Phoenix Suns: Ranking their projected starting 5 (and Big 3)

Phoenix Suns starter No. 3: Deandre Ayton

Wrapping up this Suns’ Big 3 is Deandre Ayton. More will be required from him on a professionalism front next season, as he missed 25 games near the beginning of the campaign due to suspension and then nearly missed a bubble game after forgetting to get his daily Covid test. It’s safe to say you won’t see sloppiness like this out of him with Chris Paul policing the locker room.

Starter No. 4: Jae Crowder

Stealing Jae Crowder away from the Miami Heat was a coup for the Phoenix Suns. Their likely starting lineup will have at least two players who made the playoffs last season in Crowder and Paul, and Crowder’s team made the NBA Finals. He’ll provide experience and steady shooting for his new-look Suns team.

Starter No. 5: Mikal Bridges

My projected fifth starter (and I am more than willing to be wrong here) is Mikal Bridges. He started 32 games last season, and at this point he’ll probably slot into the starting lineup, joining Devin Booker on the wing. It’s worth noting that Langston Galloway may end up competing for this roll as the season goes on.