Revisiting Suns' Playoff Rotation: Who Should Play?

Which Phoenix Suns should Frank Vogel utilize in a playoff setting?

Author:
Kevin Hicks
Feb 27, 2024 11:00 AM EST

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PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns - and more specifically head coach Frank Vogel - have some tough decisions to make about the team, specifically the rotation for a potential playoff run.

The Suns are far from a guarantee to make the playoffs just due to the close proximity between the five and eight seeds in the West if nothing else, but it's also difficult to envision Phoenix missing the playoffs.

The rotation is obviously set in some fashion - the top five is clearly built around Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic as starters.

History also tells us that coach Vogel tends to roll with nine-man rotations in playoff settings - that leaves room for four more players off the bench to compliment the starting five.

It's likely safe to presume that both Eric Gordon and recent acquisition Royce O'Neale will be shoe-ins to partake in postseason play. The duo of talented perimeter players brings different wrinkles to the team on both ends, while also adding much flexibility. in terms of how coach Vogel can shape the rotation.

Bol Bol has done much to impress Phoenix when healthy over the last two months - and he absolutely should be under consideration to get meaningful playoff minutes at the very least.

That leaves one spot for several worthy candidates.

Coach Vogel clearly prefers Drew Eubanks, but his up-and-down play doesn't necessarily evoke consistent confidence.

In comes Thaddeus Young - the most recent acquisition by the Suns is something of an antithesis of Eubanks and gives coach Vogel more flexibility.

Josh Okogie and Nassir Little also remain matchup-dependent options as well, perhaps even Saben Lee could seep into conversations if given a standard NBA deal.

As of right now, here is what the playoff rotation will look like in all likelihood: