This is the continuation of a series showing weekly updates for each of the Phoenix Suns’ rookies and sophomores. This piece is for weeks 18 and 19.
The Suns went 1-5 (.167) over the last two weeks. The young team scored 112.5 points per game which was solid offense. However, their defense continues to allow the Ls to pile up. Oh well. Tank season it is.
Back of the Bench/Injured Players/New Addition
According to Yahoo Sports, Alan Williams “still has no firm target date to return. He has ramped up the workouts lately and it sounds like he’ll be back at some point in March.”
The NAZ Suns went 3-4 over the last couple weeks. Alec Peters put up an impressive 45-44-92 shooting line with 18.7 points and 5 rebounds per game. Danuel House Jr fired a 48-40-74 shooting clip with 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Davon Reed only made 29% of his shot attempts for a low 9.6 points per game and continues to get blocked like Marquese Chriss on the Atlanta Hawks Twitter. I still continue to hold out hope but he needs to amp up.
Josh Gray was allowed to walk away after his 2nd 10 day contract. Good luck to him. Phoenix used the opening to bring in Shaq Harrison on a 10 day contract. He’s now on his second such deal. Though his shot has been off, he does a little bit of every thing with 15 rebounds, 9 assists, 8 steals and 3 blocks in 57 minutes with only 2 turnovers.
Main Rotation Guys
Tyler Ulis did NOT do anything as he has fallen completely out of the rotation and didn’t even step on the court. He will have to work very hard to MAYBE find his way back in.
Marquese Chriss played a mere 14.5 minutes per game BUT made 7 of 16 treys (44%) and had a solid night against the Atlanta Hawks with 4 treys, 17 points, 5 caroms and 4 swats in only 18 minutes of action. If the Suns played the Hawks every night he’d be an All Star. Atlanta, if you’re reading, I’m sure we could swing a simple swap for John Collins. We won’t even ask for a pick.
Dragan Bender has fully inserted himself into the starting lineup, averaging 31 minutes per night over 6 games in this 2 week span. His shot (5 points on 32% field goal accuracy) and confidence need to find him out there. He has been a good all around player though, averaging 5.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1 block. His passing skills are emerging. After 6 games in his young career with 4 or more assists, he has 3 such games in this 2 week stretch.
Josh Jackson has been on a tear lately, averaging 17 points in just 27.2 minutes on 48% shooting. He scored 19 or more points in 4 games in this 2 week span as well as lighting up the Grizzlies with a career high 29. Jackson also threw in 6.3 rebounds, 1 steal and 0.5 blocks per game during this stretch for good measure. He is a star in the making.
Next: Is Marquese Chriss now a guaranteed part of the Suns’ future?
Stay tuned for more.