The season is over, and with it comes a clearer perspective on who this team is, what it accomplished, and how the hierarchy settles. That naturally leads to one of the more enjoyable exercises we do at the beginning and end of every season.
SunsRank.
It is the process of building out the roster and figuring out who the best players are. It is subjective by design, and that is what makes it work. What stands out every time is the shift, where we started, where we landed, and how much can change over
the course of a season.
In years past, it was a straight list. Rank them one through however many and call it a day. This season, the approach evolved. It became tier-based. Group the players first, define the buckets, then sort within them. It is cleaner, easier to digest, and creates better conversations. A compartmentalized approach that allows everyone to weigh in on where players belong within the structure that fits their impact.
So, utilizing the same logic that we did at the beginning of the season, here are the four tiers that players on the Phoenix Suns fall into:
Tier 1: The Cornerstones
These are the players the franchise rests on, the names etched into the season’s story before the first tip. They set the tone, and if the Suns succeed, it’s because these players delivered.
Tier 2: The Pillars
Not quite cornerstones, but strong enough to hold weight. These are the stabilizers, the players who give structure to the roster. If they rise, the ceiling rises.
Tier 3: The Wild Cards
Players who could swing the season one way or another. Their roles aren’t fixed, their impact is unpredictable, and that volatility makes them fascinating.
Tier 4: The Depth Pieces
The supporting cast. The ones who fill minutes, plug gaps, and sometimes win a game or two that no one expects. They may not grab headlines, but every season leans on players like these.
Where did we land before the season began? Based on results from the community and our writing team, here is where the Preseason SunsRank 2025-26 landed:
Wow. Looking back at that list is wild, isn’t it? Early-season perception drove much of where players landed. The Bright Side community had Jordan Goodwin 15th. The writers had him 13th. It will be fascinating to see where he ends up after this exercise. And we sure did overvalue NHD, didn’t we?
Now comes the fun part. This is where you go through the roster, in alphabetical order by last name, and decide who belongs in which tier. Drop your thoughts in the comments. Who was easy? Who gave you trouble? Who sits right on that line? Because there are a few that live there.
Once we have the tiers set, we move to the next phase. Ranking within them. That is how SunsRank takes shape, building toward a full 1 through 18 when you include the two-way players. It is a process. It is a conversation. It is a thought exercise I look forward to every time, because defining “best” is never universal. Everyone values something different. What drives you? Leadership, production, or impact on winning? Price for value paid, cultural significance, or grit? There are many factors and how to define who is better than who.
Our writing team is working through their rankings behind the scenes as well. Once it is complete, we will share everything, just like we always do. Transparency matters. If something stands out, we will have our writers explain their thought process. And we expect the same from you in the comments.
Appreciate you taking the time to be part of it. Let’s begin SunsRank.
