Phoenix Suns starter No. 1: Devin Booker
Make no mistake, this is Devin Booker’s team, and that’s a big reason the Phoenix Suns were able to pull off the recruiting job they did this offseason. There’s been a wearying narrative surrounding Booker that he is not a winning player, but up until now he’s been asked to do everything on his own, and unless your name is LeBron James, that’s too much to ask from anybody.
Booker’s ascension over the course of his career has become a draw for other talented veterans, and suddenly his organic growth is an undeniable benefit. This season will be the one where we can finally put to rest this lazy suggestion that this 24-year-old star simply can’t win in the NBA.
Starter No. 2: Chris Paul
Chris Paul is the reason for the newfound exceeding optimism surrounding the Phoenix Suns. His interest in the organization validated the excitement that many of us feel about them, and his addition to the roster simply makes them that much better than they were a year ago when they came just a hair short of making the play-in game.
Paul was a big reason the OKC Thunder drastically overachieved last season, and he’s looking to bring that same production and success to his new team.