Ranking Phoenix Suns Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season with two key players sidelined
The Phoenix Suns have a lot to prove in the upcoming season after suffering a first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves despite hosting stars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. The Suns are in win-now mode and will do everything in their power to win a ring and as we approach the new season, we will name a single Suns player in every major category.
Kevin Durant remains the Suns’ most complete player heading into the 2024-25 season. Known for his elite scoring, Durant can score from anywhere on the court, averaging 27.1 points per game last season on 52.3% shooting from the field and 41.3% from three-point range.
His versatility extends beyond scoring, as he can also rebound, defend, and make plays for his teammates. Durant’s ability to impact the game in multiple facets, coupled with his experience, makes him the most well-rounded player on the Suns’ roster and we saw enough in the 2024 Olympics that he is still at the top of his game.
Grayson Allen often flies under the radar due to the star power in Phoenix, but his contributions are crucial for the team’s success. Allen’s three-point shooting (46.1% last season) and perimeter defense provide the Suns with a valuable role player who can impact games without dominating the ball.
He offers tenacity on defense, often guarding the opposing team’s best perimeter scorer, and his ability to stretch the floor offensively makes him an underrated asset in Phoenix’s rotation. Expect Allen to continue having an excellent season when it comes to two-way play from the perimeter for the Suns.
Bradley Beal joined the Suns with high expectations, but he has yet to prove he can be as impactful as expected. Beal’s scoring efficiency has declined over the past few seasons, and his defensive liabilities have raised concerns.
While he still averaged 18.2 points per game last season, his inconsistency and injury history make him a somewhat overrated player given the expectations surrounding his arrival in Phoenix. Add in the fact Beal will clear over $50 million in 2023-24 and it is safe to say that the shooting guard likely won’t return to the All-NBA standards his salary demands.
Devin Booker stands out as the Suns’ best shooter, consistently proving himself as one of the NBA’s elite marksmen. Last season, he shot 49.2% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc, showcasing his ability to hit tough shots from all over the court.
Booker’s off-the-dribble shooting, catch-and-shoot prowess, and clutch shot-making abilities make him the most reliable and efficient shooter on the team. Grayson Allen might have a better three-point percentage but Booker is the best shooter across all levels including shot-creation and jumpers off the dribble.
Jusuf Nurkic, acquired to fill the void at center, brings the most reliable post-scoring presence on the team. Though his role in Phoenix might not demand high-volume scoring, Nurkic’s ability to score in the paint, use his size to back down defenders, and finish around the rim will be pivotal for the Suns when they need to diversify their offensive approach.
