Suns could contend for West's best

Four of the five teams from the Pacific Division made the playoffs last season, and it could happen again.

The Phoenix Suns were the cream of the crop — despite All-Star big man Amare Stoudemire being out nearly the entire season as he recovered from knee surgery. With his return, the Suns should be even better and will likely push the Spurs and Mavs for the best record in the Western Conference.

The Clippers — not the Lakers — were the best team in Los Angeles a year ago. The Clips not only made the playoffs but actually won a series and pushed the Suns to the limit in the second round a year ago. They should again be a playoff team and should be the best team that calls the Staples Center home for the second consecutive year.

The Kings got off to a terrible start with injuries and slumps by major players a year ago. But they turned it around — not coincidentally right about the same time they got Ron Artest in a trade with Indiana. The question now is whether Artest, one of the NBA's notorious bad boys, can stay out of trouble.

Don Nelson is back in the NBA and should help make the Golden State Warriors more watchable with a fast-break style. Whether that will translate into more Warriors wins is debatable, however.

1. Phoenix Suns

2005-06 RECORD: 54-38

DIVISION FINISH: First, lost to Dallas 4-2 in the Western Conference Finals

COACH: Mike D'Antoni, fourth season with the Suns

TOP ROOKIE: None

KEY ADDITIONS: G Marcus Banks, G Eric Piatkowski, F Jumaine Jones

KEY LOSSES: F Tim Thomas, G Eddie House

STRENGTHS: Two-time MVP point guard Steve Nash is back to lead the best run-and-gun team in the NBA. Star C Amare Stoudemire returns after missing almost all of last season following knee surgery. Forwards Shawn Marion (21.8 ppg), Boris Diaw (13.3 ppg) and backup guard Leandro Barbosa (13.1 ppg) are all capable scorers. Ex-Jazzman Raja Bell (14.7) aids in the team's defense and 3-point shooting.

CONCERNS: After getting used to playing without him, it may take some time to work Stoudemire back into the offense.

2. Los Angeles Clippers

2005-06 RECORD: 47-35

DIVISION FINISH: Second, lost to Phoenix 4-3 in the second round of the playoffs