I think comparing this years Suns to the previous Mavs team is a poor comparison. The Mavs didn't have ANY kind of post defense or offense and lacked in rebounding -- that's not quite the same with the Suns. While the Suns don't have quite the interior defense that is true of SA, Detroit, Miami, etc. -- they still have a better interior defense than the Mavs had, IMO. Also, note that the Suns play a swarming zone defense that is 2nd in the league in opp. 3pt%. That translates to their players getting back to cover perimeter shooters behind the arch.
Besides, Amare inside is a greater force in the paint than anything the Mavs had (Dirk is still a perimeter player not a post player).
I think the Suns have to prove that they can beat the Spurs consistently and solidly before they can get their hopes up of any real shot at an NBA title. The Suns have a LOT of weapons and I don't think you are going to silence all those weapons. Amare is SOOO quick that I'm not sure that anyone in the league can guard him one-on-one -- and that means that the Suns take advantage of any double teams that come with great outside shooting. You also better have a good transition defense against the Suns because they are going to run on you -- and they run very very well.