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It is time for the Phoenix Suns to fully bench Isaiah Canaan

By Kyle Manthe

MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 27: Isaiah Canaan #0 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 27, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - OCTOBER 27: Isaiah Canaan #0 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on October 27, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Coming into 2018-09, the Phoenix Suns had one glaring hole in their starting lineup and roster overall: they had no real point guard.

Roughly 20 games in the season and nothing has really changed for the Phoenix Suns and their point guard position.

I do not know exactly how they will or should address this problem long term, however I do know that what they have been doing needs to change.

I can not say I am shocked that Isaiah Canaan has not worked out in his second go around with the Phoenix Suns, but what I am surprised by is how long the leash on his trial run appears to be. Given his performance, the emergence of Point Book, and the Suns’ overall record, it is time to take Canaan out of the rotation.

It is important to note how impressed and surprised with Canaan in how well he has recovered from his gruesome injury less than a year ago.

NBA fans have all seen how difficult it has been for Gordon Hayward to recover from a similar injury which speaks to the toughness and hard work Canaan has put in. It is even possible that if it were not for the injury Canaan could have played himself into a more solidified role for the Suns with a full-year at point for them last season.

However, at this point in the season, and in his career, we have seen enough of Canaan that we know what we are getting.

That means it is time to start experimenting.

Elie Okobo has shown flashes in the playing time he has received, he should get the first chance at extended playing time behind Devin Booker. De’Anthony Melton should also be given a chance especially with his potential fit as a solid passer and good scorer next to Devin Booker.

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The Phoenix Suns are the first team mentioned as a destination for every point guard trade, which means they are obviously not comfortable with their current group so why not shake it up internally until a trade presents itself.

Watching the Suns this year, fans can tell that with quality point guard play they can be a much improved team.

For this reason, the Suns need to move on entirely from Isaiah Canaan and expend every opportunity they have to create such opportunity with those players they do have in Okobo and Melton.

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