PHOENIX SUNS

Jared Dudley believes Phoenix Suns are a playoff team

Oct 23, 2012, 11:30 PM | Updated: Oct 24, 2012, 12:57 am

The last time the Phoenix Suns were in the playoffs, they reached the Western Conference Finals.

That was two seasons and a completely different roster ago.

The Suns enter the 2012-13 campaign with lower expectations than they’ve had in recent memory, though swingman Jared Dudley says the team’s goals have not changed.

“I definitely think that we could get into the playoffs,” Dudley told Arizona Sports 620’s Doug and Wolf Tuesday.

Dudley said the team needs to stay healthy and improve throughout the course of the year, but added that he thinks the Suns “are ahead of schedule” from what most people thought they’d be.

Citing the team’s depth and athleticism — as well as quality coaching — the 27-year-old admits things will be a little different, after all.

Because while there is no question the Suns will be able to score, gone are the days when the team’s total would routinely be in the 120s.

Dudley said it’s all about improving on the glass and in the turnover department. That, and learning how to win any way they can.

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