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Phoenix Suns: Expect A Breakout Season For T.J. Warren In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) in the first quarter of their game at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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T.J. Warren
Apr 14, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) against the Los Angeles Clippers at US Airways Center. The Clippers beat the Suns 112-101. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

NBA Summer League Signs

Anything that happens in NBA Summer League should always be taken with a grain of salt. But Warren’s game — from last year’s Summer League to his stints with the Bakersfield Jam to his time with the Suns to his exploits in this year’s Summer League — has remained pretty much the same.

His numbers have looked more impressive given the level of competition, but his game continues to improve all the same.

Bearing that in mind, it’s hard to NOT be excited about how Warren has been dominating Summer League play through the Suns’ first three games. He’s easily been Phoenix’s best, most efficient and most consistent player so far, making it look easy with an array of circus layups, floaters and midrange jumpers.

Obviously Warren’s gaudy numbers in Summer League and the D-League don’t correlate to his NBA numbers, but it’s reasonable to wonder what he’ll be capable of in 2015-16 now that the rookie adjustment stage is long gone. Even if he’s coming off the bench, he’ll be getting consistent minutes and his play during Summer League is proving that he’s ready to take the next step.

It’s never a good idea to fall in love with a player while wearing those Summer League blinders, but that mostly applies to rookies and unproven prospects. For T.J. Warren, he’s simply carrying forward his momentum from the end of last season by doing what is expected of him: dominating the lesser competition. That can only be a good sign heading into his sophomore season.

Next: Warren, Small-Ball 4?

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