PHOENIX - In recent seasons the Suns opened the year expecting not only to be competitive, but a contender.

Following two coaching changes and a roster makeover the Suns enter the 2009 season with fewer expectations and more question marks.

"This year I don't think we really know what we are," guard Steve Nash said.

The veteran Nash, entering his sixth season since rejoining the Suns before their meteoric rise, signed a two-year contract extension with the club over the summer.

Though he got used to the pressure of being expected to win a title, Nash said the goals for this year's team are a bit more modest.

"At the very least being a playoff team, and just trying to live up to some or as close to as expectations as possible," he said.

National pundits have the Suns battling for the Western Conference's 8th and final playoff spot, with nobody expecting them to go any farther than the first round. Nash said that as long as the team plays up to its capabilities, anything can happen.

"You just never know what happens out there, and if you just do your part you can sleep at night," he said.

One thing that would leave Nash restless is a non- competitive Suns team. That, he said, is not really an option.

"It's painful for me if we're not really, really good," he said.

Sports 620 KTAR's Craig Grialou contributed to this report