Why the Phoenix Suns Can Win a Championship Playing Their Brand of Basketball

I was in a recent conversation with a friend the other day when the conversation of the Phoenix Suns - and more importantly - their legitimacy as championship contenders - arose. When I found myself defending the Suns' chances, I decided to write this column explaining exactly why I think the Suns are as legitimte as any team in the entire league.

Having said that, let me explain my reasoning.

First of all, the Suns still have the best point guard on the planet in two-time MVP Steve Nash. Simply put, Nash makes the game easier for every other player on the Suns roster and has shown no signs of slowing down this season. As a matter of fact, Nash has been better than ever and is currently the odds-on-favorite to win his third consecutive MVP title.

"I do feel I've improved," said Nash, in a recent interview. "I feel like I'm a little bit better in all areas. I've taken a lot of pride in being the best teammate I can be. The main goal for me is to be consistent for my teammates every day."Bottom line ... with Nash, nothing is impossible.

Phoenix also has an excellent starting shooting guard in the multi-talented Raja Bell. Not only does Bell give the Suns excellent defense on the perimeter, but he also gives them a huge shot of mental toughness, not to mention, quality perimeter shooting as well.

Phoenix also has a very talented third guard in combination guard, Leandron Barbosa, who may be the quickest point guard in the entire league. Barbosa, who would start for almost every other team in the league, can spell both Nash and Bell, without the Suns missing a beat and could be the Suns ace in the hole come playoff time.

Having pointed out how spectacular the Suns guards are, I will take the time now to emphatically say that Phoenix will win or lose in the postseason because of their frontcourt play. Unlike last season however, when the Suns only had one player that even remotely resembled a low post player (Boris Diaw), Phoenix is in much better shape this season with their frontcourt players.