Are Suns Serious Title Contenders?

The Phoenix Suns are gearing towards what will almost certainly be the most consequential season in franchise history after three preceding seasons that carried similar feelings going into training camp. The lack of bullish feelings towards Phoenix have much more to do with the perception that other teams have improved and have better constructed rosters - while the Suns are seen as being stuck in neutral. This is evidenced by landing anywhere from 10-14 in most preseason power rankings from reputable publications, along with facing fairly long odds in many betting markets. The general perception around the Suns is fair - they were just absolutely humiliated against the Minnesota Timberwolves.