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Phoenix Suns: 10 Greatest Players In Team History

By Gerald Bourguet

May 3, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash is present for the opening ceremonies as the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrate 40 years as they host the San Jose Earthquakes before the start of the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers guard Steve Nash is present for the opening ceremonies as the Vancouver Whitecaps celebrate 40 years as they host the San Jose Earthquakes before the start of the first half at BC Place. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
Apr 16, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento mayor and retired NBA player Kevin Johnson is recognized during a timeout during the second quarter in the game between the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns at Sleep Train Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kevin Johnson

12 seasons, 18.7 PPG, 9.5 APG, 3.4 RPG, 1.5 SPG, .494/.307/.841 shooting, 21.0 PER

A lot of people remember how Kevin Johnson struggled during the 1993 NBA Finals, but what’s been lost over time is just how good K.J. could’ve been had he just stayed healthy. In his first three seasons with the Suns, Johnson averaged over 20 points and 10 assists per game, but he had problems staying completely healthy for the rest of his career.

Johnson was a lightning quick guard who was not afraid to attack the rim and found his teammates for easy open looks. K.J. is second all-time in assists, win shares and offensive rating for the Suns franchise, and he’s also third in points — a testament to his well-balanced scoring AND passing abilities. During the 1989-90 season, Johnson earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player of the Year Award.

In his 12 seasons in Phoenix, Johnson helped the Suns reach the playoffs 11 times. He also had five All-NBA selections, three All-Star selections and one legendary dunk over Hakeem Olajuwon that still stands as one of the most memorable plays in franchise history. K.J. never got a ring, but that statement applies to every player to ever play for the Suns, which is why his No. 7 jersey is rightfully hanging from the rafters.

Next: No. 2

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