My annual “5 Lineups to look forward to” piece is finally here. The season must be getting closer, folks.
This is one of the deepest Suns teams in recent memory, even with the Mark Williams injury factored in. Thinking back to some of the past issues I’ve done this for, it was slim pickings. Now, I struggled to fit everyone in.
The question is, can Jordan Ott figure out how to maximize that depth with the right combinations and minute distributions? He has the rest of training camp and the preseason
to figure it out.
Let’s dive right into the five fun lineup combinations.
Disclaimer: No, you will not see what I suspect is the starting lineup (Booker, Green, Brooks, Bridges, Maluach/Oso)
Lineup 1: SIZE + Defense!
Devin Booker – Jordan Goodwin – Dillon Brooks – Rasheer Fleming – Khaman Maluach
This lineup gives the Suns a strong blend of size and athleticism, while keeping just enough scoring on the court between Booker and Brooks to make it work. On paper, assuming Fleming and Maluach both make leaps, this could be the Suns’ best overall defensive unit. Oso may have something to say about that, but either way… this team would cause chaos.
Goodwin at the point of attack. Booker taking on the two. Brooks bodying the smaller wing/forward and Fleming harassing the larger wing/forward, with Maluach lurking in the back line. This could be a winning lineup.
Lineup 2: Bench Mob + Book + Floor Spacing
Collin Gillespie – Luke Kennard – Devin Booker – Jordan Goodwin – Khaman Maluach
I tried to draft up the most optimal floor spacing unit for Devin Booker. Gillespie and Kennard at the 1 and 2, with Booker playing “up” as a wing and Jordan Goodwin at the 4, anchored by Man Man down low, who can also pick and pop.
This could be a unit we see occasionally, even with Bridges at the 4 here to give Green and Brooks run in a staggered lineup opposite of Book/Bridges. There could be some defensive concerns with this group, but it would questionably be their best shooting combination.
Lineup 3: Youths! Plus bench guard duo
Collin Gillespie – Luke Kennard – Rasheer Fleming – Koa Peat – Khaman Maluach
This lineup is basically surrounding your two best shooters and small(er) guards with three super athletic players. We may not see this specific lineup a ton, but it could be one of those late-game lineups that gets thrown out there whenever the game is already decided.
Not garbage time, the time just before it hits garbage time, where there’s just too much time left to call it that. That’s when they’d throw this unit out there.
Lineup 4: Balance
Devin Booker – Luke Kennard – Dillon Brooks – Miles Bridges – Oso Ighodaro
This lineup has a decent blend of scoring, shooting, size, and just enough playmaking, with Oso handling some point center duties along with Booker as the primary ball-handler.
It very well could be one of the first subs we see (or Collin Gillespie) to take over Green’s spot alongside the starters for floor spacing or playmaking purposes, depending on what they feel they need most.
Lineup 5: Athleticism over everything
Jalen Green – Miles Bridges – Koa Peat – Rasheer Fleming – Khaman Maluach
There is a very realistic chance that we do not see this lineup next season at all. Miles Bridges at the 2?! Why not. Let’s get weird. It’s a requirement to throw at least one curveball your way in these pieces.
I really wanted to find somewhere to place Pat Spencer. With the Booker/Green backcourt plus Gillespie, Kennard, and Goodwin off the bench, it’s a tough ask. Ryan Dunn was also omitted due to my affinity for Fleming and Peat.
What lineups are you looking forward to the most? Let us know below!
