Two years ago, the Phoenix Suns won 19 total games in an interrupted, pandemic-free 82 game NBA season.
Last night, the Phoenix Suns won their 20th game in their 30th game.
Two years ago, the biggest argument in Suns-land was who the biggest draft bust was of the previous decade.
This year, their 10th overall pick is the G League and hardly anyone has noticed.
In fact, this year the biggest debate is what Suns player deserves a spot on the 2021 Western Conference All Star team.
Two years doesn't sound like that long ago but in other ways, it feels like a lifetime ago for the Phoenix Suns franchise.
Hell, one year ago feels like an eternity when Devin Booker's prospective All Star bid in 2020 felt like it might determine whether Booker wanted to stay in Phoenix or not.
In 2020, the Suns and Suns fans were the kid in class frantically waving their hand and arms, barely attached to the desk desperately hoping that the teacher would see them and pick them.
This year, the Suns and Suns fans are sitting confidently at their desk, unconcerned whether the teacher calls on them or not, confidently knowing that they know the answer.
Like I said, what a difference a year makes.
But the Suns ARE going to be represented in the All Star game. With all due respect to the Utah Jazz, relative to preseason expectations the Suns are the best success story of the NBA so far this season. That progress, that tangible achievement deserves to be highlighted in the leagues showcase mid season event.
But who will it be? Chris Paul or Devin Booker?
Paul is averaging 16.6 ppg, 8.5 apg and shooting ridiculously well from all over the field while helping dramatically improve the Suns defensive efforts.
Booker is putting up 24.7 PPG, 4.3 apg and 3.8 rpg while shooting over 50% from the field and 38% from 3. Its the last two weeks that have really defined Booker's All Star bid as he's led the Suns to a 9-1 record in their previous 10 while averaging 27.2 ppg, 5.2 apg and 4.4 rpg.
So who will the Western Conference coaches pick?
Odds are the coaches will reward Chris Paul for his herculean efforts to turn around the perpetually sinking ship that was the Phoenix Suns organization before he arrived. And he deserves it, as he's been the most impactful Suns player since the season began. He effortlessly has toggled between being the driving force on the court for the Suns to taking a more supporting role behind Booker once DBook found his comfort level three weeks ago.
But the best player on this Suns team is Devin Booker. He would be my pick.
But why worry about the All Star team when Booker could be in play for the MVP? Or Finals MVP?
Didn't I tell you? What a difference a year or two makes.