B/R Says Suns Need to Take This Risk in 2023-24

When it comes to the Phoenix Suns, there's not a ton of curveballs the team can throw on the court for the 2023-24 season.

Names such as Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal and Deandre Ayton are staples in the starting lineup while the Suns grabbed some key veteran names to supplement in rotation via free agency.

At this point, it's up to head coach Frank Vogel to assemble the pieces to the puzzle - there's no shortage of talent in the Valley.

Yet that doesn't mean a risk or two can't be taken in order to propel this team over the championship hump. Bleacher Report's Zach Buckley says the Suns should start Yuta Watanabe in their fifth and final spot on the floor:

B/R Says Suns Need to Take This Risk in 2023-24

"It's tricky to find a specific risk for the Suns, thanks in no small part to the many risks they've already taken," said Buckley.

"Pinning their championship hopes on Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal staying healthy is no small gamble. Neither is holding onto Deandre Ayton when it has so often appeared as if his days in the desert were done.

"But Phoenix has placed its bets already, so there aren't many more wagers to take. One that could have some legs, though, is clearing a starting spot for Yuta Watanabe, even if Josh Okogie and Keita Bates-Diop might seem like more obvious choices for the first five.

"Watanabe could be the cleanest fit with the Suns stars, though, as the things he does well—defense, hustle and corner-three splashing—should perfectly complement Phoenix's best players."

Our own Everett Williams pegged Watanabe as one of Phoenix's most underrated players:

"His combination of three-point shooting as well as his willing defensive play shows why Watanabe is an underrated pickup for the Suns this offseason. His pairing with Durant and Booker will play out as the year goes on, but expect Watanabe to hit some big 3-pointers and play stout defense during the season."