Head coach Earl Watson and the Phoenix Suns will have to make some very difficult decisions when it comes to the depth chart at small forward.
When a team rebuilds, the team usually has multiple young and talented players at the same position. For example, the Philadelphia 76ers have that same issue at the center position with Joel Embiid, Richaun Holmes, and Jahlil Okafor. The Phoenix Suns are no exception to this situation. The Suns’ staff must figure out a way to incorporate all the young players that are at the small forward position and to create a depth chart for those players.
The Starter
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This is a difficult decision between Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren. Jackson has the draft pedigree as well as the freakish length and frame to become a special player. On the other hand, Warren has shown growth in the majority of major statistical categories. Head coach Earl Watson will have to choose between the rare talent and potential of Jackson or to continue to develop Warren’s game. Personally, I believe Jackson will earn the nod to start on opening night based on his draft status as a high pick and that he will perform well enough in training camp.
However, if Jackson struggles in training camp or in the regular season then the door may open for Warren to win the job.
Primary Backup
The primary backup role will most likely fall to Warren. As previously stated above, Warren has improved in his three years with the Phoenix Suns.
| Season | Age | G | GS | MP | FG% | 3P% | 2P% | eFG% | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-15 | 21 | 40 | 1 | 15.4 | .528 | .238 | .560 | .540 | .737 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 2.1 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 6.1 |
| 2015-16 | 22 | 47 | 4 | 22.8 | .501 | .400 | .520 | .533 | .703 | 1.2 | 1.9 | 3.1 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.3 | 0.7 | 2.0 | 11.0 |
| 2016-17 | 23 | 66 | 59 | 31.0 | .495 | .265 | .527 | .511 | .773 | 1.9 | 3.2 | 5.1 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 2.7 | 14.4 |
| Career | 153 | 64 | 24.4 | .502 | .312 | .530 | .522 | .751 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 3.7 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 2.1 | 11.2 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 8/14/2017.
With a change to the bench, it would not be crazy to see a dip in some averages such as in points and rebounds. However, going back to bench may help his shooting percentage. Still, Warren may end up being the sixth man off the bench. If he improves his rebounding and overall defense, he could see time at multiple positions this upcoming season. Warren should take a change to coming off the bench as a positive. He could really take advantage of the situation if he has prepared himself and has the right attitude.
Others That Will See Time
There are other players that will see time at the small forward position this season for the Phoenix Suns. Veteran Jared Dudley will see time at both forward positions, just not often. The Sun’s young players need to see playing time during this rebuild and Dudley would only take time away from the younger players. Still, Dudley is a great veteran presence that will help turn the team’s young players into true professionals. A contender may try to trade for Dudley so fans should watch to see if that happens this season.
In a previous article, I had stated that Derrick Jones Jr. would be able to play the off guard position even though he played small forward last season. One of the reasons why I saw Jones becoming more of a shooting guard is because the depth at small forward right now would not allow a lot of playing time for the one year veteran. Jones could see more minutes at the small forward position if a trade or injury where to occur.
Small-Ball Option
One small ball option at the small forward is Devin Booker. If Watson wants to go small and to play two point guards like for example, Tyler Ulis and Eric Bledsoe, then Booker could be an option. He has the size to hold his own and the obvious skill. Booker saw about 20 percent of his playing time at the small forward position last season. Watson may want to go smaller in the future so Booker could see more minutes at the small forward position.
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With some debate on who could be the starting small forward for the Phoenix Suns, the franchise can still rest easy knowing it has quality depth behind the starter. Suns fans should be excited about the small forward position this upcoming season.