The Ultimate Suns Team

In this series, I assemble what I believe is the greatest team possible for each franchise. In this specific video, we're looking at the Phoenix Suns.
5 starters, 5 backups, and 3 rotations players. A total of 13 roster spots on each Ultimate Team. It's not just about talent, but it's about building a team that works and gels together.
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Instagram: / jonnyarnett. .
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No... ​​​​​​​​​​
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#nba #basketball #hoops

[@jonnyarnett]

Would this be the highest scoring team in the series?? If not, which team would be?

[@flywithabel]

Gsw or Boston. Speed and 3pt shooting and reasonable defense on both teams.

[@bezllama3325]

Lakers will be

[@EvilMendes]

Hey Jonny you can also mention each team an all time coach for each squad at the end would be dope

[@kyrakyle992]

This Suns team would definitely be top 3 in scoring. Tom Chambers and Paul Westphal off the bench is crazy. Kevin Johnson was Magic Johnson 2.0 before he got injured, and he's the third-string PG. This team is scoring a ton of points. They won't stop too many people on defense, but they'll double down on offense.

[@johncraig4820]

The highest scoring team will probably be the warriors. Warrior era Wilt was run and fun. The highest scoring team in the pre three point era. The Nuggets are the highest scoring so far with Thompson and English. Joker with outlet passes and trailing for open 3s.

[@king_supreme1102]

Nash and Barkley on the fast break is gonna go crazy

[@andrewcook1246]

Def gon be the slimest version of Barkley we've ever seen.

[@steezsteezsteez]

"is gonna" 😂? they're too old man 🤣

[@king_supreme1102]

@@steezsteezsteez in 2K they’re ageless

[@owensmith2137]

And Tom Chambers!

[@letsgoooo9200]

Nash kick out to booker for 3 is gonna be cheesed

[@87alock]

Shaq caught me off guard, I completely forgot he played for the Suns. I was thinking it was gonna be Ayton as the back up center

[@culture-nature-mobility7867]

The moment KZbin showed me your comment I was thinking exactly about that: who the f*&k is gonna be at the 5? 🤔 And I also completely forgot about Shaq 😂

[@cobra7282]

You mean you forgot about The Big Cactus?

[@Bigedub101]

​@@culture-nature-mobility7867Man I think we all forget he played on Suns,Cavs and Celtics

[@samotargos5199]

Nash, Kidd, KJ is probably the best PG combo of all the Ultimate teams

[@threaruscamuwundra7417]

Yeah, they put CP3 out of the rotation, and it makes sense

[@temmere]

It's absolutely crazy that a guy as good as KJ is only the third best point guard in the team's history, but I can't argue with it.

[@MJIZZEL]

Crazy to think that for 2 seasons they were all on the same team together.

[@johncraig4820]

Kings are better prime Oscar and Tiny Johnny made fox a scoring guard to

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

Kidd was only there like 3 seasons. averaged 16 / 9 / 6

[@chrisl5711]

3ptrs and dunks pretty much describes this team

[@Tempfadermag]

Most of what the league is now honestly lol.

[@chrisl5711]

@@Tempfadermag exactly.

[@orod4788]

Would go crazy on NBA jam

[@EvilMendes]

This team is surprisingly stacked I'm taken back!! 4 MVPs and multiple MVP candidates they definitely making the playoffs

[@TheIcemanthomas]

Zero defense being played in this team 😂😂 I would’ve added Alvin adams. He’s an incredibly underated and forgotten bigman.

[@jsports2665]

Adam's over Shaq easily

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

You forgot Larry Nance who was a 6'10 Highflyer 235 averaged 22 / 10 / 2 blocks 3 assists and was amazing on the Fast breaks and a Top 10 Defender in the NBA.

[@user-cn8nu6lq4w]

Hey, CB played D.

