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Previewing the Phoenix Suns heading into the 2020-21 NBA season

We go over the Suns’ depth chart, odds to win a championship and provide fantasy basketball analysis for the 2020-21 NBA season.

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns controls the ball against Trey Burke #32 of the Dallas Mavericks in the second half at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 13, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images

The 2020-21 NBA season is a few weeks away and training camp is underway. The Phoenix Suns will always be remembered for their 8-0 finish to the NBA bubble seeding round. That team will look drastically different in 2020-21, but it won’t necessarily be worse off. The Suns made a couple big moves to position themselves to compete in the Western Conference. A couple big steps from a few key players and the Suns could be on their way to that goal. Here we’re going to take a look at the Suns’ offseason, plus look ahead to the 2020-21 season.

2020 offseason

Key additions

Chris Paul, PG (trade)
Jae Crowder, PF (free agency)
Jalen Smith, C (draft)
Langston Galloway, G (free agency)
E’Twaun Moore, G (free agency)
Abdel Nader, F (trade)

Key losses

Aron Baynes, C (free agency)
Kelly Oubre Jr., G/F (trade)
Ricky Rubio, PG (trade)
Frank Kaminsky, C (free agency)

2020-21 odds

Title odds: +4000
Win percentage: O/U 52.5
Devin Booker MVP odds: +3000
Deandre Ayton MIP odds: +1500
Chris Paul MVP odds: +10000

2020-21 roster

Depth Chart

PG: Chris Paul, Cameron Payne, Langston Galloway
SG: Devin Booker, E’Twaun Moore, Jevon Carter
SF: Mikal Bridges, Cameron Johnson, Abdel Nader
PF: Jae Crowder, Dario Saric, Cameron Johnson
C: Deandre Ayton, Jalen Smith, Damian Jones

Roster battles

Starting PF: Jae Crowder vs. Dario Saric
6th Man: Cameron Johnson vs. Dario Saric vs. Cameron Payne

Fantasy basketball

Best Sleeper

Mikal Bridges — I’m a big fan of Ayton as well, though he won’t be considered by many a traditional “sleeper.” Bridges is entering his third season in the NBA with the chance to break out. The Suns are littered with talent, and while Bridges may not get to shine as much on offense, he’ll be considered the 4th option behind CP3, Booker and Ayton. If Bridges gets more 3-point opportunities, he could flourish playing with Paul.

Likely Bust

Jalen Smith — I don’t normally trust rookies who are expected to play a prominent role unless they are sure things. Smith is far from a sure thing. He was considered a reach at No. 10 overall and could just be tasked with defending down low. Smith is, at best, a decent keeper/dynasty option.