Valley of the Suns
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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 02: Josh Okogie of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – OCTOBER 02: Josh Okogie of the Phoenix Suns. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Small Forward – Josh Okogie

The most contentious position on this list, but like it or not, right now this is Josh Okogie’s spot to lose. Okogie has both the continuity with having been on the roster last season, and an above average defensive game, to begin the season as the right choice here.

It helps that he shot 33.5 percent from deep last season, not a great number but the best mark of his career on 2.7 attempts per night. If Okogie can just keep defenders honest enough with that shot each night, then the Suns really will be one of the most fearsome offensive monsters that we have ever seen.

Really though it is the hounding of elite scorers that give Okogie the edge here, although he will begin this season with his position under threat. The downside for him of having played with Booker before (and Durant in a tiny sample size), is that we know the limitations of Okogie with this group.

Hard as he may try, opponents may eventually leave him open or else force him to take the ball and make plays happen. Adding Beal makes Okogie’s life easier, but it will still be on him to actually make the right decision both on and off the ball if the Suns are to be successful.

The addition of Grayson Allen this offseason is another reason for Okogie to look over his shoulder. Allen looks like an ideal sixth man right now, and he’s jumped the queue for minutes ahead of Yuta Watanabe and Eric Gordon. He has a reputation as a dirty player, but he is a better defender than he is given credit for. Allen is going to quickly push Okogie for this spot.

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