[@WcoopW]

It’s not like they all trash. But when kd is considered a defensive help to the team it’s probably not too good

[@Bigedub101]

I mean Phoenix was never known for top defense but got a few like Marion, KD. Barkley

[@theshadowstrike6]

Chuck driving the bus! 🤣

[@charlesirwinpacheco94]

If only Grant Hill played his prime here, i would've argued for his spot with Thunder Dan

[@charlesirwinpacheco94]

or even prime Penny, it could've been a crazy line up!!

[@MrReese]

"The Matrix" has to be one of the best nicknames of all time. Also, isn't CP3 not being in the lineup quite crazy while KD is in it after not even two seasons in Phoenix?

[@jump25ontoast]

Fax. CP3 lead the suns to the finals when no one had then there. KD been nothing but disappointing in phoenix

[@ArtMagik]

It's mainly due to the fact that the Suns had a lot of great PG and not a lot of great SF. Today's KD is still better than the best years of Shawn Marrion or Connie Hawkins (or any other Sns SF).

[@Bigedub101]

​@@ArtMagikexactly KD Sstill better than all Sf around

[@ElectrifyingUno]

Poor Jeff Hornacek got completely forgotten because the depth of this team.

[@willg3220]

It's my favorite KZbin basketball series!

[@rig-zag]

The Suns have, surprisingly and Consistently, had some of the most exciting and electrifying players in league history. Kidd, Nash, CP3, Starbury, Booker, KD, Barkley, Prime McDyess, Amare, Shawn Marion, Grant Hill, Penny and Shaq, Majerle and Kevin Johnson. Even at their low points, they've almost always been exciting.

[@marceloasensiofilho3833]

Huge fan of this series. This team seems like it will be a offensive beast, Barkley and Nash fast break with the shooters this team has it will be awesome

[@kevinhouse4376]

Paul Westphal was a heck of a player. I've been a huge Celtics fan since around 1970 or so, and I remember watching live when Paul almost beat Boston in that classic triple-overtime playoff game in '76. He made some incredible plays in the latter stages of that game. Of course, he also started his career with the Celtics. Connie Hawkins should be better known than he is today, but his career was negatively affected by bogus off-the-court charges. I'm really glad you included him on the second team. Walter Davis was one of the better scorers of the '80s and had a great career with the Suns. Unfortunately, he had a drug problem, but I wish you could have found room for him among the top 13. And finally, Dick Van Arsdale (a fellow Hoosier) also was a really good player for the Suns over a long period of time. I can understand not including him in the top 13, but I do want younger fans to realize he's worth honoring.

[@kirkiedakingpin]

This is one of my favorite series all time😊😊

[@sat25940]

Been waiting on this one - thank you, Jonny!

[@MyYTwatcher]

KJ being a rotation player. Let that sink in... I would switch Kidd and Nash, but that is my subjective feeling which I cant support by objective facts. I am glad that both Thunder Dan and Tom Chambers goty selected. I especially liked to watch Dan Marjerle playing.

[@kirkiedakingpin]

The point guard depth is crazy. U would put Kidd to start though strictly for defense. The lobs on this team would be crazt

[@i.m.takkinen]

KJ, Hawkins, Majerle being picked last and Walter Davis not making the cut shows pretty strong depth throughout. The only problem is a handful pre prime and post prime players sprinkled throughout and as mentioned the lack of prime true center depth.

[@henrypope4225]

Davis should have made it over Majerle easily.

[@alansnow1129]

Where’s Chambers

[@maxpennacchini3261]

Finally we get to my team

[@WideReciever360]

Ayyy go Suns

[@maxpennacchini3261]

@@WideReciever360 yeah my hopes aren’t high but 🤞

[@Irfanhill]

I have a hard time seeing Suns' KD above Suns' Shawn Marion. You should really take into account franchise longevity.

[@targethandgun7631]

I'd like to see this Phx team go up against Det or Spurs ultimate team. Offense Vs Defense.

[@Youraveragebasketballfan]

That would be awesome

[@danfrey]

Man! As a lifelong Suns fan, I have to say this is perfect. You nailed it! I think the only thing I may have changed was Mikal Bridges and maybe Walter Davis in place of Kevin Johnson and Dan Majerle, but KJ and Majerle were two of my all time favorites, so that would be tough to do.

