Valley of the Suns
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Three things to watch for during Phoenix Suns Summer League

By Kyle Manthe

Phoenix Suns (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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DALLAS, TX – APRIL 10: Shaquille Harrison #10 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 10, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX – APRIL 10: Shaquille Harrison #10 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball during the game against the Dallas Mavericks on April 10, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. 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 Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who runs Point Guard?

After the release of Tyler Ulis and departure of Elfrid Payton, there is an opening on the NBA roster for backup point guard duties. The two main canidates on the Summer League roster are 2018 31st overall pick Elie Okobo, and second-year player Shaquille Harrison who appeared in 23 games last season for the Suns.

Unless there is a trade imminent, one of these two will receive major minutes in the regular season.

As of today, Okobo should have the advantage due to his having recently been drafted and signed to a souped up second round pick contract, although Harrison has proven himself against NBA competition and has the defensive ability to fit next to Devin Booker. Both players should expect to receive plenty of court time, but Summer League might show who has the edge as whoever starts and finishes games could be telling.

With both players not being pure point guards, it is also possible that they share the floor together. If this happens, the one who brings the ball up and initiates the offense more often could possibly be being groomed to handle those duties in the regular season.

With Okobo under a guaranteed contract and Harrison not, Harrison is competing for a spot on the roster. However, with a strong Summer League performance, he could jump up the depth chart and alter Okobo’s role on the team.

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