Thanksgiving is the time of year when everyone reflects on what they are thankful for and Phoenix Suns’ players are no exception.
As friends and family gather together to eat till they can’t anymore and celebrating what they are thankful for, the Phoenix Suns will most likely be doing the same. At the pace the team is going at right now, it will most likely be bound to be another year in the NBA lottery. This doesn’t mean the players don’t have anything to be grateful for. Regardless of position or how big or small their role on the team is, each player does have something to give thanks for on this holiday.
Only active players will be included on this list. Injured and G-League assigned players will not be included.
Guards
Let it be clear that both of the Phoenix Sun’s current point guards should be thankful that the team doesn’t have a true starting lead guard on the roster at the moment. Still each individual has something they can be grateful for.
After having a slow start to the season, Tyler Ulis should be thankful that interim head coach Jay Triano decided to give him the starting point guard position. Sadly at this point there is no major statistical increase for Ulis starting versus coming off the bench besides a slightly better shooting percentage. If Ulis continues to start, hopefully his field goal percentage will increase.
Mike James has plenty to be thankful for considering the crazy basketball journey it took for him to get to the Suns. The 27 year-old rookie should be most thankful for the fact that the Suns want him on the team long term. James has shown the ability to score and has a certain toughness that has rubbed off on the team. Hopefully, James can be a part of the bench unit for years to come.
While playing both guard positions already during this season, Devin Booker has things to be thankful for. With the franchise in the midst of a rebuild, Booker has been able to explore his game and expand it. Such as become a much better defender and playmaker. Booker has a good chance to become one of the best guards in the next two to three years. With the keys to the franchise in his hands, it’s exciting to see where he can bring this team.
Troy Daniels may have finally found a team to stick with in the Phoenix Suns. Having another lethal shooter coming in off the bench for Booker seems to fit Daniels and the team very well. As long as Daniels continues to do what he does, then he will have a home in Phoenix. Daniels should be thankful for a franchise to call home.