Realistic starting 5 for the Phoenix Suns 5 years from now
By Luke Duffy
![PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers beat the Suns 112-98. 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JANUARY 08: Darius Garland #10 of the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center on January 08, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Cavaliers beat the Suns 112-98. 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. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/d8e61289a24f55aaea9a3f877524ec883c32a8fb9164465c1a1e7f7b4e3cf955.jpg)
Power Forward – Obi Toppin
Obi Toppin might not be what Suns fans want to hear, but there’s logic to slotting him in here. As we’re going to see later on, this version of the Suns is once again going to be expensive. Ayton is going to be on big money, and he will only be the third best player on this roster.
Which is where Toppin enters. It would be fair to say his time with the New York Knicks was mostly underwhelming, and he will be looking to change that now that he is with the Indiana Pacers. A restricted free agent in 2024, four years is a long, long time in the NBA.
Toppin right now looks like a player who is going to bounce around a bit more — perhaps even for the rest of his career — but who will have a meaningful contribution to winning basketball a couple of times throughout his time in the league. He too will be 30-years-old in 2028-29, and in the prime of his career.
If the Suns have won a championship, and with players like Toppin becoming available through trade and free agency every so often, this would appear a logical pairing. Perhaps not the best fit as Toppin doesn’t do any one thing particularly well, and he would be a heck of downgrade from the now retired Kevin Durant.
But the Suns are in a great moment now, and that won’t always be the case. If Ishbia is eager to consistently add players who are ready to win now and who won’t cost a fortune, then Toppin, whether we like it or not, fits that bill. With little draft capital to see them through the decade as well, it makes all the more sense that a player like Toppin would join the team.