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<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><feed xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:thr="http://purl.org/syndication/thread/1.0" xml:lang="en-US" > <title type="text">Bright Side Of The Sun</title> <subtitle type="text">Your best source for quality Phoenix Suns news, rumors, analysis, stats and scores from the fan perspective.</subtitle> <updated>2025-09-13T18:50:13+00:00</updated> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/rss/index.xml</id> <link rel="self" type="application/atom+xml" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/rss/index.xml" /> <entry> <author> <name>Bruce Veliz</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Player Preview: Oso Ighodaro is ready to prove his doubters wrong]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/89157/player-preview-oso-ighodaro-is-ready-to-prove-his-doubters-wrong" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89157</id> <updated>2025-09-13T14:50:13-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-13T14:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Oso Ighodaro Power Forward and Center, 6’10”, 235 pounds, 23 years old, 1 year of NBA experience This upcoming season is one that fans are hoping for some fun compared to last season. They are banking on this youth movement to take stride finally, and one of those leaders in that department is Oso Ighodaro. […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2224322660.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Oso Ighodaro</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>Power Forward and Center, 6’10”, 235 pounds, 23 years old, 1 year of NBA experience</em></p> <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">This upcoming season is one that fans are hoping for some fun compared to last season. They are banking on this youth movement to take stride finally, and one of those leaders in that department is Oso Ighodaro. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ighodaro spent his rookie season in the Valley and showed he could be a solid piece for the Suns in this new direction. Even if he was given sporadic playing time, like the other rookie in Ryan Dunn, Oso displayed that he could be utilized in this system. This year, he hopes to turn the heads of fans, like he did at the summer league, to make a name for himself in this league.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/08/gettyimages-2208830004.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,8.339905362776,100,83.320189274448" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><h3 class="wp-block-heading">2024-25 Recap</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">For being a rookie in Mike Budenholzer’s “random” system, Ighodaro brought the energy in the front court that was needed. With Jusuf Nurkic having disagreements with the coach, and Mason Plumlee looking lost out there. Ighodaro was able to buy some minutes and finally impressed fans. Similar to Dunn, he saw sporadic minutes throughout the year and saw the bulk of minutes in the last two months of the season. In the limited time, he was able to showcase himself as a solid complementary piece to these stars. He could crash the boards and help the Suns, who were in desperate need of rebounding, once Nurkic was benched. Even with Nick Ricahards being added at the deadline, it was still evident Ighodaro needed to be used to help what seemed to be the worst front court in the league.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">His best game of the season that I can remember was late in the year vs the Toronto Raptors. In this game, the Suns blew the socks off them (which was a shock), and Ighodaro was a beast in the contest. He had nine points, nine rebounds, four assists, one block, and one steal with a plus/minus of +39. Even if it was against a weaker opponent, this proved to the fans that Ighodaro could help out in multiple ways to provide a win, something very few players could do since they were mainly specialists in a specific aspect of the game.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="RAPTORS at SUNS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | March 17, 2025" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1M6CNHR2TDA?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contract Details</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">After he was selected in the second round by the Phoenix Suns after trading up to get him, Oso Ighdaro signed a 4-year $8 million deal heading into his rookie season. This would allow him to sign a rookie-scale agreement and allow the Suns to see what they have in store with a future piece. So far, what we have seen is that he is definitely worth around $2 million per year, and if he continues to grow, he can secure a nice contract extension that is beneficial not only for him but also for the Phoenix Suns.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengths and Weaknesses</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">When analyzing Ighodaro’s game, it is clear where his strengths and weaknesses truly reside on the court. Discussing the positives, his strengths include rebounding and passing in the post on offense, with his defensive versatility being key on the other side. For Ighodaro, his frame is a mixture of a power forward and center, so he can share the benefits of what they both can contribute while on the court. He did lack some size last year, but with him putting on this muscle, it seems he wants to hold down the paint like we expect. His ability to excel in all these categories helps him be helpful on the court, aiding the stars in whatever they need at the moment.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The one weakness, besides his frame (which he is trying to change), is his ability to stretch the floor and hit a three-point shot. This was also shown at Marquette in college and translated over to the NBA in his first year. Oso Ighodaro shot only two three-point shots this year and missed both of them. With stretch fours in Kevin Durant and Bol Bol being off the roster, you would hope Ighodaro could replicate that three-point scoring to a certain degree. Only time will tell if he can fill that role, but if he does become more comfortable from three-point land, he could work himself into that definitive role, instead of competing in the long jam for the center position.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">One Key Factor</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Where does Oso Ighodaro fit within this lineup? Since the Suns have drafted Khaman Maluach at pick ten in this latest draft, you would expect him to get some development time this year. Adding to that, the Suns still traded for Mark Williams, who I hope will be their starter. This leaves Oso Ighodaro and Nick Richards still in this front-court rotation and brings up the question of where they fit. With Ighodaro having trouble stretching the floor to hit the three-point shot, it is hard to put him in a power forward position. With his frame as well, people have had questions about what his actual position is and if he can fit into that role.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction Time</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">The last time we saw Oso Ighodaro out there on the court was the Summer League, and he impressed every Suns fan. The forward looked to be a different beast versus some weaker competition, where he could shine as one of the stars on the court. The Suns had Ighodaro playing power forward and center for this team, but were also letting him run some point forward for this team. Now this is something I don’t expect to translate into the season as much as we saw it, but it could be another facet of Ighodaro’s game that could see him get playing time. He looked more aggressive on the boards and looked more comfortable on the court with his poise on both sides of the floor. The big man can be disruptive in the paint with his long reach, and clearly was a difference for the Suns in that aspect.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong><em>Stat Prediction: 73 Games Played, 6.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.9 BPG, on 67/18/70 shooting splits</em></strong></p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">I am excited to see Oso Ighodaro take the court for the Suns this upcoming season. He was a solid selection for this team last year and deserved more burn throughout the season in Phoenix. Seeing how he handled the Summer League has only made me more intrigued about what he can be for the Suns. I don’t think he will be a game-changer this year, but I do like what he can bring to this team in the development stages they are currently in. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">If he can reach his true potential, he could be a perfectly sound offensive big man for this bench unit, and one that I would cherish every memory of getting to see him on the court.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>John Voita</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Phoenix Suns turn to their pillars as SunsRank moves to Tier 2]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-rank/89186/phoenix-suns-2025-26-sunsrank-tier-2-pillars-dillon-brooks-ryan-dunn-grayson-allen" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89186</id> <updated>2025-09-11T14:05:06-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-13T08:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="SunsRank" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Yeah, things are about to get messy. We’ve closed the book on Tier 1, The Cornerstones, a list that belonged only to Devin Booker and Jalen Green. No surprises there. The opening order of the 2025–26 SunsRank looks like this: And now we move into Tier 2, The Pillars. Before diving in, I want to […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2203079699.