Valley of the Suns
Fansided

T.J. Warren should not be a part of any Kyrie deal

By Adam Maynes

CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 19: TJ Warren #12 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a play during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 118-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - JANUARY 19: TJ Warren #12 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after a play during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on January 19, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Suns 118-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory copyright notice. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next

Rebounding

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 12: T.J. Warren #12 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 12: T.J. Warren #12 of the Phoenix Suns boxes out against the Portland Trail Blazers on March 12, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Like his scoring average, Warren’s rebounding average too has jumped every single season of his career, this time from 2.1 his rookie season to 5.1 this past season. Once again, in his final 22 games that average was even much higher at 7.7 per game including five double-digit rebounding games, his high point, a 23 point and 16 rebound affair in a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 7.

At his peak, Ceballos averaged 8.0 rebounds per game in 1994-95, his one All-Star season, albeit with the Los Angeles Lakers. His overall rebounding average rose each year of his career to that point (five seasons), while his offensive rebounding stats in particular peaked at an impressive 2.9 boards per game in both 1993-94, and 94-95.

Warren isn’t quite there yet with his offensive rebounds (although 1.9 per game last season is well on it’s way) but with additional work on the boards (and possibly Tyson Chandler eventually out of the lane – Warren’s best rebounding numbers came after Chandler’s benching) and he could easily get to eight boards. In fact, I have regularly predicted that Warren could average at least seven this coming season if starting (although I have revised my prediction that it could come off of the bench as well.

Imagine the Suns having a player on their roster who beginning next season could not only potentially be a 20= point and 7+ rebounds per game player, but also one who with some extra work this offseason could potentially add enough of an outside shot that he scores with absolute and total dominating efficiency.

Obviously this is the kind of player that most teams want to trade for – don’t forget, the Orlando Magic have made him a trade target. And yet the Suns already have that kind of player on their roster, and don’t need to make an additional move to acquire him.

Home/Suns News