Internal Development
Youth is still one of Phoenix’s defining traits, and it’s both a great assets and flaw. But it’s worth acknowledging that quite a few of those young players could be due for substantial growth this season.
Last year, Eric Bledsoe joined Russell Westbrook, James Harden and LeBron James as one of the only four players in the NBA to averaged at least 17 points, six assists and five rebounds per game. After concerns about his knee, he also played in 81 games, with the only game he missed being for the birth of his son.
Though there were some nights when he just didn’t look motivated or like he had enough energy, that’s to be expected since it was his first full season as a starter. Bledsoe is only 25 years old and still has room for growth, especially now that Phoenix’s long-term backcourt has been solidified.
Knight and Bledsoe on twin deals...the new dynamic duo of the Suns backcourt (hopefully) for years to come.
— Sean Sullivan (@SeanSullivanNBA) June 29, 2015
Re-signing Brandon Knight is key to building that backcourt chemistry, and since he’s only 23 years old, his underwhelming time with the Suns last season should be chalked up as nothing more than a small and injury-riddled sample size. Knight has the kind of leadership qualities, playmaking ability and perimeter shooting that the Suns would love to groom into something special as he continues to develop.
There’s a sizable contingent of Suns fans that are disappointed Alex Len‘s growth may be put on the back-burner with the arrival of Chandler, but since Len’s only 22 years old, those concerns should instead be channeled into excitement that he’ll have a personal mentor of Chandler’s caliber.
If Len — who gobbled up rebounds at NBA Summer League despite failing to dominate offensively — were to ever become a Defensive Player of the Year like Chandler once was, I think most Suns fans would be ecstatic about that.
Chandler says his biggest priority is making Alex Len the best player he can be and that they’ll both benefit from the relationship. #Suns
— Valley of the Suns (@ValleyoftheSuns) July 9, 2015
Finally, there are the wet-behind-the-ears Suns like T.J. Warren, Archie Goodwin and rookie Devin Booker. Warren probably has the most potential for the upcoming season based on his strong close to his rookie season and his stellar play at Summer League. If he continues to get buckets the way he has in 2015, the Suns will have a hard time keeping him off the floor.
Phoenix’s rookie showed flashes in Las Vegas as well. Booker’s elite shooting translates to the NBA level right away for a team that needs perimeter weapons, so even though he’s still only 18 years old and has a lot to learn, he could easily be seeing regular minutes by season’s end.
As for Goodwin, he’ll have his work cut out for him to prove he belongs in the rotation despite not having a consistent three-point shot. But his shooting stroke looked vastly improved at Summer League, so even though he similarly failed to dominate in Vegas as you’d expect a third-year player to, it’s still far too early to give up on him at age 20.
With so many players looking to take a step forward this season, there will be a lot of growing pains this season. But if Bledsoe and Knight can develop that chemistry, they’ll form a formidable backcourt duo — and all of this is without mentioning the 25-year-old Markieff Morris, who had a terrific offensive season last year despite all the off-court drama and can still improve as well.
Next: Locker Room Chemistry