Debating Which Phoenix Sun Is Most Under-Appreciated in Franchise History

The 2026-27 Phoenix Suns season is right on the horizon from finding a start. The team is back in action later this month when training camp opens up. 

While the second year of Jordan Ott is promising, there's always time to look back and appreciate the history of a storied franchise.

In this case, there are far too many former members of the Suns' organization that don't quite receive the shine they deserve.

Follow our picks for three of the most under-appreciated players in the history of the franchise - with reasonings behind these placements - below.

Walter Davis

Davis is one of the all-time Suns' greats that gets forgotten in the fray of the new generation. 

The North Carolina product held the all-time scoring record in Phoenix until guard Devin Booker broke it in February 2025. Davis' 12 seasons in Phoenix were marked with making it into MVP races, being selected to six All-Star teams, and becoming one of the main contributors to winning over those years.

Grant Hill

Hill's entrance to Phoenix in 2007 came as he was exiting his prime. He managed to make the most of his five seasons in the Valley.

The former perennial MVP candidate evolved a 40% three-point shooter in his later years with the franchise, as well as serving as a slept-on rebounder, connector of the offense, and versatile defensive weapon. 

The defense in particular is what is the most impressive when scouring Hill's time in Phoenix, as he received Defensive Player of the Year votes in three separate seasons.

While Steve Nash undoubtedly played a role in Hill's 180-degree shift as a player, the former third overall pick deserves credit himself.

Raja Bell

Bell and forward Boris Diaw often get forgotten about when discussing the seven seconds or less Suns. 

Bell - an undrafted free agent - came to Phoenix in 2005. The shooting guard not only put forward elite defense during his years with the Suns, but also shot over 40% from three-point range across three full seasons. 

Bell also deserves credit for being the primary enforcer for the Suns on the perimeter, including in guarding Los Angeles Lakers' superstar Kobe Bryant. Bell's time in Phoenix came to an end in 2008 in a trade that brought Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley to the Suns, but he shouldn't be forgotten as the years go by.