We have already examined three Phoenix Suns players whose minutes will be in decline this season, but the outlook for this next trio looks much better. Let's look at three players who should see more time with the Suns this season.
Oso Ighodaro
An easy place to start, third year big man Oso Ighodaro proved by the end of last season that he was primed for a bigger role. The Suns brought back Mark Williams on an extension, but we know he won't be appearing in all 82 games.
This could pave the way for Khaman Maluach to move into a starting role, but if he is not ready, it is Ighodaro who will slide into that spot. Even if Williams isn't injured, Ighodaro can start at the five, come off the bench, and also spend time at the forward position as well.
He managed 17 minutes per game as a rookie before upping that number to 22 last time out, so another increase is firmly on the cards. He's quickly making a name for himself as someone who can plug any hole across the front line, which is going to lead to more run.
Miles Bridges
Sticking with the forwards, new addition Miles Bridges is a surprise inclusion on this list. Last season with the Charlotte Hornets, he averaged 31 minutes each night, which was around the same as the previous season. The year prior, Bridges was up at the 37-minute mark, and while he likely won't reach those heights in Phoenix, he is the starting power forward on a team looking to win more than 45 games.
Bridges is also looking for an extension, and if he can perform, especially on the boards, in a way we've never seen him do before, he could end up averaging the most minutes per game on the team, behind only Devin Booker. The Suns didn't give up two players and an unprotected first in 2033 not to use him.
Collin Gillespie
The main beneficiary when Coach Jordan Ott realizes he can't play Jalen Green and Booker in the backcourt together will be Collin Gillespie. A true point guard, he was brought back on a four-year, $48 million contract to be ready to step into a starting berth when needed.
He would top out as a league-average starter at the point guard position, as questions rightly persist about his defensive abilities. But he continues to prove he is capable of a bigger role in The Valley, initially starting out on a two-way deal before being brought back on his current contract.
Gillespie will take the playmaking duties away from Booker and gladly look to set up all of the mouths that need to be fed in the offense. The same cannot be said for Green, which is why Gillespie will wind up surpassing the 28.5 minutes per game mark from last season.
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