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">Yeah, things are about to get messy. We’ve closed the book on Tier 1, The Cornerstones, a list that belonged only to Devin Booker and Jalen Green. No surprises there. The opening order of the 2025–26 SunsRank looks like this:</p> <ol class="wp-block-list"><li><em>Devin Booker</em></li> <li><em>Jalen Green</em></li> <li><em>…</em></li></ol> <p class="has-text-align-none">And now we move into Tier 2, The Pillars.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Before diving in, I want to address some of the feedback from the community about adding a separate tier for the Suns’ future pieces. I thought about it, I really did. There’s enough youth on this roster to justify its own category. But I kept it to four tiers on purpose. At the end of the season, we’ll revisit these exact same groupings — Cornerstones, Pillars, Wild Cards, and Depth Pieces — and what interests me most is seeing how each player’s place in the hierarchy shifts from start to finish. The tiers are designed to break the roster into digestible pieces, not to permanently define what each player is or will be.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">With that said, we’re on to Tier 2. Five players landed here in the voting, and these are The Pillars. They’re not quite Cornerstones, but they’re strong enough to carry weight. They stabilize the roster, they give it structure, and if they rise, so does the ceiling of this team. Their importance to the Suns’ success moving forward cannot be overstated.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So who do we have?</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Grayson Allen</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Grayson Allen entered last year’s SunsRank preseason at fourth overall, only to slip to fifth by season’s end as his role shifted to the bench. That looks to be the blueprint again this year. After starting 74 of 75 games in 2023–24, he’ll once more anchor the second unit, providing scoring punch and shooting off the bench. His role may have changed, but his value hasn’t. Allen is still a steady contributor who can swing games with his shot.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Dillon Brooks</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">A SunsRank newcomer, Brooks arrives in Phoenix through the Kevin Durant trade, bringing with him the kind of fire and effort this team lacked a season ago. His reputation precedes him. A grinder, an agitator, a player who tilts the emotional balance of a game. Where he lands in SunsRank will be one of the more interesting storylines this year, because his impact won’t be measured in points alone.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2212822829.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0054406964091456,0,99.989118607182,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Ryan Dunn</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Dunn’s rise in last year’s SunsRank was the steepest on the roster. He opened as a rookie from Virginia ranked 10th and closed the season at fourth. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but his relentless effort and defensive versatility made him a favorite with the fan base. Entering year two, he has the opportunity to cement himself as more than energy and defense, and that’s what makes his place in SunsRank so intriguing.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Royce O’Neale</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">O’Neale was the definition of steady last season. A true flatliner. He opened SunsRank as the sixth-best player on the roster and finished in the same spot. Some nights he made his presence felt, other nights he faded into the background, but his contract and skill set still make him a valuable piece. As this season unfolds, the question becomes whether he stays steady or surprises us with a rise up the board.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none"><strong>Mark Williams</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams was one of the closest calls in tier voting. Fifty-one percent of his ballots landed him in Tier 2, but 32 percent pushed him into Tier 1. He sits right on the edge of being viewed as a cornerstone. His development, role, and production this year will ultimately decide which way he leans, and SunsRank gives us the chance to track that in real time.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/08/gettyimages-2204458257.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0.0065172054223197,0,99.986965589155,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now the fun begins. Let the voting start, and let the conversations follow. Take your time, think it through, make your case. Rank SunsRank.</p> <iframe frameborder="0" width="100%" height="600" src="https://polls8372.survey.fm/sunsrank-tier-2?iframe=1"><a href="https://polls8372.survey.fm/sunsrank-tier-2">View Survey</a></iframe> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Holden Sherman</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Who could emerge as the third scoring option next season for the Suns?]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/89127/phoenix-suns-third-leading-scorer-2025-mark-williams-grayson-allen-ryan-dunn" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89127</id> <updated>2025-09-10T12:53:15-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-12T14:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[While Devin Booker and Jalen Green are expected to be the Phoenix Suns’ two leading scorers next season, the Valley’s third scoring option after the two guards is unclear right now. Here are three players it could be: The Favorite: Mark Williams Coming off a career year for the Charlotte Hornets, Williams averaged 15.3 points […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2210250428.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">While Devin Booker and Jalen Green are expected to be the Phoenix Suns’ two leading scorers next season, the Valley’s third scoring option after the two guards is unclear right now. Here are three players it could be:</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Favorite: Mark Williams</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Coming off a career year for the Charlotte Hornets, Williams averaged 15.3 points per game last year on 60.4% from the field and 80.4% from the charity stripe in the 2024-2025 campaign. Playing alongside Miles Bridges, LaMelo Ball, and Brandon Miller, Williams was not featured as much in Charlotte as he is expected to be in the Phoenix offense this season.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2232929202.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><p class="has-text-align-none">In the starting lineup, Williams is projected to be playing next to Booker and Green, both primary and ball-dominant scorers, but also Ryan Dunn and Dillon Brooks, two forwards who are not first-scoring players. This could leave Williams more room to operate inside and play as a roll man for both Green and Booker, which could lead him to open baskets and easy post-up opportunities. Additionally, Williams is just 23 heading into his fourth season and has increased his points per game every year of his career so far. A scoring increase would match how his development has played out to start. Williams should be the favorite to be the team’s third leading scorer next year.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Sixth Man: Grayson Allen</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Averaging double-digits for now five consecutive seasons, Allen looks to be the Valley’s top scoring option off the bench this season. An elite shooter, Allen can light it up from downtown and get hot quickly. His usage was down after being heavily relied on two seasons ago, but with Tyus Jones and Bradley Beal not on the team anymore, even as a sixth man, Allen looks to be the most prolific and versatile scorer for Phoenix in their second unit. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">With his elite shooting and ability to not down free throws so vital down the stretch of games, Allen could see himself playing minutes with the starters late in games, giving him more chances to boost his point totals and get open looks created by Green and Booker’s offense. </p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Grayson Allen 2024-2025 Season Highlights and Best Plays | Phoenix Suns" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bc9dT9T-hIg?rel=0&start=8" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Sleeper: Ryan Dunn</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Projected to be the team’s starting power forward this upcoming season, Ryan Dunn will have ample opportunities to score, even if he isn’t a score-first player. Just like Williams, playing alongside Green and Booker in the starting lineup should give him the opportunity for open looks. He shot just 31.1% from three last season, but he shot it very confidently, and in the month of March, where he took the most attempts, he shot his second-best percentage of any month of the season, knocking down 35.1% of his triples.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Ryan Dunn 2024-2025 Season Highlights and Best Plays | Phoenix Suns" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OdWpe6cWyRw?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">Shooting just 48.7% from the freethrow line last year on 0.5 attempts per game, he’ll likely need to get to and make more of his foul shots if he wants to be the squad’s third leading scorer, but his athleticism, expanded role, and natural development could lead him to be one of the team’s top scorers this upcoming season.