Positional rankings identify need for lineup change at the Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns starting lineup has remained incredibly stable across the last two seasons, but their stands one positional question mark going into 2022-23.

About a month ago we outlined the potential of a change, examining the various plus-minus differentials of different lineups. Now, that advocated change has been confirmed by recent positional rankings.

Cameron Johnson has been ranked above Jae Crowder in NBA power-forward rankings, affirming the need for a change to the Phoenix Suns’ starting five.

Frank Urbina of HoopsHype has released his rankings of the top 25 power-forwards in the league, with Johnson listed at number 20. That’s in contrast to Crowder who was left off the list in favour of the likes of Sacramento Kings rookie Keegan Murray (25th) and the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Lauri Markkanen (24th).

Urbina praised Johnson’s elite three-point shooting, and his overall development since being a questionable selection at pick 11 in the 2019 NBA draft.

"“On a team with stars up and down the starting lineup, Johnson’s shooting has proven to be pivotal, opening up the floor for the likes of Devin Booker, Chris Paul and Deandre Ayton, as has his ability to defend multiple positions, albeit far from an elite level”, Urbina wrote."

This is the first positional rankings where Phoenix haven’t had a player in the top ten. Chris Paul (sixth), Devin Booker (first) and Mikal Bridges (tenth) were all ranked highly in the respective point-guard, shooting and small-forward lists.

Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo unsurprisingly ranked first for power-forwards, with Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Zion Williamson and Pascal Siakam rounding out the top five.

Johnson’s superior ranking continues to assert his stature as simply a better player than Crowder, and that he’s ready to take the mantle as the Suns starting power-forward from next season.