Phoenix Suns: What to Watch for and Expect from the Suns

The Phoenix Suns are in a awkward position this season, as it seems the team is torn between trying to contend for a low playoff spot and falling to mediocrity. It is apparent that veterans Steve Nash and Grant Hill want to contend, but sadly, the team might not have enough talent.

The team has a star in Steve Nash and a couple of decent pieces to build around him with, but a lack of youth puts the shortened season in jeopardy.

Nash and Hill are two of the five oldest players in the league, and all these back-to-back-to-back games are nothing but trouble for them. They're going to need to sit out a game or two over the tough stretches, and I'm not sure the team has enough talent to compete in those games when they're out.

That means the fate of the season is in the hands of Marcin Gortat, Shannon Brown, Channing Frye, Josh Childress, Markieff Morris and Jared Dudley. I'm not sure they can lead the team without Nash or Hill, but they have to do their best or else this season will truly be lost (which might not be as bad as some fans think).

A successful season for Phoenix would be to either secure a playoff spot or a very high draft pick. At the end of the 66 game season, I see the Suns as the 13th seed in the Western Conference with a final record of 27-39.

The team has the continuity to maybe make another surprise run like they did in 2009-10, but the smart bet would be against that.