Where Does The Phoenix Suns Backcourt Rank Among the NBA’s Best?

Phoenix Suns backcourt compared to the bottom tier

To be clear, this tier does not represent the “lowest of the low” regarding backcourt talent by any means. This list aims to compare the Suns with only the league’s best backcourts, so it naturally cuts off teams with less-talented point guard/shooting guard combos. This class instead represents the NBA backcourts with true promise, certain make opposing teams sweat, but still remain a few steps away from stardom.

Indiana Pacers – Caris LeVert and Malcolm Brogdon

The Indiana Pacers latched themselves onto the Brooklyn Nets/James Harden trade last winter, acquiring perhaps the game’s most underrated shooting guard in Caris LeVert. Brogdon’s consistency beside though him allows the Pacers to pair one high-floor/low-ceiling guy with a low-floor/high-ceiling guy.

That makes this team’s backcourt incredibly intriguing, and with the potential to really turn some heads next year, especially if LeVert manages to stay healthy. But when you really get down to it, they still lack the bonafide star power to contend with game-altering backcourts like Phoenix’s.

Charlotte Hornets – LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier

LaMelo Ball won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year Award last year, and Terry Rozier remains a small, but crafty player with solid shooting touch. With Gordon Hayward struggling to stay on the floor over the last few years, it feels like the Hornets will only go as far as these two take them.

That could end up being the playoffs, but for now, these two do not possess the hardened skills and experience needed to contend with Booker and Paul. Ball scored 15.7 points per game last year, and Rozier added 20.4. Something is certainly brewing in Charlotte, but it’s just not their time yet.

Memphis Grizzlies – Ja Morant and Rajon Rondo

Memphis’s backcourt looks a bit shaky behind Ja Morant at this moment, with the team just recently trading for Eric Bledsoe, and then trading him away a few weeks later. Now they now find themselves with Rajon Rondo, who despite his age, still remains a solid option for any team to carry given his high-game IQ and all-time great court vision.

However, Morant essentially carries this backcourt—and team for that matter, averaging 19.1 points per game last year. Frequently looking like a top tier point guard, Morant also possesses absurd athleticism for ball hander, having also shown off his ability to score during clutch situations as well.

But even with how special Morant is, this list aims to judge a team’s backcourt, not just one player. For that reason, the Grizzlies find themselves far behind the Suns.

Chicago Bulls – Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine continues to improve with each passing season, putting the ideology that he can “only dunk the ball” soundly to bed. LaVine averaged an extraordinary 27.4 points per game last year, and shot 41.9 percent on 3-pointers. From a scorer’s perspective, one can certainly argue that he can hang with, and even outplay Booker at times.

He now finds himself with another well-improved prospect by his side in Lonzo Ball. But even with his progression last year, Ball still lacks the offensive firepower to match Paul at the point guard spot. This backcourt will be fun to watch next year, but they belong on this conversation’s outskirts.