Phoenix Suns Starting Five Player Grades
Chris Paul: 14.7 PPG, 10.8 APG, 4.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG (.493/.317/.837)
Despite averaging fewer than 15 points per game for the first time in his career, Chris Paul still produced buckets for this team at a high level, averaging more assists than anyone in the league.
CP3 also averaged the second most steals across the entire NBA, accomplishing a point guard’s duties at a peak level. His clutch play was as a staple in this team’s success as well. With exception to a major drop off in his 3-point shooting percentage, he did it all for Phoenix in year 17.
Grade: A-
Devin Booker: 26.8 PPG, 4.8 APG, 5.0 RPG (.466/.383/.868)
Deepening his already lengthy offensive bag this year with a more consistent 3-point shot while also playing some underrated defense, Devin Booker has a chance to slide in last minute and snag the MVP award.
Like Paul, he made hitting timely shots a habit. However, his flamethrower first quarters also got Phoenix’s offense going almost every night out. That approach allowed him to boast a career-high scoring average. Naturally, he deserves the highest grade our academic scale offers.
Grade: A+
Mikal Bridges: 14.2 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.3 APG (.534/.369/.834)
Arguably nobody took a bigger leap on the Suns than Mikal Bridges this year. Finally hearing the praise he deserves, his defensive skills have him as a Defensive Player of the Year candidate. He shut down opposing stars night after night, easily covering gaps and making the game fun for his teammates.
He remained lethal as a transition threat as well, and seemed to grow more confident in his shot-creating abilities. The sky’s the limit for this two-way stud, and it often felt like he could do no wrong this year.
Grade: A
Jae Crowder: 9.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.9 APG (.399/.348/.789)
He hit a lot of the big ones, but Jae Crowder still put up his lowest field goal percentage since his rookie season this year. The Bossman did play his trademark tough defense though, and shot it well enough from deep to stretch the floor.
But being a shooter, his inefficient splits are too rough to ignore. If you advertise yourself as a sniper like Crowder does, posting only the sixth highest 3-point percentage on your team feels unacceptable. Hopefully he turns it up in the playoffs.
Grade: C-
Deandre Ayton: 17.2 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.4 APG (.634/.368/.746)
Scoring at a high level and with some ridiculous efficiency numbers, Deandre Ayton carried the Suns on several occasions this year. He made it clear that his playoff excellence last season was no fluke and proved his ability to thrive on the court even without Chris Paul.
The former Wildcat also made strides with his passing and jump shooting abilities. For next year, you’d like him to improve as a rebounder, but in year four you have to like what he’s given Phoenix.
Grade: A-