The Phoenix Suns are approaching their first training camp under new head coach Mike Budenholzer, and lineup decisions remain unsettled. Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggests that the Suns might benefit from moving Bradley Beal to the bench to optimize team performance.
Beal’s hefty $50.2 million contract places him among the NBA’s highest earners, but Swartz argues that a bench role could improve the Suns’ defensive flexibility and depth. Swartz highlights that while a starting lineup of Tyus Jones, Beal, Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkić would be strong offensively, Beal could contribute more effectively in a second-unit role, allowing for better defensive matchups and rotational balance. The potential starting lineup might struggle defensively, and Beal’s move to the bench could enhance his offensive opportunities and overall team balance.
Despite these arguments, the most likely scenario is that Beal will start, given his past sacrifices and the team’s potential desire to reward him. The Suns will kick off their preseason on October 6 against the Lakers, with their regular season opener on October 23 against the Clippers.
