The preseason has come and gone right before our eyes, and the regular season is finally here. Several battles took place on the roster, and while some may be decided, nothing is set in stone this time of year.
But we do have a cut-and-dry 10-man rotation at this point. And the first preseason roster cut casualties went down with Haywood Highsmith, Kennedy Chandler, and Phillip Wheeler being waived. Then, Koby Brea and CJ Huntley joined shortly thereafter.
Jamaree Bouyea kept his spot on the roster, and the Suns elected to enter the season with 14 players on standard contracts. Drew Timme was signed after being cut by the Timberwolves.
Guards:Jalen Green, Devin Booker, Collin Gillespie, Luke Kennard, Jordan Goodwin, Jamaree Bouyea, Pat Spencer
Wings/Forwards:Dillon Brooks, Miles Bridges, Ryan Dunn, Rasheer Fleming, Koa Peat, Drew Timme
Bigs:Khaman Maluach, Oso Ighodaro, Duop Reath, Mark Williams
So what about the group that actually plays? Well, it's a shorter list. And preseason told us most of it.
Ryan Dunn emerged; Rasheer Fleming faltered. The center position is still to be determined, though we all know Jordan Ott has that answer… he is just reluctant to tip his hand.
Below you will find the 10-man unit in two groups, along with who may be next in line, with a quick snippet on each guy. Dunn could be the odd man out if they cut it down to a 9-man rotation, depending on the matchups.
Starters
G: Jalen Green
G: Devin Booker
F: Dillon Brooks
F: Miles Bridges
C: Oso Ighodaro
Bench
G: Collin Gillespie
G: Luke Kennard
F: Jordan Goodwin
F: Ryan Dunn
C: Khaman Maluach
Jamaree Bouyea – If Phoenix needs another guard to step in, they trust him. He appeared in 46 games for the Suns last season, including one start.
Duop Reath – Foul trouble, foul trouble, foul trouble. Or an injury to either center. Duop Reath will be relied on at times this season. It's better if he's not, but it's a long season.
Rasheer Fleming – Still a young, talented defender with massive 3-&-D upside, Fleming had a disappointing preseason and appears to have fallen out of the rotation.
Koa Peat – The rook will have to serve his time most likely, but don't sleep on him. He has an NBA-ready body and will be ready to go if his number is called. If Ryan Dunn falters and Rasheer isn't ready… enter Koa Peat.
Pat Spencer – Like Bouyea, if an injury occurs, Spencer could be someone they trust as a reserve to give them 10-15 minutes. Similar to all of their two-way guys, they have options if the injuries pile up.
Drew Timme – Depth signing. They'll see what he's got in the G League. Don't expect to see him much, and if you do, it means things went bad.
Who do you think is next in line outside of the top 10? I think it likely depends on what position is needed.
Let us know in the comments.
