US Trending News: 2024-2025 Phoenix Suns Starting Lineup: Who’s Playing and Why It Matters

The 2024-2025 NBA season is just around the corner, and one of the most anticipated storylines is the new-look Phoenix Suns starting lineup. With a fresh coaching staff and strategic roster moves, the Suns are looking to turn the page on a challenging 2023-24 campaign and reestablish themselves as a contender in the Western Conference. At the heart of this transformation is the decision to name Tyus Jones as the team’s starting point guard, alongside a star-studded frontcourt featuring Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic.

The New Era Begins with Tyus Jones

Tyus Jones was named the starting point guard by new head coach Mike Budenholzer, marking a pivotal shift for the Suns. This move addresses a long-standing need for a true floor general who can orchestrate the offense and allow the team’s stars to focus on scoring. Jones brings a wealth of experience, having started all 66 games for the Washington Wizards last season. He averaged 12.0 points, 7.3 assists, and shot 48.9% from the field while also hitting 41.4% of his three-pointers. His ability to distribute the ball and create opportunities for teammates makes him an ideal fit for a team with elite scorers like Booker, Beal, and Durant.

Why Tyus Jones?

Budenholzer emphasized that Jones’ leadership and court IQ make him the right choice for the starting role. “He’s a guy who has always been a high assists guy, low turnovers,” Budenholzer said. “He can get us organized.” The coach also praised Jones’ ability to lead the team in transition and in the half-court, noting that he can help the Suns play faster and more efficiently.

Jones’ presence is expected to ease the burden on the team’s star players, allowing them to be more aggressive offensively without worrying about handling the ball. This change could be a game-changer for a team that struggled with ball movement and spacing in the previous season.

The Star-Studded Frontcourt

The starting five will feature a mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, with the core of the team remaining largely intact. Here’s a breakdown of the projected starting lineup:

Point Guard: Tyus Jones

As mentioned, Jones is the clear choice at point guard. His experience and playmaking ability provide stability to the offense. He’s known for his unselfish style of play and ability to read the game, which should complement the talents of the Suns’ stars.

Shooting Guard: Bradley Beal

Beal returns as the team’s primary scorer and shooter. Despite a rocky first season with the Suns, Beal showed flashes of brilliance, averaging 18.2 points per game and shooting 51.3% from the field. Under Budenholzer, Beal is expected to have a clearer role, focusing on his scoring and playmaking abilities.

Small Forward: Devin Booker

Booker remains the heart of the Suns. Last season, he averaged 27.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.9 assists, earning All-Star and All-NBA honors. With Jones running the point, Booker should be able to focus more on scoring and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Power Forward: Kevin Durant

Durant continues to be one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. At 35 years old, he still averages 27.1 points per game and shoots over 50% from the field. His versatility and scoring ability make him a key piece of the Suns’ offensive strategy.

Center: Jusuf Nurkic

Nurkic joins the Suns as their starting center after being acquired in the offseason. He provides much-needed rebounding and interior defense. While he may not be the most athletic big man, his size and skill set make him a valuable addition to the team.

The Bench and Depth

While the starting five is solid, the Suns’ depth will be crucial in determining their success this season. Grayson Allen, who started 74 games for the Suns last season, will come off the bench. He’s known for his three-point shooting and defensive intensity, making him a valuable asset in a deep rotation.

Monte Morris, another veteran point guard, will back up Jones, providing additional stability. Damion Lee and Collin Gillespie round out the point guard position, offering different styles of play.

On the wings, Jalen Bridges and TyTy Washington will compete for minutes, while Josh Okogie brings defensive energy off the bench. At center, Mason Plumlee offers additional size and rebounding, while Oso Ighodaro and Mamadi Diakite provide depth.

What This Means for the Suns

The new starting lineup represents a significant shift for the Suns, both in terms of strategy and chemistry. With Jones at point guard, the team should see improved ball movement and better spacing, which could lead to more efficient scoring. The return of Beal and Durant, along with the addition of Nurkic, gives the Suns a strong foundation to build upon.

However, the Suns still face challenges. Their defense was a major issue last season, and Budenholzer’s emphasis on defense will be critical in turning things around. The team will also need to stay healthy, particularly for Nurkic, whose injury history is a concern.

Looking Ahead

The Suns open the 2024-25 season on October 23 against the Los Angeles Clippers. With a new coach, a revamped starting lineup, and a roster full of talent, the Suns are looking to make a statement. If they can buy into Budenholzer’s system and stay healthy, they could be a serious threat in the Western Conference.

For fans, this is an exciting time for the Suns. The team has the potential to be one of the best in the league, but it will take time and effort to realize that potential. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on the Suns to see if they can finally fulfill their promise.

Stay updated with the latest news and analysis on the Phoenix Suns and other NBA teams. Follow us for more breaking news and in-depth coverage of the 2024-2025 season.

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Sources:

– NBA.com

– Fadeaway World

– ESPN

Internal Links:

– 2024-25 Atlanta Hawks Projected Starting Lineup

– 2024-25 Boston Celtics Projected Starting Lineup

– 2024-25 Brooklyn Nets Projected Starting Lineup

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The 2024-25 Phoenix Suns starting lineup features Tyus Jones at point guard, alongside Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic. This new look aims to improve ball movement and defensive structure under coach Mike Budenholzer.

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