2. Average 25 Minutes Per Game
If Warren can marginally upgrade his three-point shooting, put in a little extra effort on the boards and improve his defensive rotations, there’s no reason for him to be playing any less than 22-25 minutes on a nightly basis.
As a rookie, Warren only averaged 9.2 minutes per game before the All-Star break, but still wound up averaging 15.4 minutes per game on the season by the time it was over. As the Suns searched for answers on a jumbled and injury-stricken roster, Warren’s minutes jumped to 19.5 per game after the All-Star break, including 25.7 per game in April.
The point being, Warren is more than capable of earning minutes. Although the majority of his playing time last season came when Phoenix was shorthanded and had little to play for, if Warren proves he’s improved some of the weaknesses (and strengths) of his game, it’ll be hard for Hornacek to keep him on the bench.
Why? Well, with the offseason departures of Marcus Morris — who averaged 25.2 minutes per game last season in the same position Warren’s in now — and Danny Granger, Warren is now the official backup small forward. Sonny Weems might play time at the 2 or the 3, but Warren is a part of this team’s long-term future. Assuming Tucker retains his starting spot after training camp, Warren should set his targeted minutes per game around 25 heading into his sophomore NBA season.
Next: No. 1