RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThe offseason seems to be stabilizing for the Phoenix Suns , as roughly two months remain until the team enters training camp in preparation for a highly anticipated 2026-27 season.
The transaction that will continue to shape the months ahead is the trade for former Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges . This bold proposition adds a former 20 point per game scorer to the table, but also brings numerous questions to the table in conjunction - including in the on-court fit.
However, the talent Phoenix possesses in the starting five remains undeniable, and frankly seems to be getting underrated by the rest of the league. In this case, Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report ranked Phoenix's starting unit as the 20th best in the NBA.
Phoenix's projected starting five of Devin Booker , Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks , Bridges, and Mark Williams ranks below teams such as the Utah Jazz, inherently stirring up debate about the Suns' standing relative to the rest of the league.
Lineups such as the Jazz and Portland Trail Blazers may provide more offensive upside and high-end talent collectively, but it is challenging to identify a true "weak spot" in Jordan Ott's projected starting group. Sure, Green and Bridges are limited defensively, while Williams owns a tag of being injury prone. Still, the Phoenix lineup feels like it possesses a floor that is on more solid foundation compared to the others.
Booker has been a battle-tested floor raiser across multiple seasons of his career, with marked growth as an all-around playmaker highlighting what he is able to do with respectable talent surrounding him. Green has another gear that he can still reach despite playing just 32 games, although time is running short on the former number two overall pick to make a leap into true stardom.
Brooks is coming off of a career season, with the wing bringing hard-nosed defense and a consistent offensive floor to the table - particularly as a tough shot maker. Williams provides quality rebounding and a lengthy rim protector to the floor, although one may wonder if Khaman Maluach is destined to start by season's end - this possibility opens up many more avenues for the Suns in the grand scheme of the upcoming campaign as well.
All in all, Phoenix being in the bottom third of the league's starting lineups seems to be a harsh conclusion - expect Phoenix to once again outperform the projections that are facing them ahead of the onset of the season in late October.
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Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.
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