Ranking Phoenix Suns Players Into 14 Different Categories Ahead Of 2024-25 Season

The Phoenix Suns have a lot to prove in the upcoming season after suffering a first-round sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves despite hosting stars Kevin Durant , Devin Booker , and Bradley Beal . The Suns are in win-now mode and will do everything in their power to win a ring and as we approach the new season, we will name a single Suns player in every major category.

Best All-Around Player: Kevin Durant

Kevin Durant remains the Suns' most complete player heading into the 2024-25 season. Known for his elite scoring, Durant can score from anywhere on the court, averaging 27.1 points per game last season on 52.3% shooting from the field and 41.3% from three-point range.

His versatility extends beyond scoring, as he can also rebound, defend, and make plays for his teammates. Durant's ability to impact the game in multiple facets, coupled with his experience, makes him the most well-rounded player on the Suns' roster and we saw enough in the 2024 Olympics that he is still at the top of his game.

Most Underrated: Grayson Allen

Grayson Allen often flies under the radar due to the star power in Phoenix, but his contributions are crucial for the team's success. Allen's three-point shooting (46.1% last season) and perimeter defense provide the Suns with a valuable role player who can impact games without dominating the ball.

He offers tenacity on defense, often guarding the opposing team's best perimeter scorer, and his ability to stretch the floor offensively makes him an underrated asset in Phoenix's rotation. Expect Allen to continue having an excellent season when it comes to two-way play from the perimeter for the Suns.

Most Overrated: Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal joined the Suns with high expectations, but he has yet to prove he can be as impactful as expected. Beal's scoring efficiency has declined over the past few seasons, and his defensive liabilities have raised concerns.

While he still averaged 18.2 points per game last season, his inconsistency and injury history make him a somewhat overrated player given the expectations surrounding his arrival in Phoenix. Add in the fact Beal will clear over $50 million in 2023-24 and it is safe to say that the shooting guard likely won’t return to the All-NBA standards his salary demands.

Best Shooter: Devin Booker

Devin Booker stands out as the Suns' best shooter, consistently proving himself as one of the NBA's elite marksmen. Last season, he shot 49.2% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc, showcasing his ability to hit tough shots from all over the court.

Booker’s off-the-dribble shooting, catch-and-shoot prowess, and clutch shot-making abilities make him the most reliable and efficient shooter on the team. Grayson Allen might have a better three-point percentage but Booker is the best shooter across all levels including shot-creation and jumpers off the dribble.

Best Post Scorer: Jusuf Nurkic

Jusuf Nurkic, acquired to fill the void at center, brings the most reliable post-scoring presence on the team. Though his role in Phoenix might not demand high-volume scoring, Nurkic's ability to score in the paint, use his size to back down defenders, and finish around the rim will be pivotal for the Suns when they need to diversify their offensive approach.

Last season, Nurkic averaged 10.9 points per game while showcasing strong post moves and footwork. Nurkic is the only trust threat in the post for Phoenix and there will be a heavy burden for him to provide a presence as a result.

Best Handles: Kevin Durant

While many would argue for Devin Booker, Kevin Durant's ball-handling skills are exceptional for his size. Standing at nearly seven feet tall, Durant’s ability to handle the ball like a guard allows him to create his own shot and navigate through defenses with ease.

His crossover dribble, change of pace, and ability to drive to the basket make him one of the most skilled ball-handlers in the NBA, not just on the Suns. Durant has not lost a step when it comes to handling the ball even as he has aged and that is a testament to his greatness as an offensive player.

Best Passer: Devin Booker

Devin Booker has evolved into a more complete player over the past few seasons, particularly in his playmaking ability. Last season, Booker averaged a career-high 6.9 assists per game, often serving as the Suns’ primary facilitator.

His improved court vision and decision-making have enabled him to create opportunities for teammates, making him the team's best passer heading into the 2024-25 season. Luckily for Booker, there will be playmaking help coming in the form of Tyus Jones who will likely start at point guard.

Best Perimeter Defender: Grayson Allen

Grayson Allen brings a tenacious defensive mindset to the Suns, often tasked with guarding the opposing team’s top perimeter players. Allen's lateral quickness, ability to fight through screens, and willingness to challenge shots make him the most effective perimeter defender on the team.

His defensive presence is vital, especially when Durant and Booker are handling more offensive responsibilities. Credit should go to Josh Okogie for perimeter defense but Allen has been doing it for a little longer and deserves to win this category.

Best Post Defender: Jusuf Nurkic

Jusuf Nurkic is the Suns’ anchor in the paint, which could signal something of a problem for the team. Nurkic’s size and physicality make him the team's best post defender, capable of contesting shots and battling with opposing big men.

Last season, he averaged 9.1 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game, but he isn’t the most reliable and quick-footed defender in the paint. The Suns lack paint protection so they are asking Nurkic to provide a lot when he is in the paint battling with other big men.

Most Athletic: Kevin Durant

At nearly 36 years old, Kevin Durant still stands out as the most athletic player on the Suns due to his combination of size, length, and agility. Durant’s athleticism allows him to cover ground quickly on both ends of the floor, finish at the rim with authority, and guard multiple positions.

His ability to elevate his game physically in crucial moments, even as he ages, sets him apart from his teammates. Even if he is exiting his prime, Durant is still a phenom considering his height, length, and all-around athleticism. Expect Durant to have some highlight-reel dunks in the upcoming season as well.

Worst Starter: Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones is exactly what the Suns need in terms of providing playmaking and natural point guard play. However, he has to be deemed the “worst starter” on the team considering we aren’t ready to throw Bradley Beal into that conversation and Jusuf Nurkic is the only impactful center on the team.

Jones arrives with a smaller name than the rest of his starting teammates and that is a role he thrives in. Expect Jones to have a very consistent as a ball-handler although he will have to do a little more on the defensive end to give his team a chance to compete for a championship.

Best Role Player: Josh Okogie

Josh Okogie has established himself as the Suns' best role player due to his hustle, defensive intensity, and energy off the bench. Okogie’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends of the floor makes him a valuable asset.

He’s known for his relentless work ethic, which translates into key plays that don't always show up on the stat sheet but are crucial for winning games. Okogie only averaged 4.6 points and 2.6 rebounds per game last season so expect his production to fly under the radar again.

Most Clutch Player: Kevin Durant

When it comes to crunch time, there is no player on the Suns more trusted than Kevin Durant. Known for his ability to score under pressure, Durant has hit numerous game-winning shots throughout his career.

His combination of shooting touch, experience, and confidence in late-game situations makes him the most clutch player on the Suns roster, someone who can create his own shot and deliver in critical moments. Need more evidence? Watch what Durant did for Team USA this summer.

Best Leader: Devin Booker

Devin Booker has grown into a leadership role with the Suns, especially after the team’s Finals run in 2021 and subsequent seasons. Booker’s approachability, work ethic, and willingness to take responsibility have set the tone for the Suns' locker room.

He leads by example on the court with his competitive drive and commitment to both ends, making him the emotional and vocal leader of this Phoenix Suns team, especially since Kevin Durant is only interested in being a baller and nothing else. Expect Booker to take the role of franchise player and try to prove his worth as the go-to star on the team.

Related: 2024-25 Phoenix Suns Roster By Tiers

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