Phoenix Suns Depth Chart 2019 Suns Depth Chart

The Suns made some surprising moves heading into the off-season. Knowing they had an off chance at obtaining the number one pick, a few head scratchers left the roster depleted. An end-of-the-season trade unloaded the contract of Brandon Knight, but it also left the team without a rising star in Marquese Chriss. The team obtained Trevor Ariza and Ryan Anderson in the trade, but both have aged within the league and their skill set applies to bench roles over starting positions. The team did gain the rights to the first pick in Deandre Ayton. He will fit the mold of a rebuild and brings a formidable talent to the center position. Working with Devin Booker and TJ Warren, Ayton will develop at a progressive pace. Phoenix chose to move on from Elfrid Payton, leaving the likes of Elie Okobo and De'Anthony Melton to pick up the pieces. Inexperience at this position is a glaring factor into the team's production levels. They will run plenty of looks and sets through Devin Booker, but the point guard position will have to iron out the contributions quickly. The strong bench contribution should hold the starting unit accountable. There is a shortage of experience on the front line, but the bench depth and presence of veterans will keep this starting unit honest.

Top 3 Depth Chart Questions

Q: Can Deandre Ayton hold strong in the paint?

A: During his time at Arizona, Ayton developed his pace of play into actionable usage. He would spread the floor to offer his team a presence on the wings. He will need to spend a majority of his time in the paint as Ryan Anderson is more of a shooter than he is a paint player. His defensive capabilities will need to extend, but thankfully, he has increased his conditioning levels to feature heavy court time in his first professional season.

Q: Will the point guard position recover?

A: The youngsters running the offense have little experience doing so. Whether if it was college tangibles or limited professional experience, there is a lack of basketball IQ at this position. The learning will come over time, its just a matter of progressing from these lessons. Both mentioned players have the physical capability to develop within this system, but the pace will remain the main factor in determining how quickly this will happen.

Q: Does the bench threaten the starters?

A: The Suns continue to be mentioned as a squad that is under reform. Their rebuild has taken a positive look with at least three players in the starting lineup that they can center around. Ariza will make a case for allowing the team to trot out their small-ball lineups. Tyson Chandler might get some run with the starters to sans Ayton from high levels of usage. Josh Jackson could easily overtake Ryan Anderson for a starting position given that his game offers a greater diversity level than Anderson's does.