Suns Rookies and Sophomores Update for Week 4
This is the continuation of a series showing weekly updates for each of the Phoenix Suns’ rookie and sophomores. This piece is for the 4th week.
The Suns had four home losses to the Nets, Heat, and Magic before being capped off with an impressive win over the Timberwolves. The youth, of course, had a big factor in each game. Let’s look at each 1st and 2nd year player.
Back of the Bench/Injured Players
Davon Reed and Alan Williams are still rehabbing. The latest update has Reed possibly making a December return while Big Sauce just began some light walking without the aid of crutches two weeks ago so he is longer ways away.
Phoenix Suns
Alec Peters is still with the NAZ Suns. He had a better week as he made 5 of his 9 attempts including 2 of 5 triples for 13 points 11 rebounds and 1 block in his 2nd game. He did not play in Game 3. Derrick Jones Jr has been bouncing around between the pro and G league teams. Although he only played a total of 2 minutes in Phoenix buried down on the depth chart, he averaged 17.5 points 8 rebounds 4 assists 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks for the Prescott team.
Speaking of NAZ Suns there is a player that surely the Phoenix Suns front office must be watching with a close eye. Askia Booker is scoring the 2nd most points among all G League players with 32.7 points on a 52-51-82 shooting line, making 5.7 triples and 7.7 free throws each match. He is also getting 5.7 rebounds 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per night. Yes, it’s only the G League but those numbers stand out better than those of fellow G Leaguers who have had somewhat successful stints in the NBA such as Quinn Cook, Trey Burke, Dwight Buycks and Nate Wolters. Mike James’ contract must be converted from a 2 way to a full contract by December 6th and that will make another 2 way contract available. With only Mike James and Tyler Ulis, why not take a shot at Booker? That last name has been good to the team so far.
Let’s check out the main rotation rookies and sophomores.
Tyler Ulis is still looking for his shot as he only made 32.3% from the field and 1 of 8 three point attempts. He is averaging 3.5 dimes and 1 theft in 22 minutes per game. Thrown into the starting lineup vs Minnesota he dished out 5 assists and picked 2 steals.
Dragan Bender is slowly finding his confidence, making 44.4% of his shots as well as 40% of his threes this week for 5.3 points 2.5 rebounds .3 blocks per contest. In the last 2 games the Croatian made 4 of 7 treys for a total of 16 points. His future is bright.
Marquese Chriss is talented yet frustrating. His shooting was better this week with a 43-50-67 line for 8.8 points and he rebounded the ball well and played good defense posting 6 boards and 1.8 swats in 21.8 minutes per match. If ‘Quese can keep focused, stop fouling (4.5 fouls/game) and calm his demeanor he will be a solid player. He was a big reason for the Suns win against the Wolves sending back 5 shots Minny players offered including a statement rejection against Andrew Wiggins.
Mike James has found the fire in his arsenal again netting 52.4% of his shots as well as 40% beyond the arc for an average of 15.3 points 4 rebounds 3 assists .5 steals and only 1 turnover in 26.3 minutes. He was sent back to bench vs Minnesota as the team started Tyler Ulis but he still made all 4 shots and had a 9 point 5 assist night.
Next: All is not lost for the Phoenix Suns
Josh Jackson only made 37.5% of his attempts, missed all 10 threes and made only 5 of 11 at the charity stripe this week for only 8.8 points per game. He did get 3.5 rebounds .8 steals and .8 blocks in a mere 16.3 minutes each night. He will have cold streaks and microwave nights where he scores 18 points in 22 minutes like he did vs the Magic but is definitely a key part of the team’s future.