Last season, the Phoenix Suns had a moderately successful season. Interestingly, they were projected to win the title at one point during their run. This happened shortly after the Suns facilitated a trade to acquire Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets. They concluded their 2022-23 season as the fourth seed in the Western Conference with 45 wins and 37 losses.
The Valley made several off-season acquisitions and their current setup might be one of their best. Devin Booker has transitioned into an amazing leader. And being paired along with KD formulates a recipe for success. A few key players have parted ways with the organization, however, the Suns will take on a new chapter.
Here’s a look at the Phoenix Suns’ roster:
Point Guards:
- Terrence Ross
- Saben Lee
- Jordan Goodwin
Shooting Guards:
- Grayson Allen
- Damion Lee
- Bradley Beal
- Keon Johnson
- Devin Booker
- Eric Gordon
Centers:
- Udoka Azubuike
- Bismack Biyombo
- Bol Bol
- Jusuf Nurkic
Small Forwards:
- Yuta Watanabe
- T.J. Warren
- Josh Okogie
- Nassir Little
- Keita Bates-Diop
- Ish Wainright
Power Forwards:
- Kevin Durant
- Drew Eubanks
- Chimezie Metu
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This is a fairly new roster when compared to last year’s lineup which featured players such as Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Cameron Payne, Deandre Ayton, Chris Paul, and Jock Landale. They were primarily used throughout the season. But they had to be traded for the Suns to build a championship-contending team.
Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal will lead the Suns roster
The Phoenix Suns starting lineup will feature Bradley Beal (PG), Devin Booker (SG), Josh Okogie (SF), Kevin Durant (PF), and Jusuf Nurkic (C). Last season ended in a second-round exit. There were a lot of issues coming into the second round of the playoffs. Chris Paul injured himself, leaving the Suns without a primary ball handler. And Deandre Ayton also struggled to produce winning numbers from his side.
Ever since Paul was acquired by Phoenix, his numbers have only decreased. Last season, he averaged 13.9 points per game from putting up 16.4 points per game during his first season. The Suns needed someone more consistent which is why they shipped him to Washington in exchange for Bradley Beal. The latter is far more consistent on the floor and can adapt to new roles easily. Beal can be a perfect offensive backup in Durant or Booker’s absence.
Blazers traded away Damian Lillard for:
– DeAndre Ayton
– Malcom Brogdon
– Rob Williams
– Toumani Camara
– 2024 first-round (Celtics, from GSW)
– 2029 first-round picks (Bucks, Celtics)
– 2028 & 2030 pick swaps (Bucks) pic.twitter.com/ManeB4mnne— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 1, 2023
Based on how Ayton performed during the playoffs, there was no doubt in mind that he would be used as a trade asset. Over the years, Ayton and the Suns haven’t had the perfect relationship which only upped his chances of being used as an asset. They traded him along with Toumani Camara to the Portland Trail Blazers for Jusuf Nurkic and other valuable players. Nurkic is far more consistent throughout the season and is a reliable scorer within the paint.
As always, the Phoenix Suns will base their performances around Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. KD was brought in midway last season and he averaged 26 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Booker averaged a career-high 27.8 points per game as well. Phoenix will open against the Golden State Warriors on October 24, 2023, at the Chase Center.