[@showtimenick824]

If there's even an argument for any of the honorable mentions, I'd probably say Jeff Hornacek but I think you got the right roster here. Chris Paul would be worthy of a spot if Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Kevin Johnson didn't spend more seasons in Phoenix than he did. Even though Chris Paul made the All-NBA Second Team and Devin Booker didn't make an All-NBA Team the year they went to the Finals, I always thought Booker was the best player on that team and it really showed in the playoffs.

[@MrCubFan415]

Wake up fam new Jonny Arnett vid just dropped

[@theleadingbrand]

What a squad! Possibly the most fun team to watch in the tournament, Johnny NAILED this list. PS: put Tom Chambers in the Hall, look at the numbers.

[@alex4833]

Awesome video, Jonny! The starting 5 has a great combo of inside and outside shooting and would be so tough to stop. Hopefully, Barkley won't take too many 3s though lol. I remember learning he took many 3s even though he was not a great 3 point shooter. The bench brings some solid defenders w/Marion and Kidd. The Suns are so deep at the 1 too (Kidd, KJ, and Nash are all superb). Kidd, Westphal, Shaq, Chambers, and Marion would, like the starting 5, have a decently balanced offense. It was great learning more about Hawkins also. :) I heard of him, but haven't learned much. Great point about weakness in the paint. I can see that, esp on the defensive end. But, yes, I concur that they would be great at offense and are one of the best at it in this series. Have a great Tuesday 😊

[@d.ferris3964]

Might be one of my fav all time teams…so so good!

[@jimgeary]

Amare defended the lane like a guy who started the game with five fouls. His offense was fantastic, developing his shot as he got older, but how many shooters you gonna need? Maybe put in Mark West for zero offense but great defense and blocking out. Also there should be a spot for Sweet D, purest hooper to ever put on a Suns jersey.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

He defended Paint better than durant. That's for sure.

[@Youraveragebasketballfan]

I love your channel 🔥

[@JayydaShadow]

6:27 i spat out the water i had in my mouth

[@alansnow1129]

Kj and chambers are the 2 most underrated and under appreciated players in nba history! Both should be in hall of fame!!!

[@Canteen926]

Marjerle taking it straight at Manute wow!

[@michaelbritt7397]

Well done! Perfect.

[@king_supreme1102]

Imo Kevin Johnson should be the backup over Kidd. He put in way more time with the team, he earned that spot. And Shaq has no business being on this squad. Even if he is Shaq, find a guy that put in more than 1 decent season for the team.

[@joerice2341]

That's not how this series works. It's just the best team able to be constructed from the people who have played there. It doesn't have anything to do with greatness or team history

[@nikolamanojlovic8533]

didn't listen to a word in the intro, did you?

[@sat25940]

I agree with having KJ as the sixth man, but not with cutting Shaq from the team. Based on past videos in the series, I think the main selection metrics are 1) best season(s) while on the team, 2) team legacy, and 3) "gelling well" with other team prospects.

[@09lowkey]

KJ was the better player on the Suns.

[@king_supreme1102]

@@nikolamanojlovic8533I’ve seen every video in the series. And Shaq still does not belong on this team. He had 1 above average season on the Suns. If his name was Jimmy Hamilton he wouldn’t be on the roster. And if you wanna talk “fit” Shaq never made sense in the Suns when he actually played there, and this teams offense will be similar to that.

[@haydenn680]

This is your best series by far, cannot wait for the championship in the end

[@supersaiyonara8188]

I would like to see an addendum to these videos that include which head coach you would want leading each of these teams. This team feels like it was built for D'Antoni specifically.

[@nathanpose8607]

I had the same thought

[@danfrey]

Man! I wish D'Antoni was coaching the current Suns team. They would be truly unstoppable running 7 Seconds or Less.

