Let’s take a look at some of the best guard rotations in the NBA and see where the Suns stack up.
The Phoenix Suns have one of the deepest guard rotations in the association. The additions of Tyus Jones and Monte Morris to an already strong backcourt solidify them as one of the best in the NBA.
For the sake of convenience, I will stick with players who are locked into each team’s rotation. Let’s compare Phoenix’s guard rotation to the best around the league.
Phoenix’s guard rotation:
- Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen
- Tyus Jones, Monte Morris
You have star power, scoring, shooting, facilitating, and more. The defense isn’t a calling card for any of these guys outside of Booker, but most guard rotations aren’t built around elite defenders. Boston would be an exception.
It’s a dynamic group, especially if Beal can stay healthy. Where do they stack up with the rest of the elite backcourt in the NBA? Let’s jump in.
The Competition
- Klay Thompson, Jaden Hardy
- Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, Spencer Dinwiddie
This backcourt is as talented at the top as any, and Luka-Kyrie is one of the best duos in the league alone. Klay looks like he’s lost a step and had a down year in Golden State a season ago, but if he spaces the floor effectively (which he is more than capable of) he could be a dangerous “bonus” option for Dallas.
Oklahoma City Thunder
- Jalen Williams, Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe
- Shai Gilegous Alexander, Cason Wallace
The Thunder are much like Dallas where it’s quality over quantity, but their “quantity” is even a notch above the Mavs’. Their trio of SGA, Jalen, and Caruso is elite and Wallace looks like a promising rotation piece. Joe can shoot the rock as well. It’s an electric group that will be fun to watch next season.
Sacramento Kings
- Kevin Huerter, Malik Monk, DeMar DeRozan
- De’Aaron Fox, Jordan McLaughlin
You could count DeRozan as a wing if you’d like, it’s sort of a toss-up there. That said, Sacramento has a very strong guard rotation. Is it the best? No, but they are certainly in the conversation.
- Brandin Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Gary Payton II
- Steph Curry, De’Anthony Melton
Steph is doing some serious heavy lifting here, but they do have some interesting guards around him. The GSW front office is very high on Podz, and then they have specialists in Melton and Hield who do their job well.
Indiana Pacers
- Ben Mathurin, Andrew Nembhard
- Tyrese Haliburton, TJ McConnell
This is a solid rotation and Nembhard’s playoff breakout run was fun to watch. McConnell remains one of the best reserve point guards in the association as well. Haliburton is a star and will only get better with time, and he’s carrying here much like Steph with the Dubs.
- Donovan Mitchell, Max Strus, Caris LeVert
- Darius Garland
Honorable Mention:
Memphis Grizzlies (Morant, Bane, Kennard, Smart)
Disclaimer: Excluding the Boston Celtics, because I consider Jaylen Brown a wing. Jrue and White are great, but them alone are not enough to warrant inclusion on this list.
My Ranking:
- Tier 1: Thunder
- Tier 2: Mavericks, Suns
- Tier 3: Kings, Cavs
- Tier 4: Pacers, Warriors, Grizzlies
What say you, Suns fans? Where does their backcourt stack up in the NBA?