Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren’s Game Evolving After Summer Work
Relationship With Tucker
Between his undeniable knack for putting the ball in the hole, his improvement with his help defense and his developing ability to swarm opponents on the ball, Warren’s all-around progress has him contending with P.J. Tucker for the starting spot.
But on a team that may demand sacrifice from its players for the good of the group, Hornacek, Warren and Tucker are all on the same page right now. Despite Warren and Tucker going head-to-head everyday and competing for minutes, the two have a strong relationship and neither seems threatened by the other.
"“For me, it’s not a competition,” Tucker told Matt Petersen of Suns.com. “We’re two totally different players. He’s my young boy. For me, I just like to see him getting better and keep working towards being a really good player in this league.”"
It’s only a matter of time before Warren replaces Tucker in the starting lineup. Tucker only has one guaranteed year left on his contract (his $5.3 million is non-guaranteed for 2016-17) and Tony Buckets is bursting with potential to a great scorer in this league.
But for the time being, Warren and Tucker are both benefiting from matching up against each other on a daily basis.
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“I think when they go up against each other in practice, it’s good for both of them,” Hornacek said. “P.J. has to continue to work on his defense against top scorers, and T.J. can really put the ball in the hole so that keeps P.J. on his toes. Opposite side of it is if T.J. on the offensive end goes up against P.J., who is one of the better defenders in this league, then it’s only going to help him.”
Nothing’s been decided for opening night, but if all goes according to plan, Tony Buckets could find himself in the starting rotation before the end of the season.
“It’s been smooth so far,” Warren said of his relationship with Tucker. “Obviously I like to compete, he’s a guy at my position that I’ve got to compete with, so I just want to continue to work hard and prove myself every day.”
Warren is hoping all the strides he’s made on the defensive end and the confidence he’s showing on offense will eventually earn him the starting job, but even if he’s coming off the bench, Warren’s breakout season seems imminent.
“If I’m not starting or if I am, I’m going to give 100 percent effort out there and I’m going to continue to play for my teammates and my coaching staff,” Warren said.
Next: Alex Len's Possible Breakout Season In A Bench Role