Ranking Phoenix Suns Starting Five by Importance in 2026–27 Season

The Phoenix Suns are entering a crucial 2026-27 season under the backdrop of pressures to return to the playoffs once again. 

The starting lineup will look different this season compared to last, with a major trade completed in July signaling a change in the franchise's outlook.

Below is a ranking of the vitality that each member of the starting lineup has to the Suns this season, from least to most.

5. Mark Williams

This isn't intended to be a slight to Williams at all. This is more of a testament to other players, as well as the Suns needing to integrate the incoming star properly.

Williams is still crucial to Phoenix's success, as he excels as a rebounder and play finisher on both ends. He put together several high-end performances last season as well, including 27 points against the Brooklyn Nets in January. 

The presence of Oso Ighodaro and expected rise of Khaman Maluach lessens the impact of Williams missing time. However, it is obviously ideal for the Duke product to remain healthy. 

4. Dillon Brooks

Brooks provides intangibles that are crucial to the success of the Suns. He is a hard-nosed defender and tough shotmaker - there's no denying this. 

In the light of Brooks contributions are others that are facing more pressure to either take a major leap or to fall in line with the structure of the team.

3. Miles Bridges

Bridges is the player that needs to acquiesce the most into Jordan Ott's system. The Michigan State product is a plus-athlete, an underrated passer for his position, and is a battle-tested 20 points per game scorer. 

Despite this, an inconsistent jump shot, an uneven motor on the defensive side of the ball, and a declining rim pressure rate are all points of concern. This makes Bridges finding a way to fit in all the more crucial. 

If Bridges fully leans into his new role and consistently excels on defense, the Suns will be positioned to improve upon their win total from 2025-26.

2. Devin Booker

Booker being anything other than the top spot might surprise some. There is certainly pressure on the 11-year scoring threat to return to the highs he was at two-to-three seasons ago, but he is also an established star that provides a solid floor for the Suns. 

The Kentucky product is at the stage of his career where it's more of a surprise if a player doesn't fit next to him in comparison to the opposite. This lessens the pressure Booker faces, although he remains vital to Phoenix's operations - both as a playmaker and a scorer.

1. Jalen Green

Green is entering what is the most crucial season of his career. 

It's now-or-never for the wildly talented 2021 lottery pick, who has a marked opportunity to flip the script. Suns fans saw the high-end scoring that the 24-year old provides on multiple occasions last season, but he only managed to play in 32 games. 

Inconsistencies in his game as a playmaker, defender, and in generating efficient looks are all holding back the potential All-Star, which heightens the pressure. 

Green very well has the potential to make or break Phoenix's season.