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

By Gerald Bourguet | Oct 10, 2015

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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Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Tyson Chandler (4) applauds in the second half against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Jazz 101-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Chandler As Mentor

Len’s confidence is up after a summer where he finally stayed completely healthy and could really work on improving his game, but according to Chandler, that confidence still isn’t quite where it needs to be in relation to his skill.

“He can do it all — he has a right hand, left hand, soft touch, jump shot, big long body,” Chandler said. “That’s tough in this league. There’s not too many guys in this league who can get on the block and get you buckets. He can definitely do that. For me, it’s just confidence. Every day I’m trying to make him work so he can continue to get comfortable.”

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When LaMarcus Aldridge didn’t pan out for the Suns, Chandler was viewed as something of a consolation prize. But in addition to the value he brings on the court as a defensive anchor, Chandler’s experience and willingness to mentor a 22-year-old seven-footer who’s bursting with potential shouldn’t be overlooked either.

After a strong take to the basket from Len against the Jazz, Utah called timeout and Chandler was the first one off the bench to meet his pupil on the court, giving him an enthusiastic high five and chest bump with a giant smile on his face.

When asked about that moment of encouragement, Chandler gushed:

"“I love the dude, man. That’s my guy. The moment I signed on, he became my brother and my guy who I wanted to see succeed and do well. Playing against him I saw the potential, but being here and seeing him every day, I see it much more. I got a lot of love and respect for him, and I got a lot of love and respect for the way he handled me coming here. That being said, I want to help him as much as possible.”"

Since his arrival, Chandler has made it his No. 1 responsibility to take Len under his wing. Combine that wealth of knowledge and experience with Len’s impressive work ethic over the summer and it’s no wonder he seems poised for a breakout season, even coming off the bench.

Len’s soft touch and alleged expanded range on his jump shots will be a huge help to the Suns this year, but it may even be as simple as Len buying into the IV of confidence that Chandler is directly feeding into his veins.

And what is Chandler saying to build him up, exactly?

“I’m gonna bleep all of this, I talk a lot of s**t,” he said. “I pump him up, but those you can’t use. I stay in his ear because I feel like there’s no young player like him out there, to be quite honest. I feel like he’s one of the young great big men in this league. He doesn’t know it yet, the league doesn’t know it, but they soon will.”

Next: The Backup Role