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Phoenix Suns: Davon Reed should be playing Troy Daniels’ minutes

By Lucas Johnson

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Davon Reed #32 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 10: Davon Reed #32 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Charlotte Hornets on March 10, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Phoenix Suns need to focus on getting Davon Reed minutes for the last stretch of the season, which means that Troy Daniels might not get playing time.

Backup shooting guard Troy Daniels has provided much needed spacing for the Phoenix Suns this season. He’s shot a solid 39.2 percent from behind the 3-point line, which ranks second on the team in 3-point percentage. Yet despite his efficient 3-point shooting, the Suns’ need to think about the team’s long term future. While Daniels should be retained, his future as Devin Booker‘s primary backup would limit the win potential of this young Suns’ team. In order to maximize the club’s future win potential, Daniel’s minutes should go to rookie wing Davon Reed for the rest of the season.

The Suns’ made a solid investment in Reed with the 32nd pick in the 2017 NBA draft. Granted Reed has been dealing with injury for the most of the season, however he’s played in 12 G-League games where he’s averaged 25.3 minutes per game, so he’s ready for minutes. While his stats with the Northern Arizona Suns (NAS) makes it appear that he still needs more time to develop, limited time with the Phoenix shows otherwise.

Per Game Table
SeasonAgeTmPosGGSMPFG%3P%2P%eFG%FT%TRBASTSTLBLKTOVPFPTS
2017-1822PHOSG1209.3.324.375.286.405.7501.60.60.30.10.30.82.8
Career1209.3.324.375.286.405.7501.60.60.30.10.30.82.8

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 3/18/2018.

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His 3-point percent has him ranked fifth on the roster this season. Beyond his 3-point shooting, Reed can provide solid rebounding based on his 4.7 rebound average with the NAS this season, where as Daniels has only averaged 1.4 rebounds with Phoenix this season. Fans got a glimpse of Reed’s true potential in the Suns’ game against the Charlotte Hornets. He had 16 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal, while shooting 5-8 on field goal attempts and made all four of his 3-point attempts. That was the first time that Reed played more than 20 minutes in a single game this season. More minutes for Reed should allow him to show his potential as Booker’s backup.

Next: Ten prospects the Suns could select mid-round Part 1

There’s no doubt that Daniels is a good floor spacer, however Reed has the potential to be a very good backup to Booker. The Suns should start seeing if Reed can reach his potential now and if it doesn’t appear that he can, then they can look to at other option for a long term backup for Booker.

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