Phoenix Suns All-Time Pyramid: Ranking the 21 Greatest Players

PHOENIX, Arizona – As the NBA All-Star Weekend approaches, a unique project is underway in Phoenix, Arizona, aiming to rank the greatest players in the history of the Phoenix Suns. The endeavor, initiated by local sports writer John Voita, seeks to create a “Phoenix Suns All-Time Pyramid,” a tiered ranking of the 21 most impactful players to ever wear a Suns uniform.

Voita, writing for Bright Side Of The Sun, frames the project as a response to the lull in the NBA schedule during the All-Star break, a period he describes as a time for “messy” and ambitious undertakings. Inspired by Bill Simmons’ “Book of Basketball” and its Hall of Fame logic, the pyramid aims to move beyond simple rankings and instead categorize players into six distinct levels, acknowledging the nuances of their contributions to the franchise.

The six tiers, as outlined by Voita, are: “The Face of the Franchise,” “MVP Royalty,” “Franchise Pillars,” “Era-Defining Stars,” “All-Star Impact,” and “Core Contributors.” This structure, he argues, allows for a more fluid and nuanced assessment of player value, recognizing that impact can vary across different eras and roles within the team.

The project is not without its self-imposed rules. Voita emphasizes that the pyramid will prioritize impact *in a Suns uniform*, discounting achievements made elsewhere. Players like Gale Goodrich and Shaquille O’Neal, despite their Hall of Fame credentials, will not be considered due to their relatively short tenures with the Suns. A minimum games-played requirement of 146, dubbed the “KD Rule” after Kevin Durant, has also been established, further emphasizing the importance of sustained contribution to the franchise.

Voita acknowledges the subjective nature of the exercise, stating his intention to spark debate and encourage community involvement. He anticipates disagreements over player placement, particularly in the lower tiers and welcomes the opportunity for discussion and reevaluation. He also admits to personal biases, hinting at differing opinions regarding players like Deandre Ayton and Stephon Marbury.

The unveiling of the pyramid will be a gradual process, with each tier being revealed individually throughout the All-Star break. Voita intends to begin with the top levels, allowing for anticipation and discussion as the project unfolds. The timing coincides with the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, which will be held in Los Angeles from February 13th to February 15th.

The All-Star Weekend itself will feature a variety of events, beginning with the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game on Friday, February 13th, broadcast on ESPN. The Rising Stars games, pitting Team Melo against Team Austin and Team Vince against Team T-Mac, will follow, exclusively on Peacock. Saturday will see NBA All-Star Media Day and the State Farm 3-Point Contest, Kia Shooting Stars, and AT&T Slam Dunk Contest. The All-Star Game itself, a new USA vs. World format, will be held on Sunday, February 15th, broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

While the All-Star Weekend provides a backdrop of on-court entertainment, including performances by artists like Ludacris, Voita’s project offers a different kind of engagement – a retrospective look at the history of the Phoenix Suns and a celebration of the players who have defined the franchise. The project’s emphasis on sustained impact and community discussion suggests a desire to move beyond simple nostalgia and foster a deeper appreciation for the team’s legacy.

The Suns recently faced a defeat against the Golden State Warriors on February 5th, 2026, a result some observers attribute to the team’s current injury situation. The All-Star break offers a chance for rest and reflection before the final push towards the playoffs, and for fans, a chance to engage with projects like Voita’s pyramid and debate the merits of the Suns’ all-time greats.