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The future of the Phoenix Suns has been transformed for the better over the last several weeks - or so it seems.
The turn of fortunes (for the better) began with June's NBA Draft, when the Suns managed to trade up to the back-end of the first round to earn the rights of local prodigy and University of Arizona star Koa Peat.
Peat's draft stock had taken a hit in recent weeks leading into the draft, but his performance in four appearances during the Las Vegas Summer League turned heads from within the league and has many re-evaluating what he can truly accomplish as a rookie.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report believes that Peat's role will be one that is off of the bench rather than serving as a starter or reliable G-League body during the 2026-27 season.
From Wasserman:
"The Phoenix Suns' power forward depth has question marks. And after a strong summer league for Koa Peat, coach Jordan Ott may feel open to experimenting early with the rookie."
Peat's performance has certainly opened the door to earn conceivable playing time during the early stages of the season, but the presence of both Rasheer Fleming and Oso Ighodaro complicate this proposition. Fleming provides floor spacing (particularly from the corner) that Peat doesn't quite bring, while Ighodaro is an exceptional passer and a taller frame to protect the rim with.
The trio will be battling for minutes in the rotation behind Miles Bridges, with Ighodaro potentially facing a clearer path to being part of the Suns' future as a power forward. Ighodaro and Fleming do currently have limitations that may prevent them from taking the next step forward in Ott's rotation, however, which opens the door for Peat in turn.
Peat's biggest weaknesses (especially as a floor-spacer) seem to be overblown at every turn, as he continually provides elite floor-raising regardless of the level of competition he is facing. The 19-year-old consistently provides game-breaking athleticism, dynamic play finishing, and physical defense that has room to grow - all of which are likely to be immediately useful at the NBA level.
It doesn't hurt that the G-League Valley Suns are an option for Peat during his rookie season as well, but fully expect the first-round selection to be firmly in Phoenix's plans in the season ahead - with the potential to start games as well.
Join The SunsRoundtable
Head over to the SunsRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other Suns fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.
Continue reading...
The turn of fortunes (for the better) began with June's NBA Draft, when the Suns managed to trade up to the back-end of the first round to earn the rights of local prodigy and University of Arizona star Koa Peat.
Peat's draft stock had taken a hit in recent weeks leading into the draft, but his performance in four appearances during the Las Vegas Summer League turned heads from within the league and has many re-evaluating what he can truly accomplish as a rookie.
Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report believes that Peat's role will be one that is off of the bench rather than serving as a starter or reliable G-League body during the 2026-27 season.
From Wasserman:
"The Phoenix Suns' power forward depth has question marks. And after a strong summer league for Koa Peat, coach Jordan Ott may feel open to experimenting early with the rookie."
Peat's performance has certainly opened the door to earn conceivable playing time during the early stages of the season, but the presence of both Rasheer Fleming and Oso Ighodaro complicate this proposition. Fleming provides floor spacing (particularly from the corner) that Peat doesn't quite bring, while Ighodaro is an exceptional passer and a taller frame to protect the rim with.
The trio will be battling for minutes in the rotation behind Miles Bridges, with Ighodaro potentially facing a clearer path to being part of the Suns' future as a power forward. Ighodaro and Fleming do currently have limitations that may prevent them from taking the next step forward in Ott's rotation, however, which opens the door for Peat in turn.
Peat's biggest weaknesses (especially as a floor-spacer) seem to be overblown at every turn, as he continually provides elite floor-raising regardless of the level of competition he is facing. The 19-year-old consistently provides game-breaking athleticism, dynamic play finishing, and physical defense that has room to grow - all of which are likely to be immediately useful at the NBA level.
It doesn't hurt that the G-League Valley Suns are an option for Peat during his rookie season as well, but fully expect the first-round selection to be firmly in Phoenix's plans in the season ahead - with the potential to start games as well.
Join The SunsRoundtable
Head over to the SunsRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button at the top of the page... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other Suns fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.
Continue reading...
