Valley of the Suns
Fansided

The Phoenix Suns’ opening night starting five for 2023-24

By Luke Duffy

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 16: Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Skylar Mays #5 and Rayan Rupert #72 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the game at Footprint Center on October 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 117-106. 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 - OCTOBER 16: Josh Okogie #2 of the Phoenix Suns drives against Skylar Mays #5 and Rayan Rupert #72 of the Portland Trail Blazers during the game at Footprint Center on October 16, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Trail Blazers 117-106. 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) /
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PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 16: Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 16: Bradley Beal of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard – Bradley Beal

This two-guard spot is undoubtedly Bradley Beal’s, and there is little reason that will change throughout the entire season. The Suns went out and turned the ageing Chris Paul into the 30-year-old Beal this summer, making him the best third option offensively in the league.

There is no world where Beal comes off the bench, unless he is coming back from injury. Twice in his career he has scored over 30 points per game, and even though he will undoubtedly get less shots than ever before, the amount of open looks he gets should see his efficiency reach a level not previously seen while with the Washington Wizards.

Don’t be surprised if Beal ends up playing the most minutes of any starter during the regular season as well. Coach Vogel will always have one of his three stars on the floor, but is more likely to give Kevin Durant or Booker a break if they are blowing an opponent away.

Beal may not be this group’s x-factor, but they are capable of becoming the best offensive team of all-time as a result of him being on the roster. Making the right decisions with the ball and taking those aforementioned open shots when Booker and Durant are being heavily guarded is exactly why the Suns went out and got him. It is also why he will always start.

As a bonus, the Suns can put the ball in his hands some, and the drop-off in output isn’t likely to be overly significant. Booker is the better player than Beal – he’s the better playmaker as well – but he’s had to do it all on the mediocre Wizards before, and will have zero problem taking over for stretches from the two-guard position as well.

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