The Phoenix Suns exceeded expectations last season when they ended up in the NBA Finals.

After failing to reach the playoffs in 2019-20, the addition of Chris Paul was viewed as an absolute boost. Pundits, though, didn't see the Suns lording it over the entire Western Conference in spite of their Point God addition. The naysayers were proven wrong. However, the Suns will have to do it all over again based on a recent ESPN poll involving scouts and executives.

As pointed out by Bright Side of the Sun's Trevor Booth, the Suns did not receive a single vote from the participating basketball minds as far as defending their Western Conference title goes.

The Suns toppled the Los Angeles Lakers who had LeBron James and Anthony Davis hobbling by the final game of the series. Next up, a Jamal Murray-less Denver Nuggets squad succumbed to Phoenix. The L.A. Clippers sans Kawhi Leonard were the final obstacle the Suns needed to hurdle in the West.

Injuries to their opponents' star players shouldn't be taken against Phoenix. It's fair game as every team is prone to having the same fate. That's why the medical and training staff are massively underrated.

In 2021-22, the odds will be stacked higher against the valley boys. The Lakers have retooled. The Golden State Warriors, Nuggets, and Clippers will be bolstered by returning stars. The Utah Jazz will play with a chip on their shoulder.

Despite all these, the Suns should still be in good shape. Chris Paul is back. Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges will only get better. Plus, new additions in JaVale McGee and Landry Shamet all figure to play significant roles for Coach Monty Williams.