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Suns: Why Alex Len’s Breakout Season Could Come In A Bench Role

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) defends Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) after catching a rebound in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Jazz 101-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) defends Utah Jazz forward Chris Johnson (23) after catching a rebound in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Jazz 101-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs center Cady Lalanne (26) and Phoenix Suns center Alex Len (21) vie for the opening tip off of the NBA Summer League Final at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

The Summer Work

Eric Bledsoe may have been the one drawing all the headlines about his summer work ethic and his consistent presence in Phoenix, but Len was in the gym working on his game too. Like Bledsoe, Len arrived at Media Day looking bulked up and bigger than ever, which can only be good news for a 22-year-old.

“He’s getting stronger everyday, you know? The kid works hard,” Hornacek said. “There’s not gonna be a high dosage of ‘throw it into the post’ plays, but when he does get the ball in there, he’s feeling more comfortable making a move.”

That newfound confidence has a lot to do with his new mentor, but Len worked hard over the offseason on his jump shot, the pick-and-roll with Bledsoe and his decisiveness when he does get the ball down low. Against the Jazz Friday night, Len effectively sealed his man for easy looks at the basket numerous times, something that wasn’t always on display last season.

“He’s more aggressive when he goes into that lane and posts up, usually he just kind of stands there and waits for it, but he’s getting down low, he’s sealing the guy off and then when it comes there, he’s being strong with it,” Hornacek said. “Again, what is he, 22? His strength, you can see by looking at his body that he’s much stronger, and that’s only gonna help him. He’s only gonna get stronger as the years go on.”

Len downplayed his big night as just being a preseason game, but acknowledged that these games are a perfect opportunity to practice the moves he’d been working on all summer against real NBA competition.

“That’s what I worked on, being more patient and reading the game,” he said. “I think the game will slow down for me a little bit this year, so I make decisions better and a little quicker.”

Tyson Chandler said he’s been working with Len on slowing down and making smart decisions based on what the defense gives him. From Chandler’s perspective, getting to spend more time playing against Len has opened his eyes to the kind of potential the young Ukranian has — potential that was very much on display against Utah Friday night.

“He’s literally just scratching the surface,” Chandler said. “There’s so many little things that he doesn’t understand. Like I’ve said before, he doesn’t understand how great he can be.”

Next: Chandler As Mentor

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