Pacific Division: Suns shine bright, but Warriors may be the team to fear

There is no question that the Phoenix Suns have been one of the best teams in the NBA the past three seasons, averaging 59 wins — including 61 victories last year.

Yet there is still some question as to whether the Suns' run-and-gun style under coach Mike D'Antoni can translate to major playoff success. Detractors point to the fact that the Suns haven't made it to the NBA Finals despite their three consecutive Pacific Division crowns.

To be fair, it should be pointed out that the Suns gave the '07-champion Spurs a tougher playoff series than any other team last spring, losing 4-2 in the second round. And if it weren't for controversial suspensions in that Spurs series, they might have had a breakthrough playoff campaign.

In any event, the Suns are again the class of the division. Golden State came on strong at the end of the year, made a nice playoff run and should be better. Meanwhile, both Los Angeles teams are filled with question marks. Sacramento has a new coach, but that probably won't be enough to get them back into playoff contention.

1. PHOENIX SUNS

2006-07 RECORD: 61-21

DIVISION FINISH: first, lost to San Antonio 4-2 in second round of playoffs

COACH: Mike D'Antoni, fifth season with Suns

TOP ROOKIES: F Alando Tucker, G D.J. Strawberry

KEY ADDITIONS: F Grant Hill, F Brian Skinner

KEY LOSSES: F Kurt Thomas

STRENGTHS: PG Steve Nash makes everyone around him better. He averaged a league-best 11.6 assists last season. F Shawn Marion and C Amare Stoudemire are All-Stars. Hill, a former star, will be a nice complimentary player, while G Raja Bell is a defensive stopper and 3-point specialist.

CONCERNS: Marion, the team's highest-paid player, is unhappy and has asked to be traded. There are still concerns that they aren't tough enough to win grind-it-out, half-court playoff series.

2. GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS

2006-07 RECORD: 42-40

DIVISION FINISH: tied for second, lost to Utah 4-1 in the second round of the playoffs

COACH: Don Nelson, second season of second stint with Warriors

TOP ROOKIE: G Marco Belinelli

KEY ADDITIONS: F Brandan Wright, G Troy Hudson