Phx-Suns.Net

We've had a month to evaluate this team and the players, and I thought this might be a good time to check in regarding their future potential:

PG: Collin Gillespie. Potentially a borderline all-star. A Nash-Ginobili hybrid on offense, a Stockton on defense. If he can stay healthy, I think he'll make an ASG or two at some point, kind of like a Malcolm Brogdan. The question is whether teams can figure out how to defend him, kind of like how they figured out Booker after a few years.

SG: Devin Booker. Are we talking about CP3-era Book or Mr. Lovesick? One is a top 10 player in the NBA and the other is a borderline all star.

SF: Ryan Dunn. Hasn't taken the jump we were hoping for but isn't he a fantastic role-playing defender? Potentially a lot more.

PF: Dillon Brooks. He's surprised me -- not just a 3-and-D guy but actually more like a star in his role. More of a Mikal Bridges in Brooklyn.

C: Mark Williams. Just really big and really active. Solid starter.

That's already a pretty solid starting lineup and we're not talking about the other players:

G: Grayson Allen. When did he start being a real combo guard instead of just a bomber? A perfect role player.

G/F: Royce O'Neale. Anoither perfect role player.

PF/C: Oso. I think Ott's figured out how to use him. He's a PG in a PF's body. Play him as a high post backup playmaking big and don't let him shoot outside. While it's been disappointing to see him unable to make progress with his shooting, if he could ever figure that out, he'll be an all-star at the PF position.

And we haven't even started talking about Green or Maluach...and yes, Maluach has a great deal of potential. Just a long way to go.

I think that Allen or Royce (not both) become trade assets if Green comes back and can fit in.

Collin and Grayson have been the biggest surprises to me. I don’t think Collin has as high of a ceiling as you think, but he looks like a very good player. I think he’s ideally a 3rd guard still, but a good one that can start in a pinch. The shooting is very real and he works hard on defense…the size will be a pit of a problem, but I’m very happy with him.

Grayson just being allowed to do what he probably did most of his career before the nba. Always been a skilled shooter, but he’s taking more shots and running more pick and roll. Great player.

I agree with Split on Collin, he's great but once teams focus on him he's not going to be putting up 20 ppg... but he's a stable force and super dependable with his outside shot, just hope whatever 10-15 mil salary we throw at him this year will be enough to keep him, and that he's willing to sign a 4 year deal.

I'm actually more thrilled with Grayson who's been attacking the basket much more this year, and it looks like he's found the right playing weight to be able to have the quickness and the power. I love O'Neale but I'd be okay moving him this year if it means we get a younger asset at the 4 or a first rounder or maybe two great seconds and free up a bit of cap space.

Collin is 100% the most surprising and exciting player on the roster. He has the IQ and determination to continue to be an NBA caliber starting PG. I think his ceiling as a 3rd guard option is undervaluing him. Dude was amazing in college.

Nobody wants to reevaluate the real hero, the head coach?

TOO wrote: ↑

Sat Nov 29, 2025 12:33 pm

Nobody wants to reevaluate the real hero, the head coach?

I'm not sure what kind of voodoo magic Ott is working but if he isn't in the conversation for COY something is wrong.

virtual9mm wrote: ↑

Fri Nov 28, 2025 10:29 pm

I think that Allen or Royce (not both) become trade assets if Green comes back and can fit in.

I agree with you on everything except this. Yes things could change once Green is healthy and I suspect they will to an extent but Allen especially has been the perfect fit on this team. And without looking it up I think he has a very reasonable contract. Also it seems Royce and Grayson are like Sonic and Knuckles (Det Lions reference). 2 threats that can either play at the same time, give the other a break or pick up the slack when the other is off.