Statistics indicate that the bench of the Suns for the 2022-2023 season will offer significant value.
The Phoenix Suns boast a formidable starting lineup in the NBA, but it was their deep bench that proved vital in securing a league-best 64-18 record last season, particularly when key starters were sidelined. As they kick off the new season, the Suns’ reserve players are poised to once again play a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Research conducted by yengols.com using Basketball-Reference.com has found that the most cost-efficient players on the 2022-23 Suns roster are likely to be bench players. This is determined by dividing their cap hit by their total win shares from the previous NBA season.
Arizona now allows sports betting, and the Suns have consistently been a popular choice for bettors in the state.
Please be aware that all amounts have been rounded to the nearest dollar. Win Shares for players who were sidelined for a significant portion of the 2021-22 season due to injury were determined by averaging their win shares from the previous 3 seasons. The cost per Win Share has been rounded up for easier viewing.
Lee, the new signee, adds value as a free agent.
During the offseason, the Golden State Warriors signed Damion Lee as a free agent, and he has proven to be the most economically efficient player on the team, earning less than $1 million per win share. Despite only playing eight minutes in the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Lee was a valuable contributor throughout the regular season, averaging 7.4 points and 3.2 rebounds in 63 games. He ranked seventh in minutes played on the team and was a key asset for the Warriors.
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Analyzing The Suns Roster
Cameron Johnson, who served as the sixth man for the team, had an average of 12.5 points per game and was ranked as the fifth-best bench player in the NBA for the 2021-22 season based on total win shares. However, in order to keep the talented forward beyond this season, the Suns may have to consider offering him a higher salary than $5.9 million, as he is approaching the end of his rookie contract.
Mikal Bridges started in all 82 games last season in the NBA, showcasing a perfect attendance record. Despite playing over 500 minutes more than any of his teammates, he still managed to finish second on the team in win shares. Bridges is highly regarded for his durability and efficiency as a two-way wing, making him a valuable asset in the league.
Arizona betting apps are forecasting that the Suns will be a strong competitor in the Western Conference and could potentially make it to the NBA Finals.
BetMGM in Arizona is providing odds for the Warriors at +300, Clippers at +325, and Suns at +450 to win the conference. Additionally, the Suns have odds of +1000 to win the NBA Finals, placing them sixth in the league.
Paul Produces for Suns
Chris Paul has defied expectations after being traded by several teams due to concerns about his age and salary. Despite this, he has consistently performed at a high level, earning his 11th All-NBA team selection and leading the league in assists for the fifth time last year. Following a contract renegotiation in 2021, Paul now costs Phoenix nearly $13 million less than his initial acquisition cost. He is committed to the organization until the 2024-25 season.
DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker, the Suns’ other standout players, were at the bottom of the ranking due to their lucrative contracts and the exceptional performances of Phoenix’s bench. However, both players still placed in the top 30 in the league for total win shares, distinguishing the Suns as the only team with four players accomplishing this feat last season.
Ayton and Booker may be considered average value players on other teams, but the Suns have such a wealth of affordable talent that no player on the roster earns more than $5 million per win share.
Author
Josh Gideon, a freelance writer for yengols.com, is deeply passionate about sports, with a particular focus on basketball, football, and baseball, as well as scouting and evaluation. He holds a degree from Elon University’s School of Communications and brings experience in television production to his writing.
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