Suns 2026: Three Players Poised for a Breakout
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
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PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns redefined player development last season under first-year head coach Jordan Ott. Veterans like Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale shattered career expectations, thriving in an offense that grants players freedom to create and shoot. That trend appears far from over. As the 2026-27 campaign approaches, the Suns roster features several players on the verge of major breakthroughs. Here are three names to watch closely.
**Jalen Green**
Jalen Green's first season in Phoenix was a frustrating detour. After being traded from the Houston Rockets, the explosive guard missed 50 games due to a hamstring injury — a significant setback for a player who had been remarkably durable throughout his early career. Now fully healthy at 24, Green steps into a prominent backcourt role alongside Devin Booker. Ott's system, which encourages aggressive scoring and secondary playmaking, aligns perfectly with Green's skill set. He already proved he can carry a scoring load, averaging 22.1 points per game with Houston in 2022-23. However, his three-point shooting dipped to 31.3% last season, a number that must improve. If Green can regain his shooting touch and become a more willing passer, he could surpass that career high and become a central piece of the Suns' offense. The pieces are in place; now it's about execution and consistency.
**Luke Kennard**
Luke Kennard arrives in Phoenix with a reputation as one of the league's premier three-point marksmen. He led the NBA in three-point percentage last season, the third time he has topped that category. Yet his career average of just 4.3 attempts per game reflects a reluctance to fire away at high volume. That should change with the Suns, who lack consistent outside threats and desperately need spacing. Kennard, entering his 10th NBA season, has a career scoring high of 11.9 points per game, set with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2021-22. Now signed to a two-year deal that includes a player option for the following season, he has financial incentive to produce a standout year. Off the bench, Kennard can provide instant offense and serve as a calming presence. His playmaking also improved late last season with the Lakers, hinting at a more complete game. If he embraces a higher usage rate, Kennard could become one of the league's most efficient sixth men.
**Rasheer Fleming and Khaman Maluach**
The Suns have a pair of second-year forwards who could emerge from the shadows. Rasheer Fleming, a versatile forward, appears on track for meaningful minutes this season. His length and athleticism fit well in Ott's switch-heavy defense, and his offensive game showed flashes in limited rookie action. Meanwhile, Khaman Maluach faces a more complicated path. The Suns' center rotation is crowded with Mark Williams and Oso Ighodaro, limiting Maluach's immediate opportunities. Still, his strong Summer League performance reminded everyone of his potential as a rim-running big who can protect the paint. Both players must seize every minute they receive. If Fleming earns a steady rotation spot and Maluach carves out a niche as a backup center, the Suns could unlock two young contributors who add depth and energy. The team's willingness to trust young players under Ott gives them a genuine chance to break out.
These three candidates — or four, if counting Fleming and Maluach separately — represent the next wave of Suns development. Ott's system has already proven it can revive careers; now it may launch new ones.
Article commentary
The Phoenix Suns' approach to player development under Jordan Ott is a fascinating case study in modern NBA coaching. Ott's system, which emphasizes offensive freedom and player empowerment, has already yielded remarkable results. The resurgences of Dillon Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale were not flukes; they reflected a deliberate strategy to maximize individual strengths within a team framework. By allowing players to play instinctively rather than forcing them into rigid sets, Ott has created an environment where veterans can rediscover their form and younger players can accelerate their growth. Jalen Green represents the most intriguing test case. His raw talent is undeniable — few guards can match his explosiveness and scoring ability. However, his inconsistency and injury history raise legitimate questions. Green's 31.3% three-point shooting last season was a significant drop from his career average, and his playmaking remains a work in progress. Yet the Suns' system is built to cover such weaknesses. With Devin Booker drawing defensive attention, Green will face softer coverages and more open looks. The key will be his willingness to trust the system and make quick decisions. If he can stay healthy and embrace a more disciplined approach, he could become a 25-point-per-game scorer. But if he reverts to isolation-heavy play, the Suns' offense might stagnate. Luke Kennard's fit is more straightforward. He is a proven shooter who has never been asked to carry a heavy load. In Phoenix, that changes. The Suns' lack of reliable three-point shooters means Kennard will be the primary floor spacer off the bench. His ability to maintain elite efficiency while increasing volume will determine his impact. Historically, shooters who attempt more than five threes per game see a slight dip in percentage, but Kennard's mechanics are sound enough to withstand the increase. His contract situation adds another layer: a strong season could earn him a lucrative long-term deal or a player option exercise. That motivation could translate into a career year. As for Fleming and Maluach, their paths are less certain but equally important. The Suns' frontcourt depth is a double-edged sword. While competition breeds excellence, it can also limit development. Fleming's versatility gives him an edge; he can play multiple positions and defend on the perimeter. Maluach, meanwhile, must prove he can guard centers and finish around the rim consistently. Both players benefited from Ott's willingness to experiment with lineups last season. If they can carve out even 15 minutes per game, they could become valuable rotation pieces. Ultimately, the Suns' success in 2026-27 will hinge on how well these breakout candidates perform. The team has built a culture of resurgence, but sustaining that momentum requires continuous infusion of talent. Ott's system is not a magic wand — it demands buy-in and effort. If Green, Kennard, and the young forwards embrace their roles, Phoenix could field one of the deepest and most unpredictable rosters in the Western Conference. The foundation is laid; now it's time to see who rises.