Phoenix Suns: 5 Christmas Wishes For 2015

2. Alex Len Evolves

Over the last few weeks, I had done everything short of creating a Kickstarter in campaigning for Alex Len to replace Miles Plumlee in the starting lineup. When Hornacek finally obliged against the Milwaukee Bucks last week, a lot of Suns fans were excited, and then somewhat underwhelmed, by what followed.

Len is coming off a 17-point, seven-rebound performance against the Dallas Mavericks, but other than that his stat lines haven’t been particularly impressive. However, he’s shown enough potential as a stretch-five and as a rim protector that Hornacek should feel confident in his decision. Suns fans haven’t had much patience with the often injured big man, but it’s time to rethink that mentality.

It’s no secret Phoenix’s biggest weakness is their frontcourt, where Keef often has to log minutes at center in small-ball lineups. But if these young Suns want to take the next step toward being Western contenders, they’ll need Len to continue to evolve into a stretch-five who can protect the paint on the other end. So far, all signs have been good, even if most Suns supporters probably want more right now.

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