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-polldaddy wp-block-embed-polldaddy"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><div class="iframely-embed"><div class="iframely-responsive"><a href="https://poll.fm/16010789" data-iframely-url="https://cdn.iframe.ly/api/iframe?maxheight=750&url=https%3A%2F%2Fpoll.fm%2F16010789&key=a95589c51263af39f0de8ef8737db4f3"></a></div></div></div></figure> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Brandon Duenas</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Player Preview: Jordan Goodwin brings an edge to Phoenix]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/88869/player-preview-jordan-goodwin-brings-an-edge-to-phoenix" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/88869/player-preview-jalen-green-is-the-swing-piece-for-the-suns</id> <updated>2025-09-09T17:26:15-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-12T08:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Reunited in the Valley Guard, 6’3”, 200 pounds, 26 years old, 4 years of NBA experience Jordan Goodwin is back. The Phoenix Suns claimed the 26-year-old guard off waivers on July 23 after the Lakers cut him to make room for roster shuffling. It is a low-cost move with real upside, and it puts a […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-1880762914.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reunited in the Valley</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>Guard, 6’3”, 200 pounds, 26 years old, 4 years of NBA experience </em></p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Jordan Goodwin is back. </p> <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The Phoenix Suns claimed the 26-year-old guard off waivers on July 23 after the Lakers cut him to make room for roster shuffling. It is a low-cost move with real upside, and it puts a familiar defender back into a backcourt that needs on-ball pressure and second-unit stability.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Goodwin’s profile is the same one many Suns fans will remember. He is a physical point-of-attack guard who rebounds like a wing, bothers ball-handlers, and lives for the grimy possessions. In his first Phoenix stint during 2023–24, he averaged 5.0 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 14.0 minutes. In a larger role later that season with Memphis, he put up 10.0, 8.0, and 4.5 in 29.2 minutes.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">He only played in 40 games with Phoenix before being traded to the Brooklyn Nets in the Royce O’Neale deal and was waived by Brooklyn the next day. Goodwin later signed with Memphis, where he finished out that 23-24 season. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The Phoenix Suns have claimed former Lakers guard Jordan Goodwin off free agency waivers, sources tell ESPN. Goodwin, waived by the Lakers to create roster space for Marcus Smart, is a gritty, upside pickup for the Suns backcourt. <a href="https://t.co/SIMQXztpNi">pic.twitter.com/SIMQXztpNi</a></p>— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShamsCharania/status/1948126505231397220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 23, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024-25 Recap</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Last season with the Lakers, he produced across the margins again. In 29 games, he averaged 5.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.0 steals in 18.7 minutes, while knocking down nearly one three per game. That is a compact, useful second-unit line that fits what Phoenix needs from him right away. </p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Jordan Goodwin highlights | NBA season 2024-25" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vz8MWZpPmVs?rel=0&start=6" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">Pitbull, he is. The Lakers may regret letting go of Goodwin, especially since his fit next to Luka (and LeBron) was pretty seamless. <a href="https://www.nba.com/player/1630692/jordan-goodwin?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contract Details</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">In 2025-26, Goodwin will earn a base salary of $2,349,578, while carrying a cap hit of $2,349,578 and a dead cap value of $25,006.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>(courtesy of Spotrac) </em></p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-05-at-5.43.06%E2%80%AFPM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strengths & Weaknesses</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Phoenix wants more two-way competence around Devin Booker and Jalen Green. But if we have to settle for <em>one</em> of the ways, it’s <strong>defense</strong> that’s key alongside those two.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Goodwin’s <strong>strengths</strong> map directly to that request on one side of the ball. He tracks the ball off the glass, creates extra possessions, and defends without needing touches to stay engaged. His best NBA stretches have come when a coach gave him a defined job instead of freelance creation, and this roster has enough scorers that he can live in that lane.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Think of Goodwin as the tempo guard who toggles between guarding ones and twos (maybe the occasional three), pushes in transition when the ball finds him, and resets the offense without forcing action. On a roster that added Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks and brought in more youth, there is a clean lane for a defensive guard who keeps lineups organized and applies pressure at the point of attack. His pathway is not complicated. It is about reliability and fit more than flair.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Goodwin’s ability to play well next to lead guards offensively makes him an ideal fit in lineups with Jalen Green, Devin Booker, or Collin Gillespie in the second unit. The low-maintenance versatility he brings is a bonus from the guard position. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Gritty defender. Tough shot maker. Smart passer.<br><br>Jordan Goodwin is back in the PHX! <a href="https://t.co/n4XBvwVr0R">pic.twitter.com/n4XBvwVr0R</a></p>— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/Suns/status/1948444470732882116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 24, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">The progress we need to see includes improved shooting, specifically on catch-and-shoots, strong finishing numbers around the rim when he slashes, and taking on more playmaking duties for a team that needs facilitators desperately. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Offense will cap his minutes if the decision-making slips. During his 2023–24 cameo in Phoenix, his efficiency lagged from deep. When he was thrust into heavier usage in Memphis, the volume rose, but the shooting remained choppy. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">If the jumper is inconsistent, spacing gets tight for second-unit lineups already learning one another. That is the trade-off with defensive guards who are not natural table-setters. You live with the occasional empty trip because of what you get on the other end, but the leash shortens if the shot is not there.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ultimately, his role is easy to envision, but there is a reason he was on waivers. He will have to dispel those deficiencies to become a reliable rotation piece. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Key Factor</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">The offensive production will be something to monitor. Is he capable of knocking down open shots and not being a complete offensive liability? If so, his defense could have him on the court for pivotal moments. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Is there a chance his playmaking could improve with a bit more freedom at times? There has to be a bit more juice offensively from him to step into a larger role. But even if he comes in and is exactly who he always has been, he’ll have a role. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Excited to see Jordan Goodwin bring the defensive edge and grit back to Phoenix. <br><br>Fits well alongside either Green or Booker and in lineups where he shares the floor with Dunn and Brooks, the Suns are going to have some absolute dogs out there. <a href="https://t.co/JYl59JqVWk">pic.twitter.com/JYl59JqVWk</a></p>— Zona (@AZSportsZone) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZSportsZone/status/1963813984852951126?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction Time</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Goodwin comes in and is exactly what you expect him to be. A hard-nosed guard that provides gritty play and hustles every second he’s on the court. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Stat Prediction: </strong><em><strong>65</strong></em><em><strong> games played, 6.1 PPG, 1.9 APG, 4.1 RPG, 0.9 SPG on 42/33/78 shooting splits</strong></em>.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">If Goodwin brings his trademark edge and trims the offensive issues even <em>slightly</em>, he fits. The rebounding for his position is real. The defensive activity is real. Phoenix does not need him to reinvent anything. They need him to be the same relentless guard he was the last time he wore purple and orange, just a little more selective with the ball. Do that, and he will stick.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The waiver claim was quiet. The impact does not have to be.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-1978650933.