How Suns’ Bench Could Decide Their 2026-27 Season

Phoenix looks to have one of the better bench units in the NBA heading into the season.

Feb 21, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jordan Goodwin (23) celebrates against the Orlando Magic in the second half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PHOENIX -- One of the biggest reasons for the Phoenix Suns' surprising success during the 2025-26 season was how much depth they had.

Whenever a key player went down, somebody off the bench was ready to step up whenever their name was called.

The Suns could have this same luxury of depth during the 2026-27 season even after losing Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, as they still have several key players set to come off the bench.

Even if Phoenix does not face the same injury problems it did last season, the bench could be a huge determining factor of success this year.

Why Suns' Bench Will Be Crucial in 2026-27 Season

The Suns' bench has the perfect mix of what their starting lineup is missing in 3-point shooting, defense and playmaking.

Devin Booker, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges are all four very ball-dominant players who are looking to put the ball in the basket, but are not known for their 3-point shooting.

Whenever one or more of these players comes out, the Suns have reliable plug-and-play options off the bench.

Collin Gillespie and Luke Kennard can both shoot the ball and provide playmaking, while the Suns can turn to several defenders to throw in, including Jordan Goodwin, Rasheer Fleming, Ryan Dunn, Haywood Highsmith and Koa Peat.

It's almost as if an area is lacking on the floor, the Suns have a solution for it off the bench with a well of complementary players.

It will be up to Ott to best utilize this depth within his system that now needs to grow to include playing bigger after the additions of Bridges and Peat and losses of Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.

In addition to the 1-4 positions, Oso Ighodaro offers a completely different playstyle from Mark Williams, which threw opponents off in some games last season and could be a huge factor again this season, especially with Ighodaro's ability to be a playmaking hub for Phoenix's scorers on offense.

Phoenix also has Khaman Maluach waiting his turn at the 5 position after a dominant Summer League in which he showed off an impactful inside presence on both sides of the floor and a 3-point shot on offense.

The Suns did not statistically have one of the better bench units in the league last season because of how often they had to throw key reserves into the starting lineup, but depth will be a huge key during the 2026-27 season and don't be surprised if the Suns' bench ranks among the top in the league if the starters can stay healthy.