The Phoenix Suns weren’t supposed to be here-not this high in the standings, not this formidable, not after an offseason that looked more like a teardown than a tune-up. When the front office traded away Kevin Durant and stretched and waived the remainder of Bradley Beal’s contract, many around the league assumed the Suns were heading straight for the lottery. But here we are, more than halfway through the season, and Phoenix is sitting as the sixth seed in a loaded Western Conference, 10 games over .500-and they’ve done it without one of their most talented players for most of the year.
That player? Jalen Green.
He’s only just returned to action, making his comeback in a recent matchup against the 76ers. And while he came off the bench in that game, head coach Jordan Ott has already made it clear-Green will be back in the starting lineup soon.
The question now is: how do the Suns adjust the rotation to maximize his return without disrupting the chemistry that’s carried them this far?
There are two main paths Ott can take, and both come down to lineup balance.
If Green replaces Collin Gillespie in the starting five, the Suns go with a more traditional look-two guards, two wings, and a center. If Green comes in for Royce O’Neale instead, the Suns lean into a three-guard setup. In today’s positionless NBA, either approach can work, but each has ripple effects-especially for the second unit.
And that’s where things get really interesting.
Gillespie has earned his minutes-no doubt about that. He’s been steady, smart, and tough, a classic glue guy who’s done everything asked of him. But moving him to the bench doesn’t mean a demotion-it could actually unlock something special for Phoenix’s second unit.
Picture this potential bench lineup: Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Grayson Allen, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro. That’s a group that brings a little bit of everything-and a whole lot of grit.
Offensively, Gillespie and Allen give the second unit legitimate firepower from beyond the arc. Both can space the floor, both can handle the ball, and both are willing to mix it up on defense. Allen, in particular, has shown an edge this season-he’s not just a shooter anymore; he’s a tone-setter.
Goodwin and Dunn? They’re the dogs.
Defensive-minded, high-motor guys who crash the glass, hound opposing guards, and bring a level of physicality that wears teams down. And while they’re not known as sharpshooters, both have flashed enough from deep to make defenses think twice about sagging off.
Then there’s Ighodaro-arguably the most important piece of the group. He’s the connector.
The big who can do a little bit of everything: rebound, defend, finish at the rim, and even initiate some offense when needed. He’s not flashy, but he’s effective, and his presence in the middle gives this unit a backbone.
This isn’t just theoretical, either-the numbers back it up.
According to Databallr, this bench unit has posted a staggering +30 net rating, thanks in large part to their ability to take care of the ball and force turnovers. They’re shooting a blistering 46% from three while holding opponents to just 27% from deep. That’s not just good-it’s elite.
The defensive intensity is what really jumps off the page. Goodwin and Dunn’s pressure on the perimeter is relentless, and when you add in the hustle and physicality from Allen, Gillespie, and Ighodaro, you’ve got a group that plays with a chip on its shoulder. They’re not just trying to keep leads-they’re trying to build them.
Cleaning the Glass offers even more insight. This bench group has the fifth-most possessions together of any lineup on the team, and it ranks as the second-best overall.
Defensively, they’re holding opponents to just 99.2 points per 100 possessions and forcing turnovers on nearly 25% of defensive trips. That’s one out of every four possessions ending in a turnover-numbers that would make even some starting lineups jealous.
It’s a testament to the culture shift under Jordan Ott. This team was counted out before the season even began, but instead of folding, they’ve embraced the underdog role.
They’ve leaned into development, cohesion, and effort. And now, with the roster finally healthy, we’re seeing the full picture come into focus.
Jalen Green’s return adds another layer to an already intriguing puzzle. He brings shot creation, athleticism, and the kind of offensive spark that can elevate a starting unit. But just as important is what his return allows the Suns to do with their bench-a unit that’s already proving it can swing games.
This isn’t just a feel-good story anymore. The Suns are deep, disciplined, and dangerous. And if this bench keeps playing the way it has, Phoenix might not just be a playoff team-they could be a problem.