Ranking each position’s need for improvement for the Phoenix Suns
By Adam Maynes
Small Forward
Prior to free agency, one of the nagging questions of Suns fans was who was the starting small forward? T.J. Warren or Josh Jackson?
90 minutes after free agency opened we got our answer: Trevor Ariza.
At least for this season.
In 2017-18, T.J. Warren had built himself up to be a solid small forward worthy of a starter’s role in Phoenix and almost anywhere else in the league. He then worked diligently in the offseason to improve his 3-point shooting, and if that is as fixed as his early number indicate (he is shooting above 50% from beyond the arc), then his value on an NBA roster as an offensive threat is that much higher.
But he is on the same roster, playing the same position, as Josh Jackson who was selected 4th overall in 2017 and as a stronger 2-way player and ball-handler, and with a very strong second half of last season he seemed like he was already ready for the starter’s role moving Warren to the bench where his offensive ability would better serve the rest of the team.
Then it was announced that Trevor Ariza was signed pushing both potential starters to the bench and creating more questions than answers as speculation of whether or not a secondary move was on it’s way – so far it is not.
For now, Ariza has a stranglehold on the starter’s position and deservedly so. He is a veteran with not only winning but championship experience, he is a good locker room presence and an above average 3-and-D player.
Having both Warren and Jackson come off the bench has taken offensive stress off of each of them as they will have this season to both improve their games leading into next year when one of them will have to start and the other come off the bench – except in the case of a trade.
For now the position is set pretty soundly but even into the future, it should remain a strength.