Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Suns Rookies and Sophomores Update for Week 3

By Khaleel Abdullah

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the preseason game against the Brisbane Bullets on October 13, 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Josh Jackson #20 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the preseason game against the Brisbane Bullets on October 13, 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 Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sophomores

PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 25: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 25, 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 – OCTOBER 25: Dragan Bender #35 of the Phoenix Suns celebrates during the game against the Utah Jazz on October 25, 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) /

Tyler Ulis came out slow due to his offseason surgery. Week 1 he missed all 6 shots, averaging only 1.5 points 1 assist .5 steals in 11.5 minutes. Week 2 he heated up making 51.9% of his field goal attempts en route to 10.7 points 4.3 assists 2.3 steals in 22.7 minutes per game. He has gone into a bit of a slump as of late shooting only 27.3% in Week 3 to the tune of 7.3 points along with 4.8 assists and .3 steals in 22.3 minutes. However, just like he meshed with Big Sauce last year, he is connecting with Alex Len early on and his solid play making continues. He just needs to find a consistent shot.

Marquese Chriss was brought off the bench in his first week as Earl Watson decided to start two small forwards limiting him to 4.7 points 2.7 rebounds 1.3 blocks in only 15.3 minutes. He shot and impressive 52% in Week 2 scoring 10 points in 24 minutes with 3.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks. Week 3 he is drowning in a 31.6% field goal percentage but is grabbing a solid 6.8 rebounds in 20.5 minutes as well as .5 blocks. There is no doubt he is becoming a better rebounder and showing signs on defense but there is a long way to go.

Dragan Bender is definitely a bright spot in this early season. He only made 22% of his attempts in Week 1 but in Weeks 2 and 3 he is a respectable 31% 3 point shooter and has made all of his free throws. Offensively, he still has a way to go but it appears consistency and experience is helping him improve each contest. His defense is already proving very valuable for this team and is a very intriguing thing to watch for the future, including enjoying several highlight plays now. His rejections are impact statements. 6.3 points 4.3 boards 1 block with only 1.7 fouls in 22.9 minutes under Triano is for sure an improvement from last season and he will only get better.

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