NBA Winners

Top 10 Phoenix Suns Players Of All-Time

September 4, 2024

Phoenix have had their fair share of highs and lows, from playoff runs to some “rebuilding” years that could have rebuilt Rome.

But through it all, this franchise has been blessed with some of the NBA’s greatest talents.

While the Suns have never held aloft the Larry O’Brien Trophy, they’ve given basketball fans plenty to cheer about—and a few MVP seasons to brag about.

From the playmaking genius of Steve Nash, whose no-look passes left defenders wondering which way was up, to Charles Barkley’s rebounding and trash-talking that nearly brought a title to the Valley of the Sun, the Suns have seen some serious legends.

Whether it was the “Seven Seconds or Less” offense or Shawn Marion defying gravity (and horrible shooting form), these players helped shape a franchise that always keeps us guessing.

Best Phoenix Suns Players In History

Check out our best Phoenix Suns players all-time greats who’ve donned the purple and orange—players who didn’t just play in the desert, but set it on fire.

*Includes player stats wit Phoenix only.

1. Steve Nash

PPG: 14.3 | APG: 8.5 | RPG: 3.0
Games Played: 744
MVPs: 2 (2005, 2006)
All-Star Selections: 6
All-NBA Teams: 5 (First Team: 3, Second Team: 2)
Years Active: 1996-1998, 2004-2012

Steve Nash is not just the best point guard in Suns history but one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Known for his court vision, Nash led the Suns to multiple deep playoff runs, including two Western Conference Finals.

His place in the “Seven Seconds or Less” offense changed how the game is played, using pace, spacing, and three-point shooting.

Nash’s 8.5 assists per game and 2 MVP awards (2005, 2006) highlight his place on our list.

Although Nash never won an NBA Championship, his impact on the Suns and the NBA is undeniable, as he turned Phoenix into an offensive powerhouse.

2. Charles Barkley

PPG: 23.4 | RPG: 11.5 | APG: 4.4
Games Played: 280
MVPs: 1 (1993)
All-Star Selections: 4
All-NBA Teams: 4 (First Team: 3, Second Team: 1)
All-Defensive Teams: 0
Years Active: 1992-1996

Barkley brought power, intensity, and skill to Phoenix.

In his first season with the Suns, Barkley won the MVP award in 1993 and led the team to the NBA Finals.

His scoring in the paint, dominance on the boards, and fast breaks made him a freak at just 6’6.

Barkley averaged 23.4 points and 11.5 rebounds during his time in Phoenix, and was one of the most versatile forwards in NBA history.

Though the Suns lost to Michael Jordan’s Bulls in the 1993 Finals, Barkley’s time in Phoenix is remembered for his electrifying performances.

3. Kevin Johnson

PPG: 18.7 | APG: 9.5 | RPG: 3.4
Games Played: 683
All-NBA Selections: 5
Years Active: 1988-1998, 1999-2000

Kevin Johnson, often overlooked in discussions of the greatest point guards, was the engine that powered the Suns during the 1990s.

Known for his break-neck speed, explosive drives to the basket, and court vision, Johnson averaged 9.5 assists and 18.7 points per game for the Suns.

He led Phoenix to the playoffs in nearly every season he was with the team, and he was a huge part of their 1993 Finals run.

4. Shawn Marion

PPG: 18.4 | RPG: 10.0 | SPG: 1.8
Games Played: 660
Years Active: 1999-2008

Shawn Marion, “The Matrix,” was a do-it-all forward whose blend of athleticism, scoring and defense made him one of the Suns’ key players in the 2000s.

Marion was a relentless rebounder, averaging 10.0 rebounds per game, and an elite defender, always guarding the opposing team’s best players.

He was also an elite scorer, particularly in transition, being a big part of Phoenix’s fast-paced offense alongside Nash and Stoudemire. Marion’s ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor makes him one of the most valuable players in Suns history.

