SUNS

Suns, NBA predictions for 2016-17 season

azcentral sports

Our azcentral sports visionaries predict the Suns 2016-17 season as well as the next NBA champion.

Suns beat writer Paul Coro had the guts to predict the Cleveland Cavaliers' title last season, but backed away this time after Kevin Durant joined the Warriors this offseason.

Dan Bickley and Paola Boivin also provide their Suns and NBA predictions.

Dan Bickley

Suns record: 38-44

Suns story line: The Suns will be better, more entertaining and produce a season that fuels hope for the future. But they are still too young and too vulnerable against bigger teams to post a winning record in the Western Conference.

Western Conference champs: Golden State.

Eastern Conference champs: Cleveland.

NBA champs: Golden State.

Paola Boivin

Suns record: 35-47.

Suns story line: The Suns were, best-case, a borderline playoff contender early last season. It all fell apart due to poorly defined roles and several key injuries, but this group could mesh well under Earl Watson's decisive leadership. A win total of 35 is realistic, although Las Vegas says that's too far north (consensus is running at about 28-29 wins), but if things actually go just a little better than expected, the playoff drought could end.

Western Conference champs: Golden State.

Eastern Conference champs: Cleveland.

NBA champs: Golden State.

Paul Coro

Suns record: 36-46.

Suns story line: The Suns will fare better just for restoring the 116 combined games that they lost to Eric Bledsoe’s, Brandon Knight’s and T.J. Warren’s injuries last season. Budding star Devin Booker inspires long-term hope and rookie Marquese Chriss will continue that by helping now more than expected. The unity is stronger than a year ago but there will be issues, from inexperience to rebounding.

Western Conference champs: Golden State.

Eastern Conference champs: Cleveland.

NBA champs: Golden State.