The Phoenix Suns are coming off a disappointing 2023-24 season, despite being one of the favorites to win the NBA title after acquiring Bradley Beal in the offseason. The Suns struggled with team chemistry, defensive issues, and injuries, finishing 6th in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record. Their season came to an abrupt end in the first round of the playoffs, where they were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves. This disappointing outcome led to the firing of head coach Frank Vogel, and the Suns hired former NBA champion Mike Budenholzer in hopes of turning things around.
With the addition of a true point guard in Tyus Jones and other roster adjustments, the Suns are looking to improve their defense and overall team fit as they enter the 2024-25 season.
Here’s a breakdown of their projected starting lineup and key reserves for the upcoming season.
Point Guard (PG)
Starter: Tyus Jones
Reserves: Monte Morris, Damion Lee, Collin Gillespie
One of the Suns’ most important offseason moves was addressing their need for a true point guard by acquiring Tyus Jones. Last season, it was clear that having Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant share playmaking duties wasn’t working optimally. Jones, one of the most underrated point guards in the league, brings stability and elite decision-making.
Last season with the Washington Wizards, Jones averaged 12.0 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 7.3 assists while shooting an efficient 48.9% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range. His ability to take care of the basketball and facilitate the offense will be critical in optimizing the Suns’ Big Three.
Monte Morris, another steady veteran point guard, will back up Jones, providing depth and reliability off the bench. Damion Lee and Collin Gillespie round out the point guard rotation.
Shooting Guard (SG)
Starter: Bradley Beal
Reserves: Grayson Allen, Jalen Bridges, TyTy Washington
Bradley Beal’s first season with the Suns was marred by injuries and inconsistency as he struggled to find his fit alongside Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. Beal averaged 18.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game while shooting an impressive 51.3% from the field and 43.0% from three-point range. His shooting efficiency was solid, but injuries and chemistry issues limited his impact. Heading into this season, Beal will be hoping for better health and a more defined role under Mike Budenholzer, where he can maximize his scoring and playmaking abilities.
Grayson Allen provides valuable three-point shooting and toughness off the bench, while Jalen Bridges and TyTy Washington will compete for minutes as they develop their games.
Small Forward (SF)
Starter: Devin Booker
Reserves: Josh Okogie, Ryan Dunn, Moses Wood
Devin Booker had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field and 36.4% from three-point range. He was selected to his fourth All-Star team and made his second All-NBA selection.
Booker has continued to evolve into one of the league’s premier scorers and playmakers, and with Tyus Jones now handling primary playmaking duties, Booker will have more freedom to focus on scoring. He remains the heart and soul of the Suns and will look to lead them deep into the playoffs this season.
Josh Okogie is a defensive specialist who brings energy and hustle off the bench. Ryan Dunn and Moses Wood will provide further depth on the wing.
Power Forward (PF)
Starter: Kevin Durant
Reserves: Royce O’Neale, Bol Bol, Frank Kaminsky
Kevin Durant, despite being 35 years old, continues to perform at an elite level. Last season, Durant averaged 27.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.0 assists while shooting 52.3% from the field and 41.3% from three-point range. He made his 14th All-Star team and 11th All-NBA selection. Durant’s scoring and versatility make him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league.
With Tyus Jones facilitating the offense, Durant should find more open looks and opportunities to dominate offensively. Much like LeBron James, Durant deserves recognition for his ability to remain a top-tier player deep into his 30s.
Royce O’Neale, a 3-and-D veteran, brings solid defense and shooting off the bench. Bol Bol adds intriguing upside with his length and shot-blocking, and Frank Kaminsky provides additional depth at power forward and center.
Center (C)
Starter: Jusuf Nurkic
Reserves: Mason Plumlee, Oso Ighodaro, Mamadi Diakite
Jusuf Nurkic, acquired in the offseason, fills a critical need for the Suns at center. Last season, Nurkic averaged 10.9 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 51.0% from the field. While Nurkic isn’t the most athletic center, he provides solid rebounding, passing, and toughness inside. His ability to set screens and create space for Durant, Booker, and Beal will be key. However, staying healthy will be essential for Nurkic, as injuries have plagued his career in recent years.
Mason Plumlee, a veteran big man, offers additional size and rebounding off the bench. Oso Ighodaro and Mamadi Diakite will provide depth and could see minutes depending on matchups and injuries.
The Phoenix Suns remain one of the most talented teams in the NBA, but their success this season will depend on their ability to stay healthy and address the defensive issues that plagued them last year. With Tyus Jones now running the point, the Suns finally have a true floor general to take the pressure off Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant, allowing them to focus on scoring.
Mike Budenholzer, a proven championship-winning coach, brings a defensive mindset and experience to a team that desperately needs structure on that end of the floor. Under Budenholzer’s guidance, the Suns should see improvement in their defensive schemes, and with a roster that includes multiple elite scorers, they will be a formidable offensive force.
If the Suns’ Big Three of Booker, Beal, and Durant can stay healthy and develop better on-court chemistry, they will be one of the most dangerous teams in the Western Conference. Jusuf Nurkic’s health will also be crucial, as the Suns need him to anchor the paint and provide the rebounding they missed last season.
The Suns have the firepower to compete with any team in the league, and with Mike Budenholzer at the helm, they are a legitimate contender to challenge for the NBA title. However, much will depend on their ability to stay healthy and buy into Budenholzer’s defensive system. If they can do that, the Suns will be a nightmare matchup for any opponent in the playoffs.
Here are all the projected lineups we’ve done so far:
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2024-25 Cleveland Cavaliers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Dallas Mavericks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Denver Nuggets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Detroit Pistons Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Golden State Warriors Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Houston Rockets Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Indiana Pacers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Clippers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Los Angeles Lakers Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Memphis Grizzlies Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Milwaukee Bucks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Minnesota Timberwolves Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 New Orleans Pelicans Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 New York Knicks Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Oklahoma City Thunder Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Orlando Magic Projected Starting Lineup
2024-25 Philadelphia 76ers Projected Starting Lineup
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