The Phoenix Suns All‑Time Pyramid, a ranking of the franchise’s greatest contributors, has finally filled its bottom tier, Tier 6, after a month‑and‑a‑half of deliberation.
Unlike the higher tiers, which are guided by clear metrics such as tenure, awards and statistical milestones, Tier 6 forces the selector to weigh impact, culture and stability, often inviting heated debate.
Tier 6: The Core Contributors
After considering several candidates—including Boris Diaw, Mikal Bridges, Leandro Barbosa, Mark West and P.J. Tucker—the author ultimately selected Goran Dragić as the final member of the bottom tier.
Dragić logged six seasons in Phoenix over two stints, highlighted by a historic 2010 playoff performance against the San Antonio Spurs: 26 points on 10‑of‑13 shooting, a perfect 5‑of‑5 from three‑point range, and 23 of those points in the decisive fourth quarter.
His 2013‑14 season, the first in which the Suns flirted with playoff contention, saw him serve as the team’s engine, posting 20.3 points per game and 5.9 assists while leading the conversation about a potential Play‑In berth.
Other notable figures who earned Tier 6 consideration include Eddie Johnson, whose 87 % free‑throw shooting still ranks third in Suns history and who won the 1988‑89 Sixth Man of the Year award after averaging 21.5 points in just seven starts.
Raja Bell, a defensive stalwart, contributed two All‑NBA Defensive Team selections, a 42.2 % career three‑point percentage (fifth all‑time for the Suns) and a memorable moment silencing Kobe Bryant with a game‑changing block.
Larry Nance, drafted 20th overall in 1981, spent seven seasons in Phoenix, averaging 17.3 points and 7.8 rebounds, earning an All‑Star nod in 1985 and becoming the franchise’s all‑time leader in blocked shots.
Stephon Marbury, though only with the Suns for two and a half seasons, left a lasting imprint, ranking seventh all‑time in points (21.3 PPG) and second in minutes per game (39.8 MPG), while securing an All‑Star appearance and All‑NBA Third Team honors.
Dennis Johnson arrived with a championship pedigree from Seattle, delivering 20.5 points per game and 1.9 steals in his first Suns season and earning All‑NBA Defensive First Team honors and two All‑Star selections over three years.
With Tier 6 now complete, the author hints at moving on to Tier 5, inviting readers to weigh in on their own selections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was ultimately chosen for Tier 6 in the Phoenix Suns All‑Time Pyramid?
Goran Dragić was selected as the final member of Tier 6, after the author weighed his impact against other candidates such as Grant Hill, Eddie Johnson and Raja Bell.
What notable playoff performance did Goran Dragić deliver for the Suns?
In the 2010 postseason against the San Antonio Spurs, Dragić scored 26 points on 10‑of‑13 shooting, hit a perfect 5‑of‑5 from three‑point range, and contributed 23 points in the fourth quarter, a performance that remains iconic in Suns lore.
Which Suns player currently ranks third all‑time in franchise free‑throw percentage?
Eddie Johnson holds the third‑all‑time spot in Suns free‑throw percentage, shooting 87 % during his three‑and‑a‑half seasons with Phoenix.
Which player do you reckon deserves a spot in Tier 6?
