Phoenix Suns starting lineup: Locks, fringe, potential break-ins

Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup: Fringe

With four players already locks to be in the opening night starting lineup for the Phoenix Suns, Monty Williams and the coaching staff will likely have to decide between who receives the other forward spot.

Cameron Johnson

As a rookie, Cam Johnson was inserted into the Phoenix Suns starting lineup late last season after forward Kelly Oubre Jr. injured his knee. Johnson clearly made the most out of that opportunity as Phoenix went undefeated during their impressive bubble journey, and he’s built a pretty solid case to continue to start for the Suns to begin the 2020-21 season. The 24-year-old sharpshooter is an outstanding floor spacer that shot 39.0 percent from 3-point range in his rookie season, so his abilities would flourish alongside the other starters. Cam Johnson should be the favorite to start at the other forward position for the Suns to keep the momentum and chemistry at its advantage.

Jae Crowder

Phoenix signed Jae Crowder to a three-year, $29.1 million deal during free agency, and it may go down as one of the most underrated additions of the offseason. Crowder was an impactful piece toward the Miami Heat’s NBA Finals run, and although he’s been on several teams now, his presence has been felt everywhere he’s been. The 30-year-old veteran could earn the starting role at power forward during some games, especially with his defensive value, but the coaching staff may opt to initially place him as the sixth man, at least for now.