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 4: Jordan Goodwin #0 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 4, 2024 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>John Voita</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Player Preview: Patience will be the smartest play with Khaman Maluach]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/89048/khaman-maluach-phoenix-suns-2025-nba-draft-rookie-center-development-potential-analysis" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/89048/player-preview-mark-williams-could-turn-the-suns-biggest-flaw-into-their-greatest-strength</id> <updated>2025-09-09T18:09:04-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-11T14:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Khaman Maluach Center, 7’2”, 250 pounds, 19 years old, rookie The lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft carried a buzz in Phoenix. New general manager Brian Gregory wasted no time putting his fingerprints on the roster, moving pieces until the Suns found themselves holding the 10th overall pick. A pick that once belonged to them, […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2224643798.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Khaman Maluach</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>Center, 7’2”, 250 pounds, 19 years old, rookie </em></p> <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The lead-up to the 2025 NBA Draft carried a buzz in Phoenix. New general manager Brian Gregory wasted no time putting his fingerprints on the roster, moving pieces until the Suns found themselves holding the 10th overall pick. A pick that once belonged to them, before it was sent away in the Kevin Durant trade, only to circle back like a storybook twist. And when the board fell the way it did, when Khaman Maluach slid to ten, it felt like the basketball gods had smiled on the desert.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Seven-foot-two, with a wingspan stretching to 7’5” and a standing reach of 9’8”. A frame built for the modern game’s paint battles, and yet he’s still a teenager. Nineteen on Sunday. The raw athletic profile is undeniable, the kind you dream about when you talk about upside, potential, and what the future could hold.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now comes the harder question. What will he give in year one? Can he carve out a role, flash glimpses of dominance, and lay the foundation for something bigger? Or will his rookie season be less about production and more about moments, the kind that hint at what’s coming? Either way, Maluach is one of the most captivating storylines the Suns carry into the new season.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024-25 Recap</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Maluach arrived at Duke as a freshman by way of the NBA Academy Africa in Senegal, entering the program ranked 51st in the RCSI top 100. On paper, the numbers don’t leap off the page. 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and a 71.2% field goal mark. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">But context matters. He wasn’t asked to be a scoring anchor, not when Duke’s roster featured Cooper Flagg, the eventual number one overall pick, and Kon Knueppel, who went fifth.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">What Maluach did bring was consistency. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">He played in all 39 games, carving out a role and showing growth as the season stretched on. His impact wasn’t defined by stat sheets, it was in the way he fit into a loaded roster, held his own, and earned the respect of those around him. Teammates spoke highly of his character, his kindness, and his willingness to do the work. </p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Khaman Maluach 2024-25 Regular Season Highlights | Duke Center" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HfslMJR80rI?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contract Details</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Maluach is on a rookie deal, which in his case as the 10th overall selection, is four years, $27.4 million. The last two years of his deal are team options.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strengths & Weaknesses</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">The strengths with Khaman are as clear as they come, and it all starts with his size and the way he uses it. At 7’2” with that kind of reach, he is a true lob threat in every sense of the word. Throw it near the rim and he can go get it. Add to that an agility uncommon for a player his size, and suddenly he becomes more than a stationary big. He becomes a weapon in the pick and roll, able to dive hard to the basket, stretch defenses, and punish them when they collapse.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Stephen Gillaspie from No Ceilings <a href="https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/khaman-maluach-unicorns-arent-real">noted the following</a>:</p> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow"><p class="has-text-align-none">Khaman Maluach ranks in the 99th percentile in possessions where he is the roll man. Of all of his credited play types, Khaman spends 22.5% of his time operating as the roller. That grades in the 84th percentile.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Another impressive finishing stat for Khaman is that he spends over 55% of his at-rim finishes dunking the ball. That ranks in the 98th percentile. These aren’t just the typical “I’m big” dunks—many times, he catches the ball on the move or catches a lob and converts above the rim.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Being able to be so effective at this skill is immensely valuable for big men in the NBA. To compare him to other bigs, Mark Williams dunked on his at-rim shots 48.4% of his time at Duke. Donovan Clingan dunked on only 22.3% of his interior finishes. Yves Missi was at 36.9%. Walker Kessler was at 44%. Zach Edey, 41.6%. Only Dereck Lively II, who finished over 64% of his inside shots with a dunk, ranked higher within that player group.</p></blockquote><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2225281387.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,8.3271403091558,100,83.345719381688" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><p class="has-text-align-none">The weaknesses are there, and they begin on the defensive end. For all his size and length, he isn’t an elite shot blocker, at least not yet. That will surprise some, but it’s the reality. Length alone doesn’t make you a rim protector. Add in the physicality of the NBA game, and there will be an adjustment period as he learns to hold his ground against stronger bodies.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Perimeter defense will also be a challenge. Quick guards are going to test him in space, the same way they test every big, and he’ll need time to sharpen his instincts. He’ll need to learn when to close out, when to stay low, and when to slide laterally instead of reaching. These are habits built through repetition, and at nineteen years old, he’s only starting to lay that foundation.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The upside is still real. With his frame and mobility, there’s a pathway for him to become a versatile defender. But it won’t be instant. It will take patience, growth, and a steady climb into his body and into the speed of the game.</p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Key Factor</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Development. That should be the central focus for Khaman Maluach this season. The excitement is real, everyone wants to see him on the floor, showing flashes of what he can become. But the growth of a big man takes time, patience, and intentional strategy. The hope is that the Suns embrace that philosophy, allowing him to progress at a pace that builds confidence and reinforces his foundation rather than overwhelms it.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Because make no mistake, being a nineteen-year-old center in the NBA can be brutal. Nights will come when it feels discouraging, when the size and strength of veteran bigs lean heavy on his frame. That’s why the presence of Mark Williams and Nick Richards is a blessing. Their roles ahead of him on the depth chart give Maluach the space to breathe. He’ll get chances to play, to learn in live action, but he won’t be burdened with the weight of nightly expectations.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Instead, this year can be about milestones. Moments that show he belongs. Steps that fortify his confidence in what he already does well while sharpening the instincts that will carry him forward. If the Suns handle it right, this rookie season becomes the beginning of something that grows steadily rather than being rushed into something it’s not ready to be.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction Time</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">I’ll predict we see more of him than originally planned, simply because Mark Williams will miss time. That’s the cost of doing business with him on your roster. Circumstance will force Maluach into the spotlight sooner than expected, but I still believe the Suns will manage his minutes with development in mind.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">That word, development, keeps circling back for a reason. It was one of the key phrases Brian Gregory leaned on in his introductory press conference, and it aligns with his reputation for scouting and growth. Everything about his track record suggests a deliberate approach, one built on patience and measured opportunity. Which means Maluach will play, and he should play, but within a framework designed to nurture rather than rush.