Offseason changes have Suns soaring

This is the type of play that Suns fans were hoping for when Devin Booker was joined by Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. Despite the good vibes early, a roster stacked with offensive power is only 16th in offensive rating, indicating that this team may still be able to hit another gear.

Durant has been doing what he does best, putting up MVP-caliber numbers and leading his team to wins. At 36 years old, Durant is averaging 27.1 points per game while shooting 54.8% from the field and 43.6% from three. Despite their age, he, LeBron James and Stephen Curry are not giving up their hold as the faces of the NBA. 

Durant looks like he can carry this team on offense, but his supporting cast will be key to the Suns' ability to contend. His co-star Devin Booker has started the season shooting poorly, but expect that to turn around. Booker has shot efficiently from the field, making over 49% of his field goals the last two seasons, but this year, he is only shooting 41.9%. Assuming he trends back toward the former number, the Suns offense will improve. 

One of the key differences for the Suns this season is the addition of a true point guard in Jones. Without a floor general last year, Booker was forced to play out of position, and the Suns offensive flow suffered. This offseason, the Suns brought in Jones to organize the offense, and it's paying early dividends. 

The Suns ranked 14th last season in assist percentage, and this year are tied for 4th. They've also gone from 12th in the league to ninth in assists per game. Having a point guard to get scorers like Durant, Beal and Booker the ball has been key to the Suns success so far this year. 

The other big change for the team this offseason was a change in the coaching staff.  The Suns hired Budenholzer, former NBA champion and Coach of the Year, this offseason.

Coach Bud is joined by Chad Forcier and David Fizdale, who are both bringing fresh perspectives to the Suns this season. The new coaching staff is putting an emphasis on the defensive end, Budenholzer's specialty. The Suns were 13th in the league last season in defensive rating and are now sixth. 

If the Suns can keep up the elite defense and pair it with their improving offense, the Western Conference needs to take note. The Suns could be true contenders.