Phoenix Suns Bold Prediction Could Save 2026-27 Season

The upcoming 2026-27 season is one that the Phoenix Suns are entering with several key rotational decisions to make. 

Among those is whether or not head coach Jordan Ott should pull the plug on the expected starting lineup of Devin Booker-Jalen Green-Dillon Brooks-Miles Bridges-Mark Williams.

The most substantial piece of this equation is whether Green or Gillespie should be in control of the final starting spot during the season.

Stephen Noh of Sporting News believes that the latter will be starting over the former by January, citing a stronger fit for both in the respective new roles.

"That is the right move for the Suns though, who could use Gillespie's steady hand and deadeye shooting in their starting lineup. With five seasons under his belt, Green looks more like a microwave bench scorer than a starter, while Gillespie is the type of role player that spreads the floor and makes life easier for Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks, and Miles Bridges."

Right off the bat, Gillespie is likely a better fit in a ball-dominant lineup. Booker's usage rate is regularly north of 30%, while Brooks is approaching 30% as of late season. Bridges being north of 20% makes it crucial for Ott and the staff to figure out how to deal with touches in the arrangement that features Green. 

Inserting Gillespie into the lineup brings an effective secondary ball-handler into the fold. One that doesn't turn the ball over at a high rate, but manages to find creative ways to playmake for others. One that is an elite three-point shooter in a myriad of scenarios, including off the dribble. On top of the offensive prowess comes Gillespie's ability defensively, particularly as an off-ball difference maker. 

Green, on the other hand, is perhaps working towards becoming Phoenix's de-facto point guard. If this proposition doesn't work, it might be time for the coaching staff to consider that the 24-year-old is best suited for a sixth-man role. The former lottery pick fits the mold of a "microwave scorer" (as mentioned above) to the tune of a fellow active guard such as Jordan Clarkson. 

Whether or not Phoenix should eventually consider this change or not in-season is up for debate, but it is fascinating to follow the pattern of the team performing better on average with Gillespie playing alongside Booker/Brooks in comparison to Green. 

Phoenix's 2026-27 season is beginning with training camp in three weeks.