4. Gerald Green And Marcus Thornton Will Get More Minutes Than Fans Want To See
This one would probably be true regardless of Knight’s status, but it’s worth mentioning that Phoenix’s two bench gunners are probably going to get their chances to make an impact off the bench. Marcus Morris moved into the starting lineup in the Suns’ first game without Knight, shifting P.J. Tucker to the shooting guard spot, but don’t think that guarantees playing time for Archie Goodwin off the bench.
Against the Wolves, Thornton played 22 minutes off the pine, finishing with 14 points (6-of-12 shooting), four rebounds and two steals. He was a spark plug who helped the Suns secure the win, but most fans would’ve rather seen his minutes go to Goodwin — regardless of the result.
I just don't understand these super weird Gerald Green nights off. Seemingly random. Not about matchups tonight. #Suns
— Michael Dunlap (@DunlapSports) March 12, 2015
Gerald Green registered a DNP against Minnesota, but in the two games before that he played 18 and 19 minutes. Green has been so bad lately that Hornacek has kept him on an extremely short leash, but with Phoenix’s offense in tatters since the trade deadline, what happens if Thornton, Goodwin and/or T.J. Warren aren’t playing well? Green will definitely still see time here.
Both Green and Thornton are free agents this summer and probably don’t have long-term futures in the Valley of the Sun. With the Suns still technically in striking distance of the playoffs, Hornacek will throw out whatever lineup he thinks can win, especially in this critical stretch with Knight sidelined. Expect those lineups to include more Green/Thornton than you’d like to see.
Next: No. 3