5. Amar’e Stoudemire

PPG: 21.4 | RPG: 8.9 | BPG: 1.4
Games Played: 516
All-NBA Selections: 5
All-NBA Teams: 5 (First Team: 1, Second Team: 4)
All-Defensive Teams: 0
Years Active: 2002-2010

Amar’e Stoudemire was the perfect side-peice to Steve Nash, forming one of the most lethal pick-and-roll duos in NBA history.

Known for his athleticism, Stoudemire was a force in the paint, finishing with some epic dunks and alley-oops.

He averaged 21.4 points and 8.9 rebounds during his time with the Suns, with five All-NBA selections.

Stoudemire’s explosiveness and ability to score made him a big part of the Suns’ offense.

His presence in the paint and ability to run the floor made Phoenix one of the most exciting teams to watch in the 2000s.

6. Walter Davis

PPG: 20.5 | APG: 4.4 | RPG: 4.4
Games Played: 766
All-Star Selections: 6
All-NBA Teams: 2 (Second Team: 2)
Years Active: 1977-1988

Walter Davis, “The Greyhound,” is the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, amassing 15,666 points during his time with the team.

Known for his smooth jump shot and ability to score from all areas of the floor, Davis was a six-time All-Star and a massive piece of Phoenix’s success in the late 1970s and 1980s.

His 20.5 points per game during his time in Phoenix show his scoring prowess, and he remains one of the most beloved figures in franchise history.

7. Alvan Adams

PPG: 14.1 | RPG: 7.0 | APG: 4.1
Games Played: 988
All-Star Selections: 1
Years Active: 1975-1988

Alvan Adams was a key piece in the Suns’ frontcourt for over a decade.

The big man center won Rookie of the Year in 1976 and helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance that same year.

Adams was known for his ability to do everything—score, rebound, pass, and defend.

His averages of 14.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game in Phoenix show his all-around game.

Adams spent his entire career with the Suns, making him one of the most loyal and consistent players in franchise history.

8. Tom Chambers

PPG: 20.6 | RPG: 6.6 | APG: 2.6
Games Played: 412
All-Star Selections: 2
All-NBA Teams: 1 (Second Team: 1)
Years Active: 1988-1993

Tom Chambers was a high-scoring forward who brought a combo of size, skill, and athleticism to the Suns.

Known for his ability to score in bunches, Chambers averaged over 20 points per game during his time in Phoenix.

He was a four-time All-Star and played a huge part in helping the Suns become a contender in the West during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

His ability to shoot from the outside, drive to the basket, and finish in transition made him one of the best power forwards in the NBA at the time.

9. Paul Westphal

PPG: 20.6 | APG: 5.2 | SPG: 1.6
Games Played: 324
All-Star Selections: 4
All-NBA Teams: 4 (First Team: 3, Second Team: 1)
Years Active: 1975-1980, 1983-1984

Paul Westphal was a smooth and fast guard who helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance in 1976.

Known for his scoring, Westphal averaged 20.6 points per game during his time with the Suns, with five All-Star selections.

His leadership and clutch moments during Phoenix’s historic 1976 playoff run, etched his place in Suns lore.

Westphal’s contributions to the Suns went beyond his playing career, as he also was head coach of the team.

10. Devin Booker

PPG: 23.9 | RPG: 4.0 | APG: 5.0
Games Played: 505 (as of 2024)
All-Star Selections: 3
All-NBA Teams: 1 (First Team: 1)
Years Active: 2015-Present

Devin Booker is one of the most talented scorers in the NBA today and the current face of the Phoenix Suns franchise. Known for his ability to score from anywhere on the court, Booker has already made his mark as one of the best players in Suns history. His 70-point game in 2017 put him in elite company, and his leadership was pivotal in leading the Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals. Booker’s offensive versatility, combined with his ability to perform in clutch situations, makes him one of the league’s most dangerous players and a key piece of the Suns’ future.