Phoenix Suns Duo Earns High Marks in NBA Top 100

Phoenix’s lead man comes in as the 16th-ranked player on the list, sitting in between Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams at 15 and Golden State Warriors star Jimmy Butler at 17.

Bleacher Report’s Analysis:

Here’s what Zach Buckley said about the 11-year veteran’s ranking:

“Messiness with the Suns overall hasn’t really dimmed Booker’s star yet. He’s been remarkably consistent throughout the organization’s many transformations, albeit with some bigger fluctuations in his three-point splash rate than his reputation as a net-shredder might suggest.

“Hopefully, this latest roster-reshuffling isn’t the one that dooms Booker. He’ll get all the shots and touches he cares to handle without Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, but Booker’s responsibility list will be burdensome, and the defensive attention he receives could be overwhelming.

“Overall, Booker seems content with the situation, and he’s clearly well compensated for it. But if Phoenix fades into obscurity, the hoops world will be without one of its better playoff performers in recent memory.”

Jalen Green Ranking: 81

The Suns acquired Green in the Kevin Durant trade, and he projects as one of the more interesting reclamation projects in the NBA. The 23-year-old guard reached heights of the 59th-ranked player on prior rankings.

Green ranks in between Atlanta Hawks center Onyeka Okongwu at 80 and Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard at 82.

Bleacher Report’s Analysis:

Here’s what Buckley had to say about Green’s placement at No. 81.

“While Green played a big part in Houston’s playoff breakthrough, it says a lot that the Rockets are taking their next step without him. Maybe his trade to Phoenix sent him into the kind of movie-montage training summers that unlock the key to consistency. Or, perhaps it just highlighted the flaws in his game.

“The eye test makes you want to believe. He’s a 99th percentile athlete with good form on his jumper, a ferocious first step and enough passing chops to handle secondary playmaking duties. The numbers are less convincing, though. His shooting rates perpetually leave you wanting more, and his on/off splits suggest Houston made the right call.

“Green will have ample opportunity to rewrite his story as the Suns’ second-in-command behind Devin Booker. But opportunity was never the thing holding him back.”

Fans are going to have to wait a little longer to see their new star duo, as Green is expected to miss their season opener against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 22 due to a lingering hamstring injury.

Ensure you follow @BurnCitySports and @cmorenoNBA on X (Twitter) to keep up with everything Phoenix Suns!

Please let us know your thoughts by liking our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.