SLAM DUNKS: No single player has had such an impact on a team like G Steve Nash (18.8 ppg, 10.5 apg), the reigning two-time MVP. Nash shot 51 percent from the floor and led the league in assists for the second straight season. ... Fs Shawn Marion (21.8, 11.8 rpg) and Boris Diaw (13.3, 6.9, 6.2 apg) were almost unstoppable in the D'Antoni's run-and-gun offense. Marion led the team in scoring, rebounds and blocks and was one of just three players to average at least 20-10 last season. Diaw flashed his versatility in his first season with the team, posting career highs in every category en route to nabbing the Most Improved Player award.

AIRBALLS: Despite leading the league in scoring for a second consecutive season, Phoenix has struggled defensively under D'Antoni, whose team finished 28th in points allowed a season ago. GUESSWORK: F Amare Stoudemire (8.7, 5.3) remains a major concern after sitting out most of last season following microfracture surgery. Stoudemire attempted a comeback but lasted only three games when he discovered the knee was not ready. If the fifth-year pro can return to his 2004-05 form, he could push the Suns right into the NBA Finals.

THINKING CAP: With Diaw signing a five-year contract extension worth $45 million on October 20, Phoenix has 10 players signed to multi-year deals. However, the Suns will be looking to eliminate one of their huge contracts as the deals of both Diaw and G Leandro Barbosa do not take effect until next season. One name that's been mentioned most in trade rumors is Marion, who has over $46 million left on his deal.

D-LEAGUE CANDIDATE: None

THE COACH SAYS: "I think we're there at the top with other teams. We still have some major question marks. We have to fit Amare back in and get him back to 100 percent because anything less, than we're not going to be as good as we were last year. If he's playing at 75 or 80 percent, we're not going to be as good as last year. I think it's a question mark. But, if he does get to 100 percent, and if we can integrate him into the team, we should be better than last year. I think we'll eventually get there."