A look back at the year of terrible Phoenix Suns PG play
By Adam Maynes
Shaquille Harrison – 2 starts
In desperate need of another backup point guard late in the year, McDonough signed Shaquille Harrison in mid-February, a G-League standout, for the remainder of the season, potentially with a guaranteed contract for next year as well.
Serving the majority of his time as a backup, Shaq played with boundless defensive energy and determination, impressing the entire Valley of the Suns in his first appearance when he snagged four steals against the Los Angeles Clippers, a feat he followed up five days later against Memphis, and a month after that versus the Clippers once again.
Shaq would end up averaging 1.1 steals per game and 2.4 steals per-36 minutes, leading all Suns in each category who made a minimum of six appearances.
The Little Shaqtus would earn two starts as well this season as well, the first coming against the Charlotte Hornets following an injury to Devin Booker who had been playing time at point up to then, and boy did he not disappoint. In just over 20 minutes, Harrison scored 14 points, dished out 4 assists, and grabbed 2 steals. The Suns, who were down by 22 at the start of the fourth quarter, came within a bucket of tying the game with two minutes left before Charlotte was finally able to pull away and maintain the victory.
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Harrison would then start the final game of the season, in Dallas, a surprising 27-point victory in which he recorded career-highs with 18 points and 10 assists for his first career double-double. Harrison was slightly overshadowed by Alec Peters‘ 36 points with eight 3-pointers, but it was still a tremendous start for the rookie point guard none-the-less.