Five reasons the Phoenix Suns will be a dumpster fire

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NEW ORLEANS, LA – FEBRUARY 26: TJ Warren #12 of the Phoenix Suns reacts during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

There aren’t enough two-way players

Very few players can be useful rotation players in the NBA if they’re not good at both offense and defense. There are four exceptions, two on each side of the ball.

On offense, three point specialists (players consistently shooting over 40 percent from deep) and elite all-around scorers can always be useful, even if they’re fairly poor defenders.

On defense, lockdown perimeter defenders (particularly those able to switch onto different positions) and capable rim protectors can always find a spot, even if they don’t contribute much on offense.

Unfortunately for the Suns, they don’t have a lot of two-way players, and they only have one guy who fits into one of these exceptions. Devin Booker‘s elite scoring makes up for his below average defense. But most of the other players don’t excel on both ends.

Josh Jackson could develop into a two-way player, but for now his defense and jumper aren’t where they need to be. T.J. Warren has the same deficiencies with less potential. Ayton might become a good defender, but he wasn’t particularly impressive in college.

For now, the only two players who stand out as being able to play both ends of the floor are Mikal Bridges and Trevor Ariza. That’s not enough for a team to be successful, especially when they’re both 3-and-D players and not well-rounded All-Stars.

The Suns don’t have enough two-way pieces in their rotation, and it’s going to hold them back big time next season.

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