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USA Today via Reuters

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USA Today via Reuters

They say one must not tamper with a winning combination. This last season, the Phoenix Suns were that roster that had everything balanced in just the right amount. True, they faltered when it mattered the most, but they showed promise beyond expectations. 

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With former NBPA President Chris Paul at the helm and Devin Booker as his best man, the Suns do not lack in many areas. They boast a very strong frontcourt with center DeAndre Ayton and his very efficient hands. Yet, Robert Sarver and James Jones have made possible a few signings to further strengthen their championship-contending unit.

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Incoming players

Landry Shamet

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The Suns agreed to lose the rights to rookie Day’Ron Sharpe as they rather deemed Landry Shamet more important. Upon reaching Phoenix, Landry would be Devin Booker’s backup at the shooting guard position as he brings enough experience to justify that. The man averaged close to 10 points last season at 38.7% three-point shooting. 

Elfrid Payton

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Athletic point guard Elfrid Payton was crucial in the Knicks’ revamp this last season. His scoring and defense were on point even as he struggled with his shooting and playmaking. This player from the 2014 draft class can be a make-or-break acquisition for the Suns because he’s still an inexperienced playoff entity who is again back in Phoenix after a 2017 stint.

JaVale McGee

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The one area where the Suns lacked against the Bucks was their size. Now, they have a 7-footer NBA champion in the 33-YO McGee who can help them at the rim. This mid-level exception is sure to help the Suns against the bigger units.

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Read more – Denver Nuggets 2021–22 NBA Roster: Will Jeff Green’s Shrewed Addition Help Nikola Jokic Aim for an FMVP?

Outgoing players 

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Jevon Carter

Although the Suns re-signed most of their players using the bird rights, they cut Jevon loose. The small point guard was anyway a no-show in the last season and hence a Landry Shamet in the swap did not hurt the Suns.

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Phoenix Suns Roster 2021-22

Frontcourt: 

Deandre Ayton

Mikal Bridges

Jae Crowder

Cameron Johnson

JaVale McGee

Frank Kaminsky

Abdel Nader

Dario Saric

Jalen Smith

Backcourt: 

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USA Today via Reuters

Chris Paul

Devin Booker

Cameron Payne

Elfrid Payton

Landry Shamet

Langston Galloway

Ty-Shon Alexander

E’Twaun Moore

So now, if the Suns roster stays as healthy as they did throughout the 2020-21 season, chances are stronger they can top the WC. Certainly, CP3 still has a shot at a championship ring at 36 years of age. We wish all the luck to the valley!

Watch this story – Highlights from Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul’s Extraordinary Performance in Game 1 Against the Milwaukee Bucks

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Sourabh Singh

1,743 Articles

Sourabh Singh is the Editor-in-Chief at EssentiallySports. A Sports Management diploma holder, Sourabh began his media career in 2015 at a fast-growing startup. He started out as a sports writer covering the NBA, UFC, Tennis, and the off-field lives of American athletes, before transitioning into a Managing Editor role. Thereafter, Sourabh joined ES in 2020, marking an end to a brief stint at Decathlon. Since then, he has led the editorial team with a sharp focus on journalistic integrity, accuracy, and mentorship. Under his leadership, the team has grown into a dynamic newsroom that consistently delivers trusted sports coverage to millions of satisfied readers.

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