Do you think the Suns are as good as their record indicates? - Willie, Gilbert Ariz.

That's an interesting question.

On one hand, no. Despite the fast start, the talent is considerably lower this year than on every other Suns team in the Steve Nash era. The Suns don't run like they used to, and teams with top-flight centers are going to abuse Phoenix down low all year. Channing Frye and Amare? Yeah, good luck.

But on the other hand, yes. What this group lost in talent, it makes up for in team chemistry. Getting rid of Shaq was a fantastic move of addition by subtraction. Is there enough of a potential upside for this group to win a championship? Probably not. On paper, last year's team had more potential. But it was so dysfunctional that there was no chance that it would ever reach it. This year's team cares about each other and wants to win for each other. All Shaq cared about was himself.

It's funny. When Terry Porter was brought in, all the talk was about how much the Suns would emphasize defense. But you know what? The players didn't buy in. And if the players don't buy in, then it's not going to work.

For so long, Phoenix had one of the most talented starting fives in the league, followed by offensive marksman coming off the bench. Whether it be Nash, or Stoudemire, or Joe Johnson, or Quentin Richardson, or Leandro Barbosa, or Tim Thomas, or Eddie House, or Shaq, or Diaw, or Jim Jackson, the offensive tidal waves bowled over the opponent more often than not.

Now, though, the bench is entirely different. Jared Dudley is a pudgier Bruce Bowen - a defensive snake whose only noticable skill on offense has been learning to hit the corner 3. And that's going to keep him in the league for a long time. Lou Amundson is a pogo stick who hustles and plays great defense.

While the first unit can score a bunch of points, this bench is actually a nice change of pace.

Most importantly, the trade of Shaq for nothing has breathed new life into the Suns. Although Steve Kerr has made some mistakes as general manager, he's done a great job in the Shaq decisions. I was on board for the original Shaq-Marion trade because the Suns needed a low-post presence to have a shot at a title.

Sure, it failed miserably, but Kerr wisely cut the dead weight once the Suns missed the playoffs.

Now, the group is having fun again. Chemistry is such an integral part of basketball. You don't need to look any farther than the Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson trade to see that.

As impressed as I am with the Suns' start, it's still hard to envision them getting farther than the second round of the playoffs. But you know what? That's a lot better than the alternative of an old, decaying team stuck in the lottery. Maybe this gives a free agent reason enough to take a pay cut to play with Nash. Maybe it gets Amare Stoudemire to re-up and then work hard on his game.

This season started as a dead end for Phoenix. Now, there's some light.

And more than anything, that's why Suns fans should be happy.

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