Midseason report card with second half expectations

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Teammates Elfrid Payton
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - FEBRUARY 14: Teammates Elfrid Payton
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Tyler Ulis

SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Tyler Ulis #8 of the Phoenix Suns gestures as he brings the ball up court during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – FEBRUARY 14: Tyler Ulis #8 of the Phoenix Suns gestures as he brings the ball up court during a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on February 14, 2018 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)

There is probably nobody else on this roster that Suns fans are more disappointed in than Tyler Ulis.

With the starter spot his for the taking after Bledsoe was traded, Ulis has proven to not have the talent to make such a move. With zero 20 point games, one game with over 10 assists and only one additional game with nine assists, with shooting percentages WORSE than last season, (those numbers were already poor), and nothing really to prove that he should be on this roster beyond this season, Tyler Ulis’ days in Phoenix might be numbered.

It is very unfortunate that this may be the case given that he had such an exciting second half of last season, he is one of Devin Booker’s best friends, and being on a rookie contract – especially a second round pick contract – he is extremely affordable. If the Phoenix Suns really  do want to take that next step forward in their growth process, having a better backup point guard on the roster is a necessity.

While I can’t imagine a situation otherwise, my hope is that if/when Ulis is called into McDonough’s office and made aware that he will not be retained beyond this season, that Devin Booker is made aware immediately after so as to keep a fair and professional relationship between the two sides amicable and pleasant.

Grade: D