3 Suns Players Phoenix Should Build Around Moving Forward

Just 49 days remain until the Phoenix Suns enter the 2026-27 season.

The Suns are coming into the season with relatively tepid fanfare, as the direction of the franchise is within sight, but questions arise as to whether the direction is attainable. 

Part of this debate resides in just where each player on the roster (minus Devin Booker) fits into the equation of the overarching ecosystem in Phoenix.

We break down the top two tiers of the roster below - the anchor (tier one) and the support (tier two).

Anchor: Booker

The 11-year veteran remains the pillar of the franchise, and has earned just that after becoming the franchise's all-time leading scorer.

Booker is on the slight decline statistically, but is making up for the dips in scoring with a rapid rise as a playmaker. The Kentucky product is still a player that is absolutely worth building around for a myriad of reasons, including his portability alongside various archetypes of players. 

Booker's max contract may come into conflict with Phoenix's roster-building long-term, but also might be a drawing point for another superstar to join the franchise on contrary.

Support: Dillon Brooks, Collin Gillespie

Brooks isn't a darling according to the metrics, but this doesn't necessarily matter. The 2017 second round pick displayed extensive value in his first season in Phoenix that compelled the franchise to commit a three-year contract to him.

The 30-year old forward isn't exactly an efficient scorer or plus playmaker, but he makes tough shots and kept the Suns above water at times last season. His contributions to the defensive side of the ball can't be ignored either. Brooks' undying competitive spirit, physical edge he brings to the court, and leadership he provides in the locker room are all reasons to build around him.

As far as Gillespie goes, he has done enough for Phoenix to commit four more years to as well. The 27-year old guard is a plus in a vast majority of categories on the offensive side of the ball, and put together a gritty skillset on defense. The manner in which Gillespie and Booker fit together on the court is a reason to believe that the Villanova product is a long-term piece of the franchise as well.

The trio of faces of the Suns organization are set to usher in the upcoming season when training camp commences at the end of the month.