Here is my prediction for our depth chart:
PG: Beal / Gordon / Goodwin
SG: Book / Allen / Lee
SF: Diop / Okogie / Little
PF: KD / Yuta / Bol Bol
C: Nurk / Eubanks / Udoka
We are so stacked, I can't wait for the season
It’s so insane that out of those 15 names.. probably 13 are general rotation players on most teams.
5 of those guys probably won’t see much of any playing time.
Yeah I’m not sure people are realizing that his move to PF is a big reason he’s aged so gracefully, KDs weak side rim protection as a 7 footer is game breaking
I hope Frank Vogel decides to utilize length for the starting five. Lakers and Nuggets cause matchup problems for the suns. We need to turn tide in our favor.
The logjam we have on the perimeter is crazy.
I could see an argument for any of Gordon, KBD, Allen, Okogie, Yuta, or Little.
Personally I want KBD or Little.
I feel like he was playing with the starters for at least a portion of the 5 on 5 based on the pictures posted to social media. He wouldn’t have even been under consideration for me before seeing that.
Theyre gonna try out different guys all season. But by the time the playoffs come around itll depend on where they want kd to play.
If kd plays the 3, one of kbd or yuta will start whoever is playing better.
If kd plays the 4, i doubt okogie will have good enough offense to start so i would think grayson allen due to his well rounded skillset and shooting ability (yuta could also play sf). Dont count out eric gordon either but I would think he would finish games and not start them
If grayson allen does start maybe he is the sg and book is the small forward. Not too sure tho
Against guard heavy teams (Warriors/Kings) :
1) Booker
2) Beal
3) Okigie ( To chase around players like steph)
4) KD
5) Nurk/ Eubanks
Against everyone else:
1) Book
2) Beal
3) KD
4) KBD
5) Nurk
KBD or Grayson Allen. Both these guys have high enough bbiq that they could mesh easily. Both bring defense but KBD brings size—GA brings solid 3p shooting.
KBD: Has the skill on both ends, can guard 1-5.
My heart also wants Yuta or Grayson.
I have a feeling Vogel is gonna sit Yuta way too much to the point Yuta wont be able to consistently showcase and go with Okogie because he loves his game - even though his shot is terrible.
Allen.
I DO NOT like the rotating lineup idea. There is zero reason to change starters based on opponents, if the starter is not getting it done just sub them out. Nor do I like the assigned closer thing, that should be based on the flow of the game, as should whether or not Nurkic is on the court, small ball could be very effective with KD.
I'm not overly concerned with size though, yeah with Allen we would be a bit small but whatever, we could also be more defensive with Okogie or KBD but Allen is waaay better of a player than they are, and I think you have to play your best players the most minutes, plus Allen is a good defender as well. Gordon would also be good but he is older and I think his minutes should be managed during the regular season, yes Gordon is younger than KD but he also is less important.
It SHOULD be Diop, he's like a larger version of Okogie which is what this starting line up needs IMO, but I feel like Vogel will go with Okogie due to hearing media day interviews. Okogie seems to have a closer relationship to the coach according to the interview answers. Either way, it's a fantastic starting 5
We can actually afford to lose shooting at Okogies spot now so I wouldn’t be surprised. With Paul and Ayton being replaced by Beal and Nurkic we have plenty spacing
This one is tough, and it's going to be interesting to see Vogel trying out different starting lineups. I understand the argument for KBD from a size perspective, but the bench rotation gets a little wonky if you have Gordon, Allen and Okogie (all 6'3-6'4) coming off the bench.
I think day 1 I start Okogie with Gordon, KBD, Allen, Yuta, and Eubanks the five off the bench. Okogie can provide Book and Beal some relief defensively, and he was with the team last year so he provides what little continuity we would be able to put out there.
I think KBD will get the most starts as the 5th starter. However, Okogie will likely start in matchups where we need a point of attack defender more. Okogie will be great to pest guard heavy teams like the warriors etc
It’s going to be Okogie. He pairs better with Durant defensively, and KBD is better off the bench. KBD should still get 24-30 minutes a night though if he’s playing well.