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Stat Prediction: </strong><em><strong>38 games played, 7.6 PPG, 5.5 RPG</strong></em><strong><em>, 0.8 BLK</em></strong></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Young big men taken in the lottery are always a gamble. Maluach has the upside, that much is undeniable, and with that upside comes one of the few glimmers of hope the fan base can cling to for next season. You can already hear it echoing through the walls of social media though, can’t you? Once the losses start to stack, the calls will get louder, fists pounding on the table, demanding more minutes for Maluach. And I don’t know if that’s the smartest approach.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">This is a transition year, and the team has to treat it as such. I feel the same impatience as everyone else, the itch to see him out there every night, testing himself, growing in real time. Could he become a cornerstone of this franchise? Time will tell. But the smarter path is the patient one, the one that builds him steadily and puts him in position to succeed long term.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">And that’s why I’m excited. Not only to see him on the floor, but to see how the Suns choose to bring him along. That process, as much as the flashes of brilliance, will tell us what kind of future they’re building.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>John Voita</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[SunsRank returns with Booker and Green setting the tone at the top]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-rank/89120/phoenix-suns-2025-26-sunsrank-tier-1-devin-booker-vs-jalen-green-cornerstone-debate" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89120</id> <updated>2025-09-11T11:19:26-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-11T08:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="SunsRank" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[We are once again setting out on the journey of SunsRank, the annual exercise where we stack the entire roster and ask the simplest question with the most complicated answers. “Who is the best?” First, a thank you to everyone who took the time to help with the opening step, sorting this team into tiers. […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="The Phoenix Suns SunsRank begins with a battle between Booker and Green" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2208233501.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">We are once again setting out on the journey of SunsRank, the annual exercise where we stack the entire roster and ask the simplest question with the most complicated answers. “Who is the best?” </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">First, a thank you to everyone who took the time to help with the opening step, sorting this team into tiers. That process matters. It lets us break the roster into digestible pieces, group players with similar arcs, and measure them against one another before we start sliding names up and down the ladder.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now that the tier voting has closed, it’s time for the next phase. We’ll begin dissecting those groups and voting on the order, chiseling away until we have the full SunsRank laid out. For many of you, this is familiar ground. You’ve been here before, you know how it works, and you know how much fun it can be. For those new to it, welcome in. This is where the debates start, the arguments get sharp, and the story of this roster starts to reveal itself.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So we begin with Tier 1: The Cornerstones. These are the backbone players, the ones a franchise leans on when the season gets heavy. Their names are etched into the story before the first tip, and if the Suns find success, it will be because these players delivered.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">A year ago, this tier was simple. Devin Booker and Kevin Durant. Sorry, Brad Beal. Despite the cash, you were a Tier 2 player. But KD is gone now, shipped to Houston, and the picture shifts. This time, it comes down to Booker and one of the players brought back in that very trade: Jalen Green.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Of course, it’s never unanimous. There are always those who like to push against the grain. Looking through the voting, it’s pretty clear someone decided to hand out “Cornerstone” status to the entire roster. Thanks for playing along. Still, the results tell the story. Devin Booker received a resounding 96%of the vote as a cornerstone player. Jalen Green came in at 57%, carving out his place alongside Booker at the top.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Others drew some attention, Dillon Brooks most notably with 24% of his votes pushing him toward Tier 1. But Brooks belongs in Tier 2, and that’s where he’ll stay. The Cornerstones are two names deep entering the 2025-26 season. Devin Booker and Jalen Green.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So Tier 1 once again comes down to a battle between two players. Last year it was our starting shooting guard against our starting power forward. This year, it’s a duel of shooting guards, though one of them will be asked to play point. The Suns can tell us Jalen Green will run that spot, but deep down, we all know whose team this is. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">And with that, SunsRank begins in earnest. The first ranking of the season, the one that sets the tone. Two names, two spots, and one simple question: who do you believe is the best player on the Phoenix Suns, and who comes in second?</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Cast your vote in the poll below.</p> <iframe frameborder="0" width="100%" height="600" src="https://polls8372.survey.fm/sunsrank-tier-1-cornerstones?iframe=1"><a href="https://polls8372.survey.fm/sunsrank-tier-1-cornerstones">View Survey</a></iframe> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>brynn-tannehill</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Phoenix Suns may be on track to repeat their darkest season]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/89107/phoenix-suns-2025-26-season-worst-roster-construction-jalen-green-devin-booker-disaster" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89107</id> <updated>2025-09-09T14:37:40-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-10T14:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Sometimes the critics are right. Recently, John Voita of Bright Side of the Sun wrote an article titled, “The Suns might lose more than we want, but they won’t bottom out”. He argues that this year’s iteration of the Suns won’t be as bad as the 2018-19 Suns, who went 19-63, because “being that bad […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-1134328908.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">Sometimes the critics are right.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Recently, John Voita of Bright Side of the Sun wrote an article titled, “The Suns might lose more than we want, but they won’t bottom out”. He argues that this year’s iteration of the Suns won’t be as bad as the 2018-19 Suns, who went 19-63, because “being that bad takes work,” in the form of catastrophically bad players, drafting, and roster decisions.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">However, the counter argument is that the current Suns roster construction is likely to be catastrophically bad in ways that were entirely predictable. Without further ado, here are 7 reasons why the 2025-26 Suns are likely to be every bit as bad as the 2018-19 Suns due to atrocious roster building.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">1. <strong>They’re spending most of their money on players at the same position</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Between Booker, Green, Allen, and the departed Bradley Beal, the Suns are paying ~$135 million to guys who are shooting guards. This either forces people to play out of position (where they have limited value) or not play them at all (zero value, like Beal). The opportunity cost is that there’s no money left for players at other positions. Effectively, the Suns’ investments in shooting guards make the entire team much worse.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-1941406736.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.20597471965621,100,48.122388446841" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">2. <strong>Their #2 guy (Green) is an inefficient, defenseless chucker</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Jalen Green never met a shot he didn’t like. I dare you to find a highlight featuring him passing the ball. His defense is non-existent. If you look at the 2018-19 Suns, at least you could say that their #2 guy (TJ Warren) was both efficient and played a different position than their number one guy (Booker).</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">3. <strong>The 2018-19 talent pool was arguably better</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">The 2018-19 team featured a 22-year-old Booker, Kelly Oubre, DeAnthony Melton, TJ Warren (pre-injury), Deandre Ayton, and Mikal Bridges. This year’s team features players who are either rookies, deeply flawed (Green, Williams), or both (Maluach). The two decent veterans on the team (Allen, O’Neale) are afterthoughts who have no future with the club and are likely to sit on the bench to give the rookies a chance to figure it out. This adds up to a lot of losses.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">4. <strong>They’re playing people out of position more</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">At least with the 2018-19 team, you could say that the team was generally playing people at the positions they were most comfortable, with perhaps the exception of T.J. Warren at power forward occasionally. The Suns actually had point guards playing point guard that year (even if they weren’t particularly good at it). </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">This year, the Suns are playing people out of position at point guard and power forward.