Unlike a lot of other teams around the NBA, the Phoenix Suns have flown under the radar this summer because of a lack of significant roster movement outside of signing point guard Tyus Jones. They are running it back with Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal and there is enough flexibility there to create an impressive starting lineup. Here are three different starting lineups the Suns can use in the 2024-25 NBA season.
Starting Lineup No. 1: Running It Back
Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkic
Running it back with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic maintains the core of the 2023-24 season. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant are elite scorers, with Booker averaging 27.1 points and a career-high 6.9 assists per game and Durant adding 27.1 points per game last season. Their offensive synergy is undeniable, as they combined for one of the most potent scoring duos in the league. Bradley Beal, though often injured with only 53 appearances, contributed 18.2 points per game when healthy, providing a third scoring option that can relieve pressure from Booker and Durant.
Grayson Allen offers the Suns much-needed perimeter shooting, connecting on 46.1% of his three-point attempts last season. His ability to space the floor allows Booker and Beal to operate more freely, while also providing a reliable kick-out option for Durant’s drives. Allen’s defensive capabilities, although not elite, are sufficient to hold his own against most opposing guards, giving the Suns a balanced lineup on both ends of the floor.
Jusuf Nurkic, while not the most durable player, provides a solid presence in the paint. Averaging 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds per game, Nurkic brings a combination of scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking that can anchor the Suns’ defense. His passing ability from the post also helps facilitate the offense, giving the Suns a multi-faceted attack. This lineup, while heavily reliant on its star power, offers a blend of scoring, shooting, and interior defense that can compete with any team in the league.
Starting Lineup No. 2: All-Out Attack
Tyus Jones, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkic
Opting for an all-out attack with Tyus Jones slotting in prioritizes offensive firepower and pace. Jones, a steady and reliable point guard, can orchestrate the offense effectively, as evidenced by his 7.3 assists per game and a low turnover rate of 1.0 per game last season. His presence allows Booker and Beal to focus more on scoring, reducing their playmaking burden and maximizing their scoring potential even if he has been a backup for most of his career.
Bradley Beal shifting to the small forward position in this lineup emphasizes an up-tempo, high-scoring game plan. Beal’s ability to create his own shot and score from anywhere on the court fits well with Booker’s dynamic scoring. This duo, complemented by Durant’s versatile scoring and playmaking (averaging 5.0 assists per game), creates a three-headed monster that few defenses can handle. With Nurkic anchoring the paint, the Suns can afford to play smaller and faster, relying on their perimeter players to outscore opponents.
Defensively, this lineup may struggle against bigger teams, but its offensive output could outweigh defensive deficiencies. The combined scoring prowess of Booker, Beal, and Durant, who can collectively average over 80 points per game, ensures that the Suns can keep up with any team offensively. Jones’ steady hand and ability to knock down open shots (41.4% from three last season) add another layer of offensive versatility, making this lineup a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Starting Lineup No. 3: A Gamble With Beal Benched
Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, Jusuf Nurkic
Benching Bradley Beal for a lineup of Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, and Jusuf Nurkic introduces a defensive-minded approach. Royce O’Neale, known for his perimeter defense, can guard multiple positions and take on the toughest defensive assignments, allowing Booker and Durant to conserve energy for the offensive end. O’Neale’s 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game highlight his role as a versatile defender and a capable spot-up shooter (37.0% from three).
Grayson Allen remains in the starting lineup to provide shooting and floor spacing, crucial for Durant and Booker’s isolation plays. This lineup prioritizes balance, with Allen and O’Neale complementing the scoring trio of Booker, Durant, and Nurkic. Allen’s defensive metrics, including 2.2 defensive win shares, indicate that he can hold his own against most guards, making him a valuable two-way player in this setup.
Jusuf Nurkic’s role remains consistent as the primary rim protector and rebounder. His ability to set solid screens and facilitate from the post will be essential in this lineup, which leans heavily on Booker and Durant’s scoring abilities. This lineup, while sacrificing some offensive firepower by benching Beal, gains a significant defensive boost with O’Neale’s presence, potentially making it more effective in close, grind-it-out games where defense is paramount.
Which Lineup Should The Suns Use?
While each lineup offers unique advantages, the “All-Out Attack” lineup with Tyus Jones, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic stands out as the best option for the Suns. This lineup maximizes their offensive potential, creating a high-powered scoring unit that can overwhelm most defenses. Jones provides stability and ball-handling, allowing Booker, Beal, and Durant to focus on their strengths as elite scorers.
In second place, the “Running It Back” lineup, featuring Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic, offers a familiar yet effective approach. This lineup maintains the core chemistry of the previous season while providing ample scoring options and solid perimeter shooting with Grayson Allen. However, it lacks the same level of playmaking as the top lineup, with Booker and Beal shouldering more of the ball-handling responsibilities, which could lead to increased fatigue and turnovers throughout the season
The “Gamble With Beal Benched” lineup, consisting of Devin Booker, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Royce O’Neale, and Jusuf Nurkic, takes third place. This lineup emphasizes defense and balance, with O’Neale providing crucial defensive versatility and Allen contributing reliable perimeter shooting. While this configuration enhances the Suns’ defensive capabilities and offers a more balanced approach, it sacrifices the offensive firepower that Beal brings to the table. Without Beal, the Suns may struggle to maintain consistent scoring against top-tier defenses, making this lineup less dynamic than the other two.
Although there are defensive concerns, the offensive firepower this lineup brings can compensate for those shortcomings. Balancing the need for scoring with adequate playmaking and enough defensive presence, the “All-Out Attack” lineup gives the Suns the best chance to leverage their star power and compete at the highest level.
