To the surprise of a couple of national publications that picked them to finish 28th out of 29 teams, the Suns made a return to the NBA playoffs this season.

They did it with a 20-something nucleus of players that includes All-Stars Stephon Marbury and Shawn Marion, Rookie of the Year Amare Stoudemire and sixth man Joe Johnson.

Only a day after the San Antonio Spurs ousted them in the first round of the playoffs, the Suns already were looking ahead with optimism to next season.

"I wish we could go play ball right now," said Marion, who will be seeking out a beach instead.