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Much has been written about playing Booker at the point, but putting Ryan Dunn at the four has been lost in the discussion. The truth of the matter is that your frontcourt players have more impact on defense than the backcourt, and putting Dunn at power forward dramatically reduces his effectiveness at the one thing he is good at. Dunn isn’t a particularly good rebounder even as a small forward, and he’s going to get rag-dolled by bigger, taller, stronger players like Julius Randall.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2210247136.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">5. <strong>The center situation</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">The Charlotte Hornets were generally regarded as having the worst center rotation in the Eastern Conference, until recently. Now, the Suns have acquired both Charlotte’s starting center (Williams), and backup center (Nick Richards). </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Williams has an injury history and boasts being a 7th percentile defender per DEPM. (This is really hard to achieve as a center.) Khaman Maluach looked exceedingly raw this summer and did little to assuage my fears that he’s the next Hasheem Thabeet. Oso Ighodaro plays well…for a second-round pick. His frame is better suited to playing power forward, and he lacks the range to play alongside a center who doesn’t stretch the floor. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">In short, the Suns’ best center is a terrible defender with inconsistent effort and a nasty history of injuries, and the rest are marginal NBA players, at best.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">6. Devin Booker is <strong>possibly in a worse spot than 2018-19</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">The Suns have been a bad team when Booker doesn’t have a true point guard alongside him. The Suns’ greatest success has been when he’s played with defensive-minded point guards who can distribute, namely Ricky Rubio and Chris Paul. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now, he’s back almost exactly where he was in 2018-19: the lone star on a team full of raw rookies and disinterested veterans with no future on the team. Except, in 2018-19 the Suns were at least trying to put a point guard next to him, and Booker has a lot more mileage on his body now. Again, the current situation is arguably worse.</p> <h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-none">7. <strong>Ryan Dunn is unlikely to develop the way Suns fans hope</strong></h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">When evaluating college players prospects for becoming better three-point shooters when they reach the NBA, the first thing I look at is their free throw percentage. If I see a guy who was a mediocre three-point shooter in college, but hits 85% at the line, I see potential to develop the consistent form and stroke necessary to become a solid spot-up three-point shooter at the NBA level.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ryan Dunn shot 47% from the line last season. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">His three-point stroke isn’t likely to get much better. I know a lot of fans are thinking that he’ll develop and make the team better this year, but he’s playing out of position on offense and defense, has so-so handles, and I’d bet one of my kids that his three-point shooting never improves much. This season is going to be rough for him, and as a 3-and-D guy who can’t 3, I’m not sure he has a future in the league outside of a marginal rotation player (think Josh Okogie).</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <p class="has-text-align-none">When I look at the roster construction of the Suns, I see they have really put in the work at being awful. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">No point guard. 70% of their payroll is going to shooting guards. Their #2 guy is a negative at both ends of the floor. Playing a marginal NBA small forward at starting power forward. Bored veterans with no future on the team cashing a check to ride the pine or play inconsistent minutes on a team with no hopes of the playoffs, and more interested in developing rookies, while waiting to be traded to a better team before the deadline (Trevor Ariza seems to have comps with Allen, Hunter, and O’Neale). Perhaps the worst center rotations in the league. Plus, there’s a strong chance Booker’s contract is going to look like an albatross as bad as Beal’s in a few years.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">No hope, either, because the Suns don’t have their own first-round draft picks for the next half-decade. You cannot tell me that playing on a team where a veteran knows the situation won’t get better doesn’t drag them down, resulting in less on-court effort. It’s a rare player who can give 100% on a team that isn’t going to win this season, or any season for the rest of your career.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">It would take a series of small miracles for most of this not to be true, and the Suns managing to emerge as even a 30-win team. The worst part: this was avoidable. The Suns set off a domino effect of badness by choosing to make Jalen Green the centerpiece of the Kevin Durant trade. Looking at the roster as it is, the only player I’m sure is in the right place is Dillon Brooks at small forward, where he is perfectly suited to being a junkyard dog 3-and-D wing.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Everything else is a completely predictable disaster waiting to happen. Congrats to Brian Gregory for putting in the work to create what may be the worst Suns team ever.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Bruce Veliz</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Player Preview: Ryan Dunn is here to unlock his defensive potential]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/89074/ryan-dunn-phoenix-suns-2025-nba-season-breakout-defender-rotation-starting-lineup" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89074</id> <updated>2025-09-09T17:33:21-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-10T08:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Ryan Dunn Small Forward, 6’8”, 216 pounds, 22 years old, 1 year of experience The Phoenix Suns are looking for a fresh start this season after a disappointing finish last year. The team has made plenty of new additions on the court, but it has also added a new head coach, Jordan Ott. For Ryan […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2182215724.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ryan Dunn</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>Small Forward, 6’8”, 216 pounds, 22 years old, 1 year of experience</em></p> <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The Phoenix Suns are looking for a fresh start this season after a disappointing finish last year. The team has made plenty of new additions on the court, but it has also added a new head coach, Jordan Ott. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">For Ryan Dunn, this is a year to showcase his true potential within this Suns lineup. Last year, the rookie was impressive for Suns fans, but he received sporadic playing time that hindered his great play outside of Phoenix. His goal this year is to take the league by storm and make a name for himself in this league as one of the most impactful defenders.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">2024-25 Recap</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">For a rookie, Dunn was able to impress immediately coming into Phoenix. When he was selected with the 29th overall pick in last year’s draft, there were some skeptics about his offensive game coming into the NBA. In the two years in college, he shot under 25% from three with 35 attempts his sophomore year.</p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/Dunn-VIrgina-Stats.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><p class="has-text-align-none"> This was a concern, even if Dunn was regarded as the best defensive wing in the class, but luckily for the Sun, it did not matter. Dunn, in the preseason, showcased that this would not be a big issue, and he finished his rookie season shooting 31% from three on 3.6 attempts. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">For his rookie year, he certainly made an impact while on the court when he was playing. Unfortunately for Dunn and the Suns, there were times he did not see the court for long stretches of time. This was frustrating not only for him but the fans who knew how important he was for the defensive side of the ball, his specialty.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">That being said, Ryan Dunn did have some great games out there for the Suns this season. One game I can remember specifically was late in the season, where the playoff hopes had already faded for this team. Even with that being the case, Dunn came prepared to play vs the San Antonio Spurs. Dunn had his career high of 26 points, notched with 11 rebounds. Dunn was the leading scorer for the team and showcased his ability to be a growing piece within this unit, something someone on the coaching staff did not see.</p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="SPURS at SUNS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | April 11, 2025" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XGDlfy40Pmk?