Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Breaking down the Phoenix Suns’ post draft roster

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 22: James Jones, George King, Mikal Bridges, Deandre Ayton, Elie Okobo, and General Manager Ryan McDonough of the Phoenix Suns pose together during a press conference on June 22, 2018, at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - JUNE 22: James Jones, George King, Mikal Bridges, Deandre Ayton, Elie Okobo, and General Manager Ryan McDonough of the Phoenix Suns pose together during a press conference on June 22, 2018, at Talking Stick Resort Arena 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 29: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a free-throw shot against the Sacramento Kings on December 29, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 29: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns attempts a free-throw shot against the Sacramento Kings on December 29, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Shooting Guard

Starter: Devin Booker

Reserves: Troy Daniels, George King, Davon Reed

Shooting Guard really is the only position that the starter is etched in stone right now.

Devin Booker will look to build upon his breakout 2017-18 season and take another step forward, this time with the same head coach from training camp through the end of the year, as well as help from the additions of Mikal Bridges and Deandre Ayton.

Booker will get the lion’s share of the minutes, and his ability to also play point guard will give Head Coach Igor Kokoskov some flexibility when he wants to play a three small forward lineup with Bridges, Josh Jackson, and T.J. Warren on the court at the same time. Whoever is running alongside him, Book will be the main focus of the defense. That said, with the new additions (and more yet to come), he actually should see a lot less trapping and double-teaming which I believe will open up his 3-point shooting even more as he will have many more one-on-one opportunities, making him an even more potent offensive threat.

At the moment, Troy Daniels will serve as Booker’s lone veteran backup, a 3-point sniper who once again last season fired 40% from long-range. It is possible that Daniels is a player offered in trade at some point this offseason (or a player that must  be included depending on what Phoenix is looking to receive in return), but if he is back, then he will be the first shooting guard off the bench in traditional lineups.

Davon Reed‘s contract is only partially guaranteed and thus he may not return. If that is the case, George King will sign at some point and take Reed’s position on the back end of the depth chart.

Mikal Bridges might also get time at “shooting guard” depending on certain rotations that call for bigger lineups with Booker at the point. Bridges is a strong 3-point shooter which will allow such a rotation to take place.

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