Alvin Gentry thinks the Phoenix Suns are on as solid footing as they have been in some time, a stance brought on in part by a improved communication from team executives Lance Banks and Lon Babby.

 "I definitely think there is a plan in place," the Suns' coach said. "I've never felt more confident that there was a plan in place. Lance (Blanks) and Lon (Babby), I have the utmost confidence in those guys.

"We have a chance to be pretty darned good," Gentry said. "The first 20 games last year, we were awful. The next 20, we were as good as anyone in the league. Then we had too much fluctuation.

"But this is the first time we've been able to sit down and talk extensively about the team, where we're going and what we need to add. And I'm very confident, I will say that."