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contract Details</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Dunn signed a four-year $13 million contract after he was traded from the Denver Nuggets on draft night. The Suns signed him to a rookie-scale contract, and he earns around $3.25 million per year. This is an excellent deal for the Suns, who still want to see the potential in Dunn and have him secured for the next three seasons. Once he reaches the end of that deal, the Suns will then have a better evaluation of his talents and know how much he is truly worth to the franchise, one that should be prioritized down the line as of now.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Strengths & Weakenesses</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Dunn was one of the best defensive prospects in his draft class and held that standard in his rookie year. He was such a pivotal point in the Suns’ rotational spot that when he played, it was clear the defense was night and day different. Dunn’s ability to pick players up on-ball leads to him being such a disruptive force when opponents are trying to attack the basket. His ability to help off-ball as well led to more disruptions out there and helped the Suns in transition. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">When he and another player, Caleb Martin, were out there, it was evident how they needed to be used as connectors to the offensive stars already out on the court. As the season continued and Dunn was more present in the lineup, his steal numbers also rose. The wing averaged one steal or more in March and April of this year, proving that if given the minutes, he can truly be a help in this wing rotation.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So far what we have seen in the Summer League this past year, would also prove that Dunn has been very effective on that side of the ball and should continue so into this upcoming season.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now his weaknesses would definitely be on the offensive end of the ball. Like we mentioned earlier, he was not known to be a good three-point shooter in college, and even though it does not seem to be ineffective at the NBA level, there is still some development needed there. The struggle to create his own shot is still there, but not needed when he is a complementary piece alongside those scorers here in Phoenix. He is a better catch-and-shoot three-point scorer, which is a better fit for his role here as well.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">By getting more consistent in this role, though, he could become better from three-point land and turn into a solid 3&D wing that would be a perfect fit next to Devin Booker.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">One Key Factor</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Where does Dunn find himself in this rotation? Everyone highly speculates that he will find himself in the starting lineup alongside Dillon Brooks as the two wings. That would mean in a league that is now positionless that he would most likely be the power forward, as he is taller than Brooks. Will this be able to showcase Dunn’s true ability to be a versatile defender? I ultimately do think so, and that is the player we need to see.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">One that is going to step up and be ready to take the opponent’s best offensive weapon and lock him down. This is what Suns fans wanted to see last year, and something that is going to need to translate in Jordan Ott’s new system for the team to find success. We know last year they ranked as a bottom-five defense, and that is something that cannot happen again. Especially if Ryan Dunn is a pivotal piece in this starting lineup.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction Time</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">With Dunn getting a bigger role within this group, I do see him taking the leap that is going to be needed for Phoenix this upcoming year. Since he is one of the best defenders on the squad, I see him prioritizing defense more than offense throughout the year. Even though that is the case, I do expect him to hvae some crazy dunks as we saw last year with Dunn soaring through the air to attack the rim. With Brooks being alongside him, I do see him being used less as a three-point scorer, but I do think in instances, he will be able to hit them when needed.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Dunn should expect the most development out of the young guys, and this will be shown with his playing time.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong><em>Stat Prediction: 78 games played, 8.3 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG on 45/34/53 shooting splits</em></strong></p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h3> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ryan Dunn is one of the most intriguing players on the team this season. He is someone I am going to be keeping an eye on. He is very beneficial for the future direction of this team and how quickly the Suns can return to the conversations we will miss this year. As someone who is trying to make a name for himself in this rotation, I am looking for the best for him this year and can’t wait to see what is in store for us as fans.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>John Voita</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[The Baltimore Ravens may be football’s version of the Seven Seconds or Less Suns]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/89054/baltimore-ravens-lamar-jackson-vs-seven-seconds-or-less-phoenix-suns-nfl-nba-comparison" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/?p=89054</id> <updated>2025-09-08T18:19:16-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-09T19:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /><category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns History" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Yes, this is a basketball blog, but right now the world is humming with football. Opening week does that. The storylines are fresh, the debates are loud, and basketball is sitting quietly in the corner. Which, to be honest, feels like a relief. The Phoenix Suns don’t have a circus trailing them into the 2025–26 […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-98942028.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">Yes, this is a basketball blog, but right now the world is humming with football. Opening week does that. The storylines are fresh, the debates are loud, and basketball is sitting quietly in the corner. Which, to be honest, feels like a relief. The Phoenix Suns don’t have a circus trailing them into the 2025–26 campaign, no breaking-news drama or sky-is-falling commentary. After a couple of years of riding the Kevin Durant hype train, I’ll take the calm.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So football it is. You go into work, that’s the conversation. My day was no different. A coworker and I went back and forth about <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/buffalo-bills-opinion/115311/doubting-josh-allen-and-the-bills-is-a-dangerous-game">Sunday night’s Ravens–Bills game</a>, the one where Buffalo trailed 40–25 in the fourth quarter and somehow walked out 41–40 winners. Let’s go Buffalo, am I right?</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">And then there was the take from The Bill Simmons Podcast. The Ravens, ‘ole Bill said, are the James Harden Rockets. A flashy team that can fill up the box score, a team that fires away in bunches, and a team that never seals the deal. </p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2234215634.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><p class="has-text-align-none">The comparison lands. For all of Lamar Jackson’s brilliance, Baltimore has yet to cross the finish line. Of course, in the AFC, there’s only been one road through the last six years, and it runs straight through Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Five Super Bowl trips in six seasons. That’s a dynasty with no apology.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So that’s where the conversation landed. And you know what my coworker said? Something that made me stop and think. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">He didn’t think the Ravens were the Harden Rockets. He thought they were the Seven Seconds or Less Suns. And I couldn’t argue with him. Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP. Steve Nash, also a two-time MVP. Both led teams that could overwhelm you with offense, bend the game to their style, and win a lot of battles. But neither made it to the big stage to take their shot at the war. And both wore purple, which has to count for something, right?</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Now sure, the Ravens lean on defense in a way the Seven Seconds or Less Suns never did. But the spirit of the comparison fits. Explosive talent, relentless pace, regular season brilliance, and the lingering ache of falling short. Credit where it’s due, Dre, you changed my mind on that one.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">So what do you think? Who are the Baltimore Ravens? Are they the Seven Seconds or Less Suns? Are they more like the recent versions of the Suns, heavy with expectations but unable to cash them in? Or is it Week 1, and we’re all getting a little ahead of ourselves? Am I too bored trying to find storylines?