Beyond a recognizable starting five, a sharpshooting record-breaker and a versatile defensive anchor hold the keys to Phoenix’s goal of contending.
Much of the topic of conversation will center around the starting five that the Phoenix Suns are expected to roll out in the season ahead, as the manner in which the unit meshes will likely determine the outcome of the 2027-27 campaign.
However, the innate depth that is on the roster is being under-discussed in the process, as there are multiple difference makers that are set to contribute off of the bench - despite the loss of both Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.
It has still yet to be determined what the top-line of the bench rotation will officially look like, with room for head coach Jordan Ott to be flexible as well. Despite this, there are three players that still stand above the rest as the most essential to improving upon the previous 45-win effort.
Maluach has the best chance to eventually crack the starting lineup out of the three players here, but also happens to be the biggest unknown.
While the Duke product displayed tangible growth as a shooter, play finisher, and rim protector during the Suns' Summer League run, he still must prove himself in the heat of battle under the guise of NBA speed.
If Maluach's projected leap is real, there is a legitimate possibility that Phoenix could hold home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs come April.
Goodwin had a much more successful stint with Phoenix the second time around compared to his time with the organization in 2023-24.
The Saint Louis product became integral to the on-court identity of Ott's team, while also adding real value as a stationary shooter - particularly in inflection moments of games.
Goodwin's multi-positional guarding skills, stabilized status as a floor-spacer, and leadership all position him to be a crucial piece of the team yet again.
Who else was going to take the crown as the most essential bench player in Phoenix this season?
Gillespie is entering his second full season on a standard NBA deal with the Suns - he is now coming off of a 2025-26 campaign that saw him break the franchise's single-season record for three-point field goals made. Beyond the shooting value, Gillespie is also a gritty defender, creative passer, and overall an ideal connector/stabilizer of a Phoenix offense that was relatively consistent when he saw the court.
Expect Gillespie to compete for the 2027 Sixth Man of the Year award in a serious manner.