[@joshuasanders2136]

Didn't Dennis Johnson play SG with them at one point or was that his Seattle run If so I'd start him mainly for defensive purposes on the perimeter

[@dwaynewade3711]

Video idea: can you do a top 10 or 5 best retirement classes if they were actually teams? Like 2016 retirement class would have Kg, Kobe and tim duncan and the 2019 class would have dirk, dwade and tony parker 🤑

[@ElectrifyingUno]

I've been waiting on this one because the Suns had so many great point guards with Nash, KJ, Kidd, CP3, etc. Same with power forward with either Barkley or Amare but you played small ball and chose both.

[@patrickisme1438]

I think you assembled a pretty good team. With today's rules & scoring at a premium, I see no reason they can't make it to the 2nd round of the playoffs.

[@temmere]

My team, and you've got my favorites (Barkley, Hawkins, KJ, Majerle), so I've got no complaints. Great list!

[@lukepayne7225]

The Suns have an incredible legacy of floor generals! In 1997, Nash, Kidd, and KJ were ACTUALLY on the same team together. Including Chris Paul, Phoenix has 4 of the top 15 point guards of all time. KJ is super under appreciated and would probably start for many other franchises' ultimate teams.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

Everyone knows you Start KJ and Nash, Nash was 6'3 200 and can play off Guard.

[@michaelsloane9955]

This is at least a play in tournament team and maybe a playoff team. With Durant and Booker doing most of the scoring in the starting lineup, Barkley can focus on rebounding and Nash can focus on ball handling and playmaking. If you need more backcourt defense then Kidd can come in for Nash. (I'd have had Paul over KJ at the end of the bench.) Chambers and Westy provide excellent firepower in the 2nd unit and so does Hawkins at the end of the bench. If you need a 3 and D guy then Majerle can provide that and Majerle was actually really underrated at attacking the basket offensively. Stoudemire and O'neal splitting minutes will keep both of them fresh. This is mostly an offensive team but if you want more defense on the floor, sub in Kidd and Majerle for Nash and Booker. They'll mostly try to score you though. In 7 seconds or less. As for the west as a whole: Lakers are still the 1 seed. Rockets go ahead of Spurs mostly because of Hakeem. Still waiting on the Warriors team to see if they go above the Rockets, below the Spurs, or between the 2. The Suns, Kings, Thunder, and Mavericks should finish 5-8 and compete to go straight into the main draw and avoid the play in tournament. The Jazz, Nuggets, Pelicans, Blazers, Clippers, and Timberwolves would compete for those final 2 play in spots. (Timberwolves are a little better than a few years because of ANT.) I'd guess the Nuggets and Jazz. The Grizzlies will be cellar dwellers. FWIW, this series seems to have skipped the Blazers as only the Bulls and Bucks are listed in the Bs.

[@carlosmiyagishima513]

Perfect except I would’ve started Kidd and I would’ve taken out Hawkins for Diaw

[@Shawn_Dark_Heart]

Chris Paul Leandro Barbosa and Boris diaw should have been up there

[@jonnyarnett]

Chris Paul is a 4th Point Guard, which is excessive and redundant, so if you're gonna put him in, you gotta take out either Nash, Kidd or KJ.

[@cobra7282]

CP is not deserving over the other 3 PGs, Barbosa and Diaw would have to compete with Majerly for his spot and I am talking Dan personally.

[@zw8596]

There was a part of me that wanted to see Oliver Miller's name somewhere on this list...

[@luisurena8308]

Been waiting for the phx one

[@ltrigga219]

Oh man, no Hornacek is tough, especially with a run and gun offense and all the open looks he would get. But I dunno who to kick off. I love these! Excited to see the Portland team (though I have a feeling we’ll completely agree with one another).

[@ceebee312]

Ngl this ideal team would be fun to watch

[@tehsamjones]

What’s wild is Nash, KJ and Kidd all actually played together

[@Tarrot]

100% Larry Nance Sr. over Tom Chambers. Chambers was a good scorer but you have plenty of that on this team. Larry Nance Senior was every bit, if not more so winning the Dunk Contest over Dr. J, athletic as Chambers, able to run the court, and significantly better on defense than Chambers, something that appears to be lacking on this team. Power Forwards that can block over 2 shots/game are a rarity, especially in the 80s, so Nance would do much more than Chambers.

