PHOENIX – The Phoenix Suns are in the final stages before the start of the 2024-25 regular season.
In this context, there is constant discussion about what the team could/should look like in the first game of the season.
While Devin Booker and Kevin Durant will be two constants in coach Mike Budenholzer’s final lineup this season, there are a number of interchangeable figures elsewhere.
The squad is said to have improved significantly, but it will be difficult to find the right balance between shooting, leading the table and defensive strength – and that will certainly not be achieved overnight.
With this five-man lineup, the Suns probably have the best chance of winning when it all comes down to it this season:
What this lineup loses in rebounding and physicality, they make up for in fitness. Jones and Beal could serve as playmakers and/or point guards.
Booker is in a natural position to do what he does best – put the ball in the basket. O’Neale brings the space he needs on the court and remains a versatile defender, even if his best days in that area are behind him.
Durant at the five is the ultimate wild card. This is probably the most natural way to use him in a similar way to how Dirk Nowitzki was used in 2011 – the season in which he led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA title.
This formation certainly has advantages and disadvantages, but the positive aspects outweigh the negative ones. All five players on the field are deadly shooters in this scenario, and all five can at least serve as off-ball connectors. With this formation, there would be fewer turnovers.
Most importantly, this five-man lineup could ultimately put Durant and Booker in positions to succeed.