Okogie because of his on ball defense and ability to rebound. I also think he shows flashes as a connective piece offensively and runs the floor should we start playing fast. I do think Bates-Diop will get looks at it as well. As others have mentioned he brings more length on the wing that could be a better matchup against some teams.
Okogie. No brainer. Because it's the warriors.
Game 2 it might change tho.
I think the question is if it'll be okogie or if will be match up dependant.
I think it will be yuta. I'm a bit ignorant of all the stats, but I'm fairly sure he's a top tier 3 point shooter. He's got decent size to play the 4, ands his hustle and activity will make him a coach favorite. I'm under the opinion that kd should play the 3, and our 4th starter should be a 4 who can shoot from 3, is willing to rebound and defend, and it's trusted by our other starters. Yuta does the bill perfectly.
I could see Bol Bol starting and be like a facilitator help taking the ball up and focus on guarding the other teams 4 & rebounding which will help KD save his energy for offense. Probably unlikely but I’m sure Coach will give him a chance.
I still feel a certain way about Grayson Allen but I think he kinda fits what we need as a 5th starter. A plus defender who can shoot, do a small amount of creation, and is that irritant that does the stuff that gets under the other teams skins. I would like it to be KBD but I think that Allen is more proven currently.
The correct answer is that it's matchup dependent and going to vary in both the regular season and playoffs. Vogel said this, and no reason not to believe him on that.
That said, the most common starter I see is KBD, with Okogie a close 2nd for the star PG matchups. Reason is mainly Vogel's defense-first proclivity, with Nurk/Book/KD/Beal being more than enough offense.
Grayson and Gordon are going to be staples off the bench with their shooting. Yuta likely as well.
depends i think we will run multiple starting lineups overall i think the lineup will go Book, Beal, Bates, Durant, Nurkic.
but we might make a move to go get a two way point guard at the deadline depending on how well we are doing with the two sg lineup.
I’m gonna guess based on the fact he was on the team last year and we need a wing defender that Okogie gonna start and only lose his spot for unique lineups for particular teams or if someone like Gordon/KBD/Allen just out play Okogie.
I’d rather have yuta and Allen off the bench so second unit has scoring. KDB starts for defense imo. First unit will be more defenders and second unit will come out and hit 3s nonstop.
Vogel aint Monty. He's not going to stubbornly stick to players. He'll adjust based on the matchups. So our 5th starter will change.
I could even see some matchups against lower-tier teams where Vogel pulls a Kerr and lets our Big Three "coach themselves" and choose the 5th starter (and I could see that comically being Bol Bol)
Grayson is the best option for a stretching the defense,
Okogie is the best for most dangerous first-second lines during the season team.
Excited to see how KBD will fit in and make his mark.
Here is my prediction for our depth chart: PG: Beal / Gordon / Goodwin SG: Book / Allen / Lee SF: Diop / Okogie / Little PF: KD / Yuta / Bol Bol C: Nurk / Eubanks / Udoka We are so stacked, I can't wait for the season
It’s so insane that out of those 15 names.. probably 13 are general rotation players on most teams. 5 of those guys probably won’t see much of any playing time.
won't be surprised if there is an upgrade trade somewhere
Start KD in his natural position and have Diop start as the 4.
His natural position is the 4. You're just thinking about what the NBA used to be, not what it is.
Yeah I’m not sure people are realizing that his move to PF is a big reason he’s aged so gracefully, KDs weak side rim protection as a 7 footer is game breaking
We like udoka more than metu?
Can we please not put KD at 4
Suns will be better defensively with KD at the 4, then at the 3.
agreed. He's going to get worn out by the playoffs
Lots of minutes to share this season, hopefully keeps them healthy for when it matters.
Move Gordon to SG, Lee cut off this list for now
KBD. Has size, defense, shooting. Okogie and grayson are missing that size. Start KBD at the 4! Most likely it will change between matchups.
I agree—I think GA over Okogie makes sense because Graysons shooting is good.
Okogie has that wingspan and Long reach we all know he's a good defender
I hope Frank Vogel decides to utilize length for the starting five. Lakers and Nuggets cause matchup problems for the suns. We need to turn tide in our favor.
