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Phoenix Suns: Who Will Be The Next Player To Enter The Ring Of Honor?

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 23, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) and center Alex Len (21) at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Dallas Mavericks center Tyson Chandler (6) drives to the basket against Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) and center Alex Len (21) at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 124-115. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) against the Toronto Raptors at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Raptors 125-109. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. T.J. Warren

Why He’ll Make It: Again, I’m aware I’m cheating by putting T.J. Warren and Len ahead of Hornacek on this list. But if we’re being equally optimistic as we are realistic, perhaps Hornacek stays coaching in this league for a long time. Following that train of thought, let’s keep things on the more interesting side by looking at Warren.

We don’t have a lot to go off of, with Warren only just finishing his rookie season. But after the All-Star break, when he actually started getting regular minutes, Warren was a revelation. At times, he looked like the most competent player within the Suns’ offense because of his high conversion rate around the rim and his ability to, you know, move on offense.

It’s still far too early to tell what kind of career trajectory this 21-year-old will have, but based on what we’ve seen from Warren whenever he gets extended minutes — both in his rookie season and in Summer League play — it’s clear this kid can score.

If he can round out his game on the defensive end, and if he can develop a three-point shot, he has the potential to be a great scorer in this league. Should that completely foreseeable future come to fruition, Warren’s got a great shot at being the best player this franchise has seen in quite some time.

Why He Won’t Make It: Warren is a promising player, but he still has plenty of areas of his game that need improvement. On the defensive end, Warren will soon be able to hold his own in one-on-one situations. But his placement within the team’s defensive schemes isn’t always ideal, which is one reason head coach Jeff Hornacek was hesitant to play him at times.

Warren’s game, though effective and efficient, doesn’t really fit in with the direction the NBA is heading either. In this pace-and-space era where small-ball lineups and perimeter shooting come at a premium, Warren’s lack of a three-point shot could hinder his growth once defenses learn how to play him. Constant cutting can only do so much without the proper nuance.

Next: No. 3

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