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

Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup: Potential Break-Ins

The starters for the Phoenix Suns should be pretty much set without much overthinking to begin the 2020-21 NBA season, but there could also be potential candidates to break into the starting lineup down the road similar to how Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson did last year.

Jalen Smith

The Suns’ No. 10 overall pick was a surprise to most people during the 2020 NBA Draft, but Jalen Smith appears to be someone that the Phoenix Suns organization believes could make an instant impact on both ends of the floor. Smith is a versatile 6-foot-10 forward that can reliably defend the interior and shoot from all angles on the court. At Maryland, the All-Big Ten honoree averaged 15.5 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game on 53.8 percent field goals and 36.8 percent from the perimeter. He’s a unique talent for his height and length, and is surely someone to keep an eye on this season. Smith isn’t near ready to become a starter in the NBA as of now, but could be later on depending on his development and/or injuries.

Dario Saric

Dario Saric is back with the Suns after averaging 10.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game on 47.6 percent shooting from the floor last season with the team. The Croatian forward started 51 games before eventually being replaced later on that season, but it was ultimately the right call. Saric should continue to play a key role off the bench for the Suns since his scoring contributions with the second unit is probably his best fit. If he’s ever going to break into the starting lineup again, it would be due to injuries or rest for the players that are ahead of him in the rotation.