This is the third installment of a new series highlighting the rays of hope for fans of non-contending or fringe playoff teams. 

Perhaps because the previous piece in this series focused on the Philadelphia 76ers, or possibly because I’m a Philadelphian, I can’t help but look at the Phoenix Suns as their Western Conference mirror image. Both franchises hired new general managers and new head coaches. Both franchises are in the business of stockpiling draft picks in 2014. Both franchises have young budding stars at the point guard position (Eric Bledsoe and Michael Carter-Williams). Both teams were last competitive when their franchise guard led the way (although Nash loved to pass and Iverson loved to…practice?). Both teams were picked by many to lead the tanking efforts for Andrew Wiggins and company, and both teams have shocked the league with their early season success, prompting a massive spike in the use of the words “ragtag” and “upstart.”   

Eric Bledsoe

More than a few eyebrows were raised when Ryan McDonough, new general manager of the Suns, opted not to extend the prized offseason acquisition by the October 31 deadline. It is unclear whether this was due to management taking a wait-and-see approach (Bledsoe will be a restricted free agent, so the Suns have the opportunity to match whatever offers he gets), or simply both camps being unable to come to an agreement. One thing is becoming very clear though: with averages of 20.4 points, 6.8 assists and 4.6 rebounds, mini LeBron is a star. He will not be taking his talents to mini South Beach.    

Miles Plumlee

The Suns' organization continues to comb the desert, and may have accidentally stumbled upon some buried treasure when the Pacers threw in Miles Plumlee to the Luis Scola trade back in July. The second-year big man has already posted four double-doubles and is leading his team in rebounds and blocks (9.3 and 2.1). This truly looks like a case of a man taking advantage of his opportunity. The Marcin Gortat trade and injury to Emeka Okafor have left a Plumlee-sized hole at the center position. In his rookie year for the Pacers, Plumlee played in only 14 games, averaging 3.9 minutes.    

2014 NBA Draft

Phoenix could potentially have four first round draft picks this June. However, three of those picks are lottery protected (12-14 range), and the position of their own pick could be higher than expected if the team continues to exceed expectations. Another consideration is that the lottery protected picks are from Minnesota, Washington and Indiana. The Indiana pick is a lock as the Pacers more and more resemble the biggest threat to a Heat threepeat. The Minnesota and Washington picks aren’t as secure. The T-Wolves have problems with durability. Any significant amount of missed time from Rubio, Love, or Pekovic might knock this team off the playoff standings. The Wizards, well, it’s clear ownership thinks they are a playoff team, willing to sacrifice their own pick to bring in Gortat. But their slow start has led some lingering doubts about Randy Wittman at the helm, who hasn’t been helping the case for his job (recently fined $20,000 by the NBA for stating that his team has commitment issues…with defense, but with more curse words). A midseason head coaching change does not typically a playoff team make. Regardless, it can be safely assumed that Phoenix will have at least two first rounders come July, their own still potentially being towards the top.