Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren’s Game Evolving After Summer Work

Heading into the 2015-16 season, the Phoenix Suns have quite a few positional battles to sort out. Sonny Weems, Archie Goodwin and Devin Booker are all fighting for minutes at backup shooting guard, and Mirza Teletovic and Jon Leuer will be competing to back up Markieff Morris off the bench.

But with the starting small forward job potentially up for grabs, T.J. Warren‘s game has come into the spotlight. The incumbent P.J. Tucker makes the Suns a better defensive team, but outside of corner three-point shooting and gutsy hustle plays in late-game situations, Warren’s potential has far more Suns fans salivating.

ALSO ON VALLEY OF THE SUNS: 5 Goals For T.J. Warren In 2015-16

Warren earned some reps with the starters during training camp, prompting many to question whether Tucker’s days as the starter are numbered. Head coach Jeff Hornacek has been noncommittal on who the opening night starters will be, but the fact that Warren has suddenly thrust himself into the conversation is a significant stride from where he was last year as a rookie.

So how did Warren catch up to Tucker so quickly? After a busy offseason that included returning to Phoenix early for voluntary workouts, “Tony Buckets” seems poised for a breakout season. Whether it comes in a bench role or as a starter remains to be seen, but here’s a look at the progress Warren has made in his game over the last few months.

Next: Warren's Summer