</p> ]]> </content> </entry> <entry> <author> <name>Brandon Duenas</name> </author> <title type="html"><![CDATA[Player Preview: Collin Gillespie is ready to shine in Phoenix]]></title> <link rel="alternate" type="text/html" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/88986/player-preview-collin-gillespie-is-ready-to-shine-in-phoenix" /> <id>https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/88986/player-preview-jordan-goodwin-brings-an-edge-to-phoenix</id> <updated>2025-09-08T18:07:39-04:00</updated> <published>2025-09-09T14:00:00-04:00</published> <category scheme="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com" term="Suns Analysis" /> <summary type="html"><![CDATA[Nova bred, Valley Boy Point Guard | 6′1″, 195 lb | 26 years old | Entering Year 3 in NBA Collin Gillespie is back in Phoenix, and this time with a real shot at solidifying himself in the rotation from day one. The Suns rewarded his steady rise with a one-year, fully guaranteed contract. He […]]]></summary> <content type="html"> <![CDATA[ <figure> <img alt="" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2202802431.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption></figure><h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nova bred, Valley Boy</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>Point Guard | 6′1″, 195 lb | 26 years old | Entering Year 3 in NBA</em></p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Collin Gillespie is back in Phoenix, and this time with a real shot at solidifying himself in the rotation from day one. <a href="https://www.hoopsrumors.com/2025/06/suns-to-re-sign-collin-gillespie.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"></a></p> <p class="has-drop-cap has-text-align-none">The Suns rewarded his steady rise with a one-year, fully guaranteed contract. He returns to a team that lost Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, and Bradley Beal, opening the door for an opportunity to lead the second unit. Gillespie showcased he has what it takes to stick in an NBA rotation a year ago, especially with his strong finish to the season. Suns fans should be looking forward to his progress entering his third year in the association. This may be the first year he enters the season with expectations, even if minimal. </p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">2024-25 Recap</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Last season with the Suns, Gillespie transitioned from a two-way flyer to a legitimate rotation piece. In 33 games (nine starts), he averaged 5.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 14.0 minutes, while dialing in an efficient 43.3% clip from deep. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">More notably, he capped the season on a high note over his final nine Suns games: 11.0 PPG on 44.9% three-point shooting, plus 4.0 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.7 steals in 23.7 minutes per game. </p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Collin Gillespie 2024-2025 Season Highlights and Best Plays | Phoenix Suns" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/m7fRYigutkg?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">Once his confidence (and playing time) grew, it was clear that he belonged in the NBA. He may never be a high-level starter, but at the very least, it’s easy to envision him as an impactful backup point guard for years to come. You see success stories of high-IQ, undersized point guards thriving in the league today, in the likes of T.J. McConnell and Payton Pritchard. Can Gillespie be the next success story? </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">It would be remiss not to mention “The Collin Gillespie Game” against the Clippers last March.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Gillespie was a crucial, unlikely hero in a historic fourth-quarter comeback, scoring 10 points with a game-high +21 plus-minus rating to help ignite the team’s rally after trailing by as many as 23 points against the Clippers. He drilled a go-ahead three-pointer with 36 seconds left to give the Suns their largest fourth-quarter deficit overcome in franchise history. This was one of the few enjoyable, exciting games to watch last season. </p><div class="youtube-embed"><iframe title="Phoenix Suns Player Highlights: Collin Gillespie | 3-4-25" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y3b4HdDudUo?rel=0" allowfullscreen allow="accelerometer *; clipboard-write *; encrypted-media *; gyroscope *; picture-in-picture *; web-share *;"></iframe></div><p class="has-text-align-none">Not to be ignored: Gillespie <em><strong>dominated</strong></em> down in the G League too, posting nearly a triple-double for the Valley Suns. The Villanova product averaged 21.2 PPG, 10.6 APG, and 7.5 RPG in 10 games for Phoenix’s G League affiliate in Tempe. </p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/chorus/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25729229/2181368693.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Contract Details</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none"> Gillespie signed a 1-year, $2,378,870 contract with the Phoenix Suns, including $2,378,870 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $2,378,870. In 2025-26, Gillespie will earn a base salary of $2,378,870, while carrying a cap hit of $2,296,274 and a dead cap value of $2,296,274.</p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><em>(courtesy of Spotrac) </em></p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/Screenshot-2025-09-06-at-4.26.10%E2%80%AFPM.png?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0,100,100" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" /><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strengths & Weaknesses</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">One thing you know you will get <strong>every night</strong> from Collin Gillespie is grit and effort. He applies full-court pressure, tracks the lead ballhandlers, and brings energy every minute he’s out there. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">He has poise as a creator as well. Gillespie doesn’t force it and finds cutters while keeping the offense moving. He is a steady force that doesn’t seem to ever be in a rush, which is vital for lead guards in the NBA. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Gillespie certainly knows his role when he’s on the court. He is comfortable as the low-usage guard next to high-usage stars, but can also slow things down and get the team into sets. </p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-dnt="true"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Collin Gillespie thrived in MANY different situations last year with the Phoenix & Valley Suns 👀<br><br>What do you think he averages this year? 🤔 <a href="https://t.co/9I4oZEh4t7">pic.twitter.com/9I4oZEh4t7</a></p>— PHNX Suns (@PHNX_Suns) <a href="https://twitter.com/PHNX_Suns/status/1959034555119411634?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote></div></figure> <p class="has-text-align-none">His weaknesses are somewhat out of his control, as he is undersized and not the most explosive athlete. Teams will target him on the defensive end of the court and challenge his ability to guard bigger guards and wings on switches. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">The offensive juice is also somewhat limited, but he has shown he can accelerate and finish over bigger defenders off the dribble when needed. We need to see more of that to keep the defense honest. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">Ultimately, his role is easy to envision, and it’s not much different than the end of last season. Just in a higher volume role with a bit more responsibility. </p> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Key Factor</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">The defense is what everyone will point to on the surface, but I disagree. Point guards are typically always going to be a liability on that end. He just needs to compete and show effort on that end of the floor, which I’m not worried about. If he can sustain the three-point shooting at a higher volume and take care of the ball, he’ll earn significant minutes. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">This is the first time in his young career where he’s on a team that feels like “home,” and yes, that matters. </p><img src="https://platform.brightsideofthesun.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/45/2025/09/gettyimages-2203356553.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&crop=0,0.0046155266315822,100,99.990768946737" alt="" title="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" data-caption="PHOENIX, ARIZONA - MARCH 04: Collin Gillespie #12 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after scoring a three-point shot during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at PHX Arena on March 04, 2025 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kelsey Grant/Getty Images)" data-portal-copyright="" /><hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Prediction Time</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">Gillespie becomes a breath of fresh air for Suns fans clamoring about the point guard issues. I anticipate a strong season from him. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none"><strong>Stat Prediction: </strong><em><strong>75</strong></em><em><strong> games played, 8.0 PPG, 4.4 APG, 2.9 RPG, 0.9 SPG on 44/39/85 shooting splits</strong></em>.</p> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Thoughts</h2> <p class="has-text-align-none">If Gillespie can earn Jordan Ott’s trust by being the coach’s voice on the court and controlling the tempo, he’ll find minutes. If the shooting is lights out (like we know it can be) and he takes care of the ball, he will be a big part of Phoenix’s guard rotation. </p> <p class="has-text-align-none">I envision some big games from the third-year guard out of Villanova. It’s his time to shine in the Valley.</p> <p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-center"></p> <p class="has-text-align-none"></p> ]]> </content> </entry> </feed> If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:
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