Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns: 5 Reasons To Stop Being Depressed

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) shoots the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Suns won 110-96. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (3) shoots the ball during the second half against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center. The Suns won 110-96. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) puts up a layup against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Young Guys Getting Minutes

There are few positives to be found in missing the playoffs for the fifth straight season, but if we have to label one, it’s that the younger players will get plenty of run time. Postseason or not, the goal for the Suns for the rest of the 2014-15 season should be developing the talent that actually has a long-term future in Phoenix.

So no offense to Marcus Thornton or Gerald Green (there will always be a soft spot in my heart for fellow Geralds), but it’s time for Archie Goodwin and T.J. Warren to start getting more minutes.

The results have been mixed over the last week or so. In the three games following the deadline, Goodwin looked great, averaging 11.3 points in 17.3 minutes per game while shooting 54.1 percent from the floor. In the five games since then, his minutes have dwindled to 7.8 per game, including a “DNP” against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Hopefully that trend stops, because…yeah:

As for Warren, he’s benefitted a bit more from Hornacek’s recent rotations. He also didn’t play in that game against the Thunder, but in his last four games he’s averaging 15.8 minutes per game while making 12 of his 22 shot attempts.

Green doesn’t appear to have much left to offer the Suns and if last night’s “DNP” against the Magic is any indication, that trend could continue. But even with Bledsoe and Knight holding down the starting backcourt, missing the playoffs won’t be a waste if Goodwin and Warren start getting more regular minutes.

Also, if Len ever learns to stay out of foul trouble, his recent double-doubles are a good sign about his future as this team’s franchise center.

Next: Clutch Keef

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