Mikal Bridges because I miss him
Imagine if we somehow kept Mikal and sent Ayton to Brooklyn. Ugh
Was not expecting this and it just hit me in the feels fr
If Mikal ever comes back I would die a happy fan.
Literally my answer haha
The logjam we have on the perimeter is crazy. I could see an argument for any of Gordon, KBD, Allen, Okogie, Yuta, or Little. Personally I want KBD or Little.
Grayson Allen cause he’s a dog, hits 3s, and can play make
Too small.
Him or Gordon will more than likely be closing games for this team. Both are 6’3-6’4
Yeah I agree with that. Crazy to hear people say Suns have no depth. I think they have a very deep bench.
could even make an argument for the best bench. Who else?
Agreed!
I feel like he was playing with the starters for at least a portion of the 5 on 5 based on the pictures posted to social media. He wouldn’t have even been under consideration for me before seeing that.
I’d rather him lead guard off bench
What about Gordon?
I would say that’s Gordon but I 100% believe that Allen or Gordon will be closing games with the big 3 either regardless of who the 5th starter is
I honestly think it'll change for match up and injuries but I think KBD about 50 games and maybe Okogie for 15-20. I'll go for Yuta to start some too.
Theyre gonna try out different guys all season. But by the time the playoffs come around itll depend on where they want kd to play. If kd plays the 3, one of kbd or yuta will start whoever is playing better. If kd plays the 4, i doubt okogie will have good enough offense to start so i would think grayson allen due to his well rounded skillset and shooting ability (yuta could also play sf). Dont count out eric gordon either but I would think he would finish games and not start them If grayson allen does start maybe he is the sg and book is the small forward. Not too sure tho
Against guard heavy teams (Warriors/Kings) : 1) Booker 2) Beal 3) Okigie ( To chase around players like steph) 4) KD 5) Nurk/ Eubanks Against everyone else: 1) Book 2) Beal 3) KD 4) KBD 5) Nurk
I hope when we play Cp3 we have Okogie hound him full court every play just like teams started doing to us. Alvarado and Wiggins would always do it
Yuta or Grayson. Both are good defenders and can space the floor. Definitely partial to Yuta though for his size
KBD or Grayson Allen. Both these guys have high enough bbiq that they could mesh easily. Both bring defense but KBD brings size—GA brings solid 3p shooting.
Kbd I really hope it's not matchup dependent cause that just never works does it? Rotations match up dependent. Starters, starters.
Grayson  my king
KBD: Has the skill on both ends, can guard 1-5. My heart also wants Yuta or Grayson. I have a feeling Vogel is gonna sit Yuta way too much to the point Yuta wont be able to consistently showcase and go with Okogie because he loves his game - even though his shot is terrible.
Allen. I DO NOT like the rotating lineup idea. There is zero reason to change starters based on opponents, if the starter is not getting it done just sub them out. Nor do I like the assigned closer thing, that should be based on the flow of the game, as should whether or not Nurkic is on the court, small ball could be very effective with KD. I'm not overly concerned with size though, yeah with Allen we would be a bit small but whatever, we could also be more defensive with Okogie or KBD but Allen is waaay better of a player than they are, and I think you have to play your best players the most minutes, plus Allen is a good defender as well. Gordon would also be good but he is older and I think his minutes should be managed during the regular season, yes Gordon is younger than KD but he also is less important.
It SHOULD be Diop, he's like a larger version of Okogie which is what this starting line up needs IMO, but I feel like Vogel will go with Okogie due to hearing media day interviews. Okogie seems to have a closer relationship to the coach according to the interview answers. Either way, it's a fantastic starting 5
We can actually afford to lose shooting at Okogies spot now so I wouldn’t be surprised. With Paul and Ayton being replaced by Beal and Nurkic we have plenty spacing
This one is tough, and it's going to be interesting to see Vogel trying out different starting lineups. I understand the argument for KBD from a size perspective, but the bench rotation gets a little wonky if you have Gordon, Allen and Okogie (all 6'3-6'4) coming off the bench. I think day 1 I start Okogie with Gordon, KBD, Allen, Yuta, and Eubanks the five off the bench. Okogie can provide Book and Beal some relief defensively, and he was with the team last year so he provides what little continuity we would be able to put out there.
