The Phoenix Suns’ big three could only play 18 consecutive games to close last season. This is largely because of their star Bradley Beal’s injury woes. Playing their season opener against the Clippers in their shiny new Intuit Dome, the Suns still struggle with injuries, but this time it is not their big 3. However, amidst all the chaos, there’s good news for the fans. Guards Damion Lee and Grayson Allen were grappling with injuries. Lee (hamstring issue) and Allen (Achilles) are now available for tonight’s fixture.
Mike Budenholzer and Co. made the decision after looking at their response in training. But they’ll be ‘logical’ with Allen’s minutes to manage his load and not further complicate his injury. With Allen and Lee, the Suns had unmatched shooting power. They thrived in their roles as 3-point specialists. The opposition was so focused on Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, often leaving these two unmarked for easy threes.
Phoenix Suns coach Mike Budenholzer said Grayson Allen (Achilles) and Damion Lee (hamstring) are available tonight vs. Clippers.
Said they’ll be “logical” with Allen’s minutes based on his practice time and missing action when asked if he’ll be on minutes restriction. #Suns
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 24, 2024
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Grayson Allen had been nothing special before the 2023-24 season. A fairly average floor spacer over the 4 seasons before, posting 10.4 points, 2.1 threes, and 1.9 assists per game while shooting 40.1% from beyond the arc. In 2023-24, however, Allen reached new career highs with 13.5 points, 3.1 assists, 2.8 threes, and an impressive 46.6% from deep!
That last stat isn’t just Allen’s personal best—it was the highest in the league last year. The hooper also tied the franchise record for most threes in a game last season not one but three times! And he didn’t stop there. He also broke the record for most threes in a half, scoring 7 of them in a quarter against the Toronto Raptors.
Phoenix Suns’ depth chart ahead of 2024-25 season
The Suns have a roster with a lot of versatility and firepower, ranging from All-Stars to solid rotation players. Their lineup has sufficient options covering all positions. They also have a good support crew for their stars, KD, Booker, and Beal.
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Can Grayson Allen's shooting prowess elevate the Suns despite their persistent injury woes this season?
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— | Starter | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
PG | Tyus Jones | Devin Booker | Monte Morris | Bradley Beal | Grayson Allen |
SG | Devin Booker | Bradley Beal | Grayson Allen | Damion Lee | Josh Okogie (O) |
SF | Bradley Beal | Grayson Allen | Royce O’Neale | Damion Lee | Josh Okogie (O) |
PF | Kevin Durant | Royce O’Neale | Ryan Dunn | Bol Bol | Osho Ighodaro |
C | Jusuf Nurkic | Mason Plumlee | Osho Ighodaro | Bol Bol | Kevin Durant |
(O) – Out
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Tyus Jones is the primary ball handler for the Suns. While Booker and Beal are primarily shooting guards, they are versatile enough to handle point guard duties if needed, especially with their playmaking ability. Monte Morris is a capable backup point guard with strong passing and ball-handling skills. Grayson Allen can also step in but is more focused on shooting.
Booker is the first option at shooting guard, no surprises there. The 4x NBA All-Star is a lethal shooter. Beal and Allen serve as potent backup shooters, with Beal being an elite scorer and Allen just turned the tables last season with his performances.
Put KD in any team and he will start at power forward. There aren’t many players who’ll walk into a team and start right away. O’Neale provides a defensive option behind him, while Bol Bol and Ighodaro are more experimental picks offering size and versatility.
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Nurkic, with his towering presence, will start center, whose rebounding is top-notch. Plumlee is a reliable veteran backup. The Suns have a well-rounded depth chart with stars like KD and Booker leading the charge. Their flexibility across positions allows rotations, with shooting and defense being focal points of their roster construction.
There is a caveat though, with Okogie being out, it might hamper their rotations. Thoughts?
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Can Grayson Allen's shooting prowess elevate the Suns despite their persistent injury woes this season?