5 Reasons Why The Phoenix Suns Will Make The 2016 NBA Playoffs

By Eric Myers

5 Reasons Why The Phoenix Suns Will Make The 2016 NBA Playoffs

Eric Bledsoe Phoenix Suns — The Phoenix Suns have missed the playoffs for five straight seasons. Many experts believe that the Western Conference is too strong, and they'll continue that postseason drought in 2016. However, the Blazers and Mavericks are headed in the wrong direction, leaving some hope for teams that missed out in 2015. Here are five reasons why the Suns will be back in the postseason in 2016.

5. Alex Len Improvement

Alex Len Phoenix Suns

5. Alex Len Improvement

Alex Len Phoenix Suns — Before the start of last season Alex Len looked like he was going to be a bust. He had a litany of nagging injuries, and he was foul-prone. He showed great strides last year. He proved that he can be a defensive force in the middle, and showed some nice touch around the rim. The Suns brought in Tyson Chandler, so Len will move to the bench. Chandler will be a good mentor for Len, who will get the opportunity to go big against some teams.

4. Young Bench

Archie Goodwin Phoenix Suns

4. Young And Athletic Bench

Archie Goodwin Phoenix Suns — Alex Len, Archie Goodwin and T.J. Warren all showed signs last year that proved GM Ryan McDonough right. They will lead a very young but hungry bench. Goodwin is the most athletic of the bunch, but he needs to be a better facilitator if he wants to stay in the rotation. The Suns' bench played a vital role in their turnaround two seasons ago. It'll be paramount that they play well if they want to see the postseason in 2016.

3. Improved Three-Point Shooting

Devin Booker Phoenix Suns

3. Improved Three-Point Shooting

Devin Booker Phoenix Suns — Last season, the Suns had a bunch of penetrating guards who kicked the ball out to teammates who couldn't make shots. The Suns drafted Devin Booker; they brought in vets Sonny Weems, Mirza Teletovic and center Jon Leuer to space the floor. There are no big names in there, but guys who can knock down the 3-point shot. Coach Jeff Hornacek will have to decide how to disperse minutes, but he will have some shooters this season.

2. Improved Backcourt Play

Eric Bledsoe Phoenix Suns

2. Improved Backcourt Play

Eric Bledsoe Phoenix Suns — Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight make up the $140 million backcourt. They saw very little time together last year as Knight went down with an injury. Both players are athletic, strong and can stuff a stat sheet. They both have had stretches of All-Star caliber play. However, those stretches will have to turn into 82 games if the Suns want to vanquish those doubters.

1. Tyson Chandler's Presence

Tyson Chandler Phoenix Suns

1. Tyson Chandler's Presence

Tyson Chandler Phoenix Suns — Tyson Chandler was the Suns' biggest FA signing in almost a decade. Last year, the entire organization complained about a lack of leadership. Chandler won a championship in Dallas and a DPOY award in New York. He brings veteran leadership, but more importantly, he's an elite rebounder and defensive presence the Suns haven't had in decades.

Eric Myers is a Phoenix Suns Beat Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ericwmyers, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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