The Phoenix Suns have a rich history of being a consistent contender in the NBA. Phoenix has been in the NBA since the 1968-69 season and has had great runs of success. There have been several great players that have helped in these runs. Of these players, who are the top players in Suns history?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!5. Amar’e Stoudemire
May 29, 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire (1) during the third quarter in game six of the western conference finals in the 2010 NBA Playoffs at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Amar’e Stoudemire will have his number retired by the Phoenix Suns this upcoming season. During his eight seasons with the team, Phoenix made the playoffs six times.
The former top ranked high school prospect was a five time all-star during his time in the valley. He was also selected to five All-NBA teams. Stoudemire was one of the most important players of the “7 seconds of less” era. This revered time in Suns history does not happen without Stoudemire.
Stoudemire averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds per game while shooting 54% from the field during his time with the Suns.
4. Kevin Johnson
Unknown Date 1994; Dallas, TX, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns guard Kevin Johnson, waits during a time-out. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Kevin Johnson played 10 full seasons with the Suns. In those 10 seasons, the Suns made the playoffs nine times including one finals appearance. Johnson was the point guard for one of the most successful periods in Suns history.
The seventh overall pick in the 1987 draft averaged 18.7 points and 9.5 assists per game while shooting 49% from the floor while with the Suns. Johnson won Most Improved Player in the 1988-89 season. He was also a three time all-star, and got selected to five All-NBA teams.
3. Charles Barkley
Feb 28, 1996: Minneapolis, MN, USA; FILE PHOTO; Phoenix Suns forward Charles Barkley (34) in action against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Target Center. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports
Charles Barkley was only with the Phoenix Suns for four seasons. In those years, the Suns were title contenders year in and year out. Barkley was at the top of his game averaging 23.4 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Barkley also shot 50% from the field.
In the 1992-93 season, Barkley won Most Valuable Player, as he led Phoenix to the NBA Finals. The former Auburn Tiger was an all-star and All-NBA selection each season he was here.
2. Devin Booker
Jan 24, 2022; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Suns guard Devin Booker (1) pulls up his jersey brandishing the name of “Phoenix” during a game against the Jazz..
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Devin Booker is the current face of the Suns. He has been with the team for eight seasons. Booker had to go through some tough times to get to the recent team success Phoenix has had.
Booker is a three-time all-star and was selected to the All-NBA team in the 2021-22 season. The former Kentucky Wildcat was the leading scorer on the 2020-21 team that went to the NBA Finals. He averaged 25.6 points per game while shooting 48% from the floor and 34% from three point range.
Booker has averaged 24 points, 4.8 assists, and 4 rebounds per game so far for his career. He has been very efficient as well, shooting 46% from the field and 35% from three. If Booker, continues to be this productive with consistent team success, he may be number one on this list very soon.
1. Steve Nash
Apr. 25, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash in the first quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at the US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Nash had two stints with the Suns, he didn’t play much the first time around. The second stint is where Nash became one of the greatest point guards of all-time. Nash didn’t have the team success of Devin Booker or Charles Barkley but Nash’s teams hold a special place in Suns’ fans hearts.
From the 2004-05 season through the 2011-12 season, Nash led the Suns to five playoff appearances while averaging 13.8 points and 10.9 assists per game. He was also the catalyst for a team that finished first or second in offensive efficiency for six consecutive seasons.
Nash won back to back Most Valuable Player awards in the 04-05 and 05-06 seasons. He was an all-star six times and selected to five All-NBA teams while in Phoenix. As a result of his excellent play, he is the greatest Phoenix Sun of all-time.
