The Phoenix Suns have had a fantastically productive offseason, adding Bradley Beal while also surrounding their core group of guys with the kind of depth that nobody thought they could. The allure of playing on a minimum contract next to Beal, Kevin Durant and Devin Booker too good an opportunity to pass up.
Center Deandre Ayton also looks to be sticking around, and if anybody can get the best out of a 25-year-old big man who has flashed All-Star potential in the past, it is new head coach Frank Vogel.
With four of the starting five spots secured, who then will win the battle to be the fifth member of that crew come opening night of the 2023-24 season?
There are several strong candidates, each with their own unique case as to why they should be selected. Of the three most likely, and who will get the chance to stake their claim here, they will know that being the fifth starter on opening night will not mean they automatically get the spot all season long.
The Suns now boast young and hungry players, such as Keita Bates-Diop, who are going to do all that they can to crash the party. Just because he is not included in the names below, Bates-Diop is one injury to another player, or a solid seven game defensive stretch away from stealing this spot for himself.