The Phoenix Suns have a critical offseason ahead. Phoenix is 35-41 this season and sits 11th in the Western Conference. The Suns are 1.5 games out from the final play-in spot, which the Sacramento Kings currently hold.

The Phoenix Suns were once positioned to be successful for many years, and now with the season coming to a close they will have to face a harsh reality this offseason.

Here's a look at the Western Conference playoff standings and where the Phoenix Suns find themselves in the battle to make the play-in.

The Thunder, Rockets, Nuggets, Lakers, Grizzlies, Warriors, Timberwolves, and Mavericks (if healthy) will certainly be better than the Suns. That leaves the Suns to fight for the nine seed, but the Clippers and Spurs will also be in the mix, and the Kings could stay relevant, once again forcing the Suns out.

With the NBA’s regular season down to its final week-and-a-half, there are four teams all within ½ game of each other.

After the Converse "Chuck Taylor" All-Star, the first ever signature athletic shoe in 1921, dominated the basketball shoe industry with 80% market share, per research firm SATRA) in the 1960s. Nike gradually rose among the top-selling basketball shoes Adidas, Converse and Puma.

Suns guard Bradley Beal understands the fans' frustrations about his lack of availability the past two seasons.

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