Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns: 3 bold predictions for 2018-19

By Dan Volpone

MIAMI, FL - MARCH 5: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free throw against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - MARCH 5: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a free throw against the Miami Heat on March 5, 2018 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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LAS VEAGS, NV – JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out against Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEAGS, NV – JULY 9: Deandre Ayton #22 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out against Mohamed Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 9, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The starting lineup will be consistent

The final starting lineup might not be the same as the one at beginning of the season, but eventually the Phoenix Suns will find a starting five they’re comfortable with and stick to it.

That’s not to say the entire rotation will be consistent. There will be a lot of tinkering and experimenting with different combinations throughout the year for two reasons. First, with such a young team, the Suns will want to give players a chance to prove their worth. Second, they’ll want to see who plays well with who for the purpose of team building going forward.

But when it comes to the starters, it will be much more steady than in years past. There are enough talented players on the roster to form a coherent five man group.

Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are locks because of both talent and the lack of competition from backups. Elie Okobo won’t realistically challenge Brandon Knight. Trevor Ariza’s veteran presence should keep him with the starters. And early on in the season, it should become apparent which of Josh Jackson, Mikal Bridges, and T.J. Warren fits best with the other four.

Unless Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss show significant improvement, they likely won’t crack the starting lineup despite their superior fits.

The Suns will definitely be near the league lead in lineup combinations, and a new coach will want to try new things. But the starers will still be a constant in an otherwise inconstant season in Phoenix.

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