[@freakymf4508]

When your finished doing the series u should rank them all 30-1

[@BallerBrain]

It's crazy that Chris Paul doesn't make this roster. It's crazier that I agree.

[@alejanoelallen1952]

🏀

[@michaelthreepeat]

Majerle dunking on Bol was....damn.

[@shg1645]

This shows why the Suns need a True Point guard right now. If we had a CP3, Nash, Kidd or KJ.....

[@danfrey]

Soooo true! The current front office and coach seem allergic to point guards. The other night we're up 30 on the Spurs and Isaiah Thomas gets no burn?!? Try the guy out!

[@LuccaCZ-13]

Suns all time starters are the epitome of the best defense being a good offense

[@markjackson6431]

who would be the Suns GOAT Head Coach?

[@nathanpose8607]

With this roster it probably needs to be D'Antoni

[@averyce2]

This team would do damage in today's rules.

[@johnnelsongalvan3941]

Suns no. 32 jersey was special. Kidd, Stoudemire and Shaq wore it. Finally Suns retired the number for Stoudemire so no one can wear it.

[@christophercruz1594]

The combination of Amare Stoudemire, Charles Barkley and Tom Chambers is devastating

[@MrCubFan415]

2:38 forget ankle-breakers, that’s a LEG-breaker right there

[@blizzyblaze2599]

I really like these videos, I have yet to see the time you pick the “chemistry” guy over the better player. Did I miss that?

[@jonnyarnett]

I mean, I do it all the time, you just might not be noticing. Dan Majerle is a perfect example. He’s a team first guy, who’s a 3 and D specialist and will fit well with this roster. Chris Paul was still on the table, and he’s certainly the more talented player, but this team already has 3 amazing point guards, each with their own egos… bringing a 4th PG into the mix, regardless of his talent, didn’t make sense to me

[@SeeThomasHowl]

I don't know if there would be enough basketballs to go around with this team!

[@showtimenick824]

8:20 I think elite is a little bold to call Shaq in that 09 season in Phoenix. His last year of being a good player yes. Maybe elite compared to centers not named Dwight Howard because this was when the center position was dying, but we know compared to the rest of the league in general, he was far from elite at that point. That said though, I can't really think of any other centers in Suns history that should take his spot on here.

[@showtimenick824]

This starting 5 will definitely struggle defensively against the other all-time teams.

[@kirkiedakingpin]

I can just imagine the alley oops on this team. Stat Matrix Hawk and Chuck

[@hardwoodgems]

Man this team has the guards, had they had a proper big to pair with them, they could have won a chip.

[@suiken3149]

All time Suns team: PG - Steve Nash SG - Devin Booker SF - Dan Marjele PF - Amare Stoudamire C - Charles Barkley Bench: Paul Wesphal Kevin Johnson Jason Kidd Larry Nance Alvan Adams Shawn Marion Tom Chambers

[@fireshadowblade9]

Chuck and KD on the same team would be peak comedy

[@showtimenick824]

Kevin Johnson not being a starter or in the 2nd unit. WOW!

[@3Js28]

Marbury and Diaw didnt even make it to Honorable mention

[@HiThere-ju3wg]

Day 2 of asking for a video of every teams most underrated player in history.

[@ATroubledGreensLibrary]

🎉❤

[@JulianLopez-xo4wz]

Phoenix Suns no turnovers with Steve Nash, Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Kevin Johnson, Thunder Dan glad he made it. Suns run and gun offense of Sir Charles, Connie, Paul W, Kevin Durant, Amar'e, and a point guard. Going to have slow it down for an older Shaq. Playoff team going to be tough getting offensive rebounds on Sir Charles, and Shaq.

[@catherinelynnfraser2001]

I think you add Shaq just for giggles. Mind you, he is often his own worst opponent.

