Ranking Most Crucial Bench Players for Phoenix Suns in 2026–27 Season

One of the strengths of the 2025-26 Phoenix Suns happened to be the continual adaptability that head coach Jordan Ott brought to the table.

A massive piece of this puzzle was the consistent trust in the bench unit, as players ranging from guard Jordan Goodwin to forward Royce O'Neale were regularly maning to answer the call to duty. 

Now, the bench unit faces something of an overhaul, as Grayson Allen and O'Neale are no longer with the franchise following being traded to the Charlotte Hornets in the deal that brought forward Miles Bridges to Phoenix.

This development serves as both a pressure point for the Phoenix coaching staff, as well as an undeniable opportunity to players that are seeking to carve out a long-term future with the franchise.

Below are the three players that have the most opportunity to define Phoenix's success in the season ahead.

3. Luke Kennard

Kennard is a bit of a sleeper pick here, as a compelling argument can be made that Goodwin's defensive versatility or Rahseer Fleming's expected growth are more crucial to the Suns' ceiling in 2026-27

However, the loss of Allen necessitates Phoenix's free agent to be a substantial piece of the offense this season. Kennard is one of the most consistent three-point marksmen in the NBA over a decade-long sample, but the volume isn't always there to match the efficiency. 

Ott must utilize Kennard in a volume role at times to make up for the shooting that the team parted with, including as a movement shooter. Phoenix is in strong shape yet again - if Kennard puts together another season north of 40% from beyond the arc on higher volume

2. Khaman Maluach

Maluach may not even begin the season higher on the depth chart than his peer in third-year Oso Ighodaro. 

He is still crucial to the bench unit. The 7-footer has many fans within the Phoenix organization, and he is setting the stage for a massive sophomore year leap if Summer League play is to be bought. 

Maluach's blend of an evolving outside game, rim protection upside, and the ability to be a difference maker at the rim is enticing - even without the backdrop of incumbent center Mark Williams being a question mark health wise.

1. Collin Gillespie 

Gillespie will likely start games this season, but the fourth-year pro is currently entrenched as the sixth man. 

The Villanova product is an above-average player on both sides of the ball, and there's a real opportunity for him to receive top-three shot attempt volume on the roster. 

Another Gillespie leap likely spells an improvement from the 45-win season Phoenix captured in 2025-26.