Projecting Roles for Suns Rotation Players This Season

The Phoenix Suns are only returning eight players from last season's team- aside from the typical stars, Josh Okogie, Damion Lee, Ish Wainwright, and the lightly utilized Saben Lee are returning. Those four aforementioned players already have defined roles with the team - but what about the newcomers?

Eric Gordon- Spot up shooter, secondary ball handler

Gordon is probably the most important piece this team has outside of the core four. He's not the defender he once was, but is short of a liability. The sharpshooting coupled with ability to be a secondary ball handler and playmaker make him a dangerous threat on a team chock full of elite scoring talent. He can even play minutes as a backup point guard.

Jordan Goodwin- backup point guard, on-ball defender

The Suns are extremely high on Goodwin's long-term and current outlook. The former Wizard is a fierce on-ball defender, and has had several games where the ability to be a creator on offense was shown. Goodwin may not see sixth-man level minutes, but as long as he's somewhat consistent on offense the backup point guard role should be his for the duration of the season.

Keita Bates-Diop- 3&D 

Diop has been an underrated player for a few years, and unfortunately has largely been on mediocre to bad teams where the valuable skillset he possesses wasn't showcased in meaningful games very often. He knocked down 39% of three pointers last season with the Spurs and possesses versatility as a perimeter defender, both on and off-ball. Diop will likely have an opportunity to seize a sizable role.

Yuta Watanabe- 3&D

Watanabe has proven to play at a high level when in the right system and surrounded by the right players. A knockdown three point shooter, particularly from the corners, and a wing who can hold their own on defense is exactly what the Suns needed, and hopefully the former Net can play up to the level he was before the Nets traded Durant to Phoenix.

Drew Eubanks- play finisher and rim protector

Eubanks is a surprisingly great athlete, and flashed ability to be a great pick-and-roll man, play finisher, and rim protector during his time in Portland. He likely enters training camp as the backup center, and is probably a more intriguing piece than Jock Landale due to the athleticism. 

Bol Bol- Play connector, roll man, shot blocker

To be completely honest-the idea of Bol as a player at this stage is much better than the actual player. However, Bol does bring value with his surprisingly tight handle, guard-like skills and shot blocking. Whatever he lacks as a rim protector, hustle guy, and decision maker will hopefully be aided under the guidance of coach Vogel, and Bol can carve out a nice role while becoming the player he can be.

Chimezie Metu- depth piece, energy

Metu likely won't see many minutes this season, as he will presumably sit behind Bol Bol and Drew Eubanks on the depth chart, but one thing that's noticeable when watching his time with the Kings is the infectious energy and motor. It's easily understandable why James Jones was interested in bringing Metu in, even as an end-of-bench option. 

Toumani Camara- depth piece with room to progress

Camara's role likely won't be significant as a rookie, although there could be opportunities that arise to change that. Camara impressed in the summer league and possesses several NBA-level skills, so don't be surprised if he gets more run as the season progresses