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Phoenix Suns Need to Look In-House to Replace Davon Reed

By Lucas Johnson

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 23: Davon Reed of the Phoenix Suns talks to the media during a press conference after being introduced to the team on June 23, 2017 at the 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 - JUNE 23: Davon Reed of the Phoenix Suns talks to the media during a press conference after being introduced to the team on June 23, 2017 at the 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) /
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Even with the build up of injuries at shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns, the team still has players on the roster that can fill the void.

If the Brandon Knight injury did not hurt the Phoenix Suns depth chart enough already, the franchise and fans were dealt another injury at shooting guard.  Davon Reed‘s left leg was operated on to repair a meniscus in it and should be out anywhere from four to six months. I had speculated in a previous article that Reed could be in line for the primary backup position if things went right for him during training camp. Now with Reed out of the lineup for at least half of the season, the Suns must fill the void. The Suns’ best option is to look in-house on the current roster to find the backup for rising star Devin Booker.

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It is unlikely journey man Elijah Millsap or recently signed undrafted free agent Peter Jok will fill the role as primary backup. Millsap has never stuck with any team he has been apart of. Jok signed a partially guaranteed deal and is more likely to see time with the Northern Arizona Suns than in Phoenix. Unless either one of them have a great training camp, fans should not expect either of them to see consistent minutes in the Suns rotation. There is a chance the Phoenix Suns could use Josh Jackson as a shooting guard on occasion if they want to see how Jackson and wing T.J. Warren play together in a bigger lineup. Fans should not anticipate to see Jackson at the shooting guard position a lot this upcoming season. Technically the franchise does not have any other pure shooting guards on the roster, so the team will have to become creative when getting the primary backup for Booker.

Enter in Derrick Jones Jr. In the past I had speculated about how Jones could see time at the shooting guard position this season. He does have the size and athleticism to play the position, however the job will not come easy to the high flying wing. He will have to improve on several aspects of his game.

Per Game Table
SeasonAgeTmGGSMPFG%3P%2P%eFG%FT%ORBDRBTRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2016-1719PHO32817.0.562.273.591.574.7071.21.32.50.40.40.40.42.05.3
Career32817.0.562.273.591.574.7071.21.32.50.40.40.40.42.05.3

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 8/25/2017.

Most importantly his shooting from beyond the arc will have to improve. He will need to show major improvement in hustle stat categories as well. Fans should not think all hope is lost, head coach Earl Watson has had the team practicing this offseason. This would lead to the belief that the young forward will definitely improve this upcoming season. If he elevates his game as most would hope, he should be a fine backup to Booker.

Next: Phoenix Suns: Jones could be Slam Dunk Champion

As for now, the Phoenix Suns should not panic and sign a player off the streets. The team as currently configured has enough depth to survive Reed’s recovery.

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