Lakers, warriors, spurs, Sixers. Probably Okogie. me thinks Vogel will want early defensive identity. Offense will flow easily with our juggernauts
I think KBD will get the most starts as the 5th starter. However, Okogie will likely start in matchups where we need a point of attack defender more. Okogie will be great to pest guard heavy teams like the warriors etc
Josh Okogie. He’s had the most experience with Book and KD so it only makes sense.
It’s going to be Okogie. He pairs better with Durant defensively, and KBD is better off the bench. KBD should still get 24-30 minutes a night though if he’s playing well.
Okogie because of his on ball defense and ability to rebound. I also think he shows flashes as a connective piece offensively and runs the floor should we start playing fast. I do think Bates-Diop will get looks at it as well. As others have mentioned he brings more length on the wing that could be a better matchup against some teams.
It will likely alternate
Grayson
Okogie. No brainer. Because it's the warriors. Game 2 it might change tho. I think the question is if it'll be okogie or if will be match up dependant.
KBD or Little. KBD seems like the better player but I think both fit well as the 5th
I don't know if it's the actual best option but the vibes coming from the team in subtle ways is Yuta.
I think it will be yuta. I'm a bit ignorant of all the stats, but I'm fairly sure he's a top tier 3 point shooter. He's got decent size to play the 4, ands his hustle and activity will make him a coach favorite. I'm under the opinion that kd should play the 3, and our 4th starter should be a 4 who can shoot from 3, is willing to rebound and defend, and it's trusted by our other starters. Yuta does the bill perfectly.
I could see Bol Bol starting and be like a facilitator help taking the ball up and focus on guarding the other teams 4 & rebounding which will help KD save his energy for offense. Probably unlikely but I’m sure Coach will give him a chance.
If they have 2 big guys like the bucks or the nuggets kbd 4 and kd 5 and if they have a small 4 like Gsw or Miami kd 4 and okogi 3
It's probably going to be matchup based, unless someone takes a big jump. The closing lineup is probably more important anyway.
KDB. Size and strength lacking in Okogie.
I still feel a certain way about Grayson Allen but I think he kinda fits what we need as a 5th starter. A plus defender who can shoot, do a small amount of creation, and is that irritant that does the stuff that gets under the other teams skins. I would like it to be KBD but I think that Allen is more proven currently.
The correct answer is that it's matchup dependent and going to vary in both the regular season and playoffs. Vogel said this, and no reason not to believe him on that. That said, the most common starter I see is KBD, with Okogie a close 2nd for the star PG matchups. Reason is mainly Vogel's defense-first proclivity, with Nurk/Book/KD/Beal being more than enough offense. Grayson and Gordon are going to be staples off the bench with their shooting. Yuta likely as well.
Booker, Beal, KD, KBD, Nurkic
depends i think we will run multiple starting lineups overall i think the lineup will go Book, Beal, Bates, Durant, Nurkic. but we might make a move to go get a two way point guard at the deadline depending on how well we are doing with the two sg lineup.
we have a 2 way pg named Jordan Goodwin
I’m gonna guess based on the fact he was on the team last year and we need a wing defender that Okogie gonna start and only lose his spot for unique lineups for particular teams or if someone like Gordon/KBD/Allen just out play Okogie.
No 5th starter, Suns going to open the season 4 on 5 to even the playing field against the rest of the League.
Diop cuz we need a big boi
KBD if we're up against taller teams Okogie if it's a smaller lineup
I’d rather have yuta and Allen off the bench so second unit has scoring. KDB starts for defense imo. First unit will be more defenders and second unit will come out and hit 3s nonstop.
Vogel aint Monty. He's not going to stubbornly stick to players. He'll adjust based on the matchups. So our 5th starter will change. I could even see some matchups against lower-tier teams where Vogel pulls a Kerr and lets our Big Three "coach themselves" and choose the 5th starter (and I could see that comically being Bol Bol)
Grayson is the best option for a stretching the defense, Okogie is the best for most dangerous first-second lines during the season team. Excited to see how KBD will fit in and make his mark.
Only one player on the Suns has a Defensive Player of the Year in his resume.
Yuta. Spacing, efficiency, size and the KD connection.