[@chrilpy]

Even with one of the best playmakers of all time on his team KD would still want to iso on every single play

[@Ha-zh1sp]

you should put a all time coach for the teams

[@user-ml3ct5rt2f]

Great video as usual. Just a small question here, considering that Kevin Johnson spent his entire career and peak with the Suns and actually acheived lots of postseason success during his time there, isn't he probably a more impactful player to the Suns when compared to a rather young Jason Kidd? (I just feel like he deserves the 2nd team PG more)

[@jonnyarnett]

Sure, but I'm not really ranking it on who "deserves" it the most. KD wouldn't be a starter if it had to do with simply how much they've accomplished in Phoenix. Basically I'm looking at talent, fit, and how they compliment one another. As good as KJ is, Kidd was a better passer, and I think thats HUGE when you've got superstar teammates who need to be fed the ball. Plus Kidd's defensive impact is nice too.

[@DJHskrVikesCbbes2525]

It is criminal that you didn’t have Mark West either in place of Shaq or as an honorable mention.

[@onlyfacts3178]

LOADED team...probably the strongest at the PG position ever...

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

Doncic, Nash and Kidd

[@stanakkerman2386]

Alvan Adams & Dick Van Arsdale should have made the team over Shaq & Connie Hawkins...imo. Tough team to rank for sure

[@da_fever8181]

Kj should be the backup point guard over Kidd. Kj was putting up numbers

[@joel8692]

He definitely was but this team needs defense and kid is the better defender

[@davidschmidt1793]

KJ over Kidd if we are talking about their time on the Suns. He had an unbelievable prime and was a great playoff performer. Larry Nance could have been there aswell, maybe even Alvan Adams. Maybe even Raja Bell for his on-ball perimeter defense. Not a lot of defense from this team, compared to some other great teams, still a really good squad.

[@Zamppa86]

I would pick Jason Kidd over Steve Nash every day of the week and twice on sundays. Having Booker, Durant and Barkley next to him there would be more than enough spacing for Kidd. Kidd is so much better defensively than Nash...

[@joel8692]

I agree . Kid couldn't shoot like nash but they don't need anymore scoring

[@MGPCycling]

Kevin Johnson should've been the starting pg, easily

[@potionz1733]

This teams offense is gonna be insane

[@hollins625]

Is there a franchise with more point guard talent? I wouldn't include KD because he hasn't even played a full season for the Suns...

[@erickleroux8357]

I would've had KD (or possibly Booker) coming off the bench to have Marion with the starting unit. His defense is key here with Barkley, Amar'e and Nash all bad defenders on the starting unit.

[@ethanledford6181]

I can't believe Joe Johnson wasn't one of the final picks. And I can't believe stephon Marbury wasn't in the honorable mentions.

[@JimBrave-ri1oc]

there is only 12 players on a Roster. Is Joe Johnson one of their top 12 players in their 60 year History? I don't think so. He only played there about 2 or 3 seasons and was their 4th best player.

[@ethanledford6181]

@@JimBrave-ri1oc you're right but it's not about putting the top players or best players on the roster and the guy who created the video mentions this in every video that he does like this. He says he's not going to put just the best players on the roster but instead put the players that would fit best and be compatible and I just figured Joe Johnson would be a nice pick to fill in one of the final spots like 12 or 13 because he played with Nash and Marion and it would be good team chemistry. And you mentioned there's only a 12 man roster which there is but this guy is giving out 13 spots and Joe Johnson could have definitely filled the 12 or 13 spot

[@gotwobag7876]

😊🎉😊🎉

[@ktapreswreckd921v9]

Great combination of point guards. But this team isn't even come close to the Ultimate Lakers team!!

[@MJIZZEL]

The 3 point guards on the suns ultimate team were actually all 3 teammates on the suns from 96-98.

[@johncraig4820]

Sun's Hawkins is better than Suns Chambers and ideal tir for this high octane team. I'd have him in the second team.

[@davidwilliams316]

Why Nash starting over kiðd?

[@letsgoooo9200]

The fact that this list could’ve had Luka on it

[@alansnow1129]

Probably should make these teams with least 5 years being on the team. That would leave shaq and Durant off.

[@ur_wrong1209]

Where’s Pat Burke 🤔 😂