How the Suns roster matches up against teams with other all-time greats

From the 2011-12 to 2019-20 NBA season, every NBA champion had at least one of: LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant or Kawhi Leonard. In those 9 finals, only once was one of them not on either of the teams.

From LeBron James’ iconic block on Andre Iguodala to Steph Curry’s 2016 three-point flurries, It’s fair to say those four ran the league in the 2010s.

While they’re all still dominant, it’s not like it once was. All of them still made All-NBA this past season, but Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, Giannis Antetokoumnpo, and the Boston Celtics are running the league right now. Curry is the only one of the “old guys,” that has won, let alone been to the Finals in the past four seasons.

With the hope of getting another great run out of the future Hall of Famers, their teams have rosters assembled to give them their best shots to play their best. Here’s a look at how the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers stack up against each other.

Top Tier Talent:

1. Suns
2. Lakers
3. Clippers
4. Warriors

The Valley takes the edge here due to the high-scoring potential of their big three. LeBron James and Anthony Davis provide better two-way talent, but the lack of an elite third scorer gives the Suns the edge. Paul George’s departure knocks the Clippers out of contention for having the best star power, and all you need to do is watch the Warriors vs. Kings Play-In game from last year to see Curry’s lack of stars around him.

Depth:

1. Warriors
2. Clippers
3. Suns
4. Lakers

They lack a true star next to Steph Curry, but the Golden State Warriors have a bevy of role players that complement his game well. The acquisition of Buddy Hield gives the team a marksman. Draymond Green, Andrew Wiggins, and De’Anthony Melton provide offensive and defensive flexibility, and Jonathan Kuminga can provide a scoring boost. For the Warriors, their pursuit back into contention depends on if they can get Curry a respectable co-star to help alleviate his offensive burden when he’s being pestered.

Ivica Zubac, Terrance Mann, and Norman Powell, complement Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The Clippers have strong continuity and versatility, making their supporting cast strong.

Neither team’s depth is strong, but the Phoenix Suns have an identity with their role players. Most are great shooters who can play off of their Big Three.

Assets:

1. Warriors
2. Lakers
3. Clippers
4. Suns

With the ability to trade Moses Moody, Jonathan Kuminga, Brandin Podziemski, and multiple first round picks, the Warriors are the best suited to make a blockbuster trade of the four teams. Similar to the Warriors, the Lakers have multiple tradeable firsts and the Austin Reaves contract may have value around the league.

Both the Clippers and the Suns are stripped for assets, but the Clippers got themselves out of the second apron by not re-signing Paul George to a max.

Likelihood of Winning a Title First

1. Suns
2. Warriors
3. Lakers
4. Clippers

Devin Booker is the reason why the Suns are first. Yes, the Suns had a disappointing year. Yes, Kevin Durant is a year older. Devin Booker has the most upside of any player who is teammates with any of the “old guys.” Anthony Davis may be better than Devin Booker right now, but he’s 31 and has proven unable to lead a team to a title.

If the Warriors can find a way to keep their depth and add another impact player, they could overtake the Suns at the one spot here.