Valley of the Suns
Fansided

A look back at the year of terrible Phoenix Suns PG play

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Travis Trice #0 of the Brisbane Bullets during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 13: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Travis Trice #0 of the Brisbane Bullets during the first half of the NBA preseason game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on October 13, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 16: Isaiah Canaan #2 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 16, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR – JANUARY 16: Isaiah Canaan #2 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 16, 2018 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Isaiah Canaan – 1 start

Isaiah Canaan took the Suns’ backcourt by storm. Following Eric Bledsoe’s tweet, Canaan was thrust into the reserve point guard role, a position that for the team’s first five games under Jay Triano in which they finished 3-2, it looked like he would have a strangle hold on all year.

Over that short stretch Isaiah averaged 13.4 points, 5.8 assists and 1.4 steals, while shooting 42.1% from 3. His play was energetic, his passing was spot on as he averaged only 2.5 turnovers per-36 minutes, and he actually looked  like Eric Bledsoe, only a better ball-handler and outside shooter.

He even found his way into the starting lineup on January 29, in a game against Memphis. His play left much to be desired as he had a poor night, but his play up until that point had been enough for Triano to offer Canaan the opportunity, one that was well deserved.

Then disaster struck.

The following game against Dallas, while driving to the hole late in the first half, Canaan came down awkwardly and fractured his left ankle effectively ending his season – and possibly his Phoenix Suns career – in an instant.

Several days later, after successful surgery, Canaan was waived, leaving many to wonder if he would ever play again.

Starting Stats: 4 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 turnovers, 20.0% FG%, 0.0% 3pt%, 100.0% FT%

Home/Suns News