicans in the first round (even if the addition of McCollum changed them quite a bit) should also be cause for some concern. And after they failed to sign center Deandre Ayton to an extension last summer, it's not "more likely than not" that he'll be playing for another team next season, according to James Edwards III and John Hollinger of The Athletic.

"If all of the drama and disappointment results in more resolve from Chris Paul and Devin Booker and one more positionless player in place of Ayton, the Suns could make another deep playoff run. But right now, all of the chaos makes Phoenix one of the harder teams in the league to peg."

Are the Suns too low? It's understandable given Ayton's foggy future, yet Phoenix is sure to gain something back if they deal him, adding to a team that nearly won the NBA Finals before pacing the NBA in wins during this year's regular season.

In many eyes, Ayton holds the keys for the offseason, and perhaps deservedly so.

However, a roster that still contains Chris Paul/Devin Booker/Mikal Bridges/Cam Johnson along with other role players should still be very competitive in the grand scheme of things.

The three teams behind the Suns were the 76ers, Heat and Bulls.

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