What’s next for Phoenix Suns after Canaan’s release?
By Kyle Manthe
After the release of Isaiah Canaan, it seems as if there are more questions and possibilities at point guard for the Phoenix Suns than ever. Does this mean a trade is imminent? Will Devin Booker continue to play out of position? Who would take his place? With this kind of roster flexibility, nothing is off the table.
With one game in the books after releasing Isaiah Canaan we can start to get a clearer picture on what the Phoenix Suns’ short term plans are without Canaan. Against the Clippers we saw Elie Okobo get 32 minutes and score a career high 19 points.
After recalling De’Anthony Melton from the NAZ Suns is anything going to change?
In the meantime (meaning before a trade is eventually and presumably made), I would expect Okobo to continue to get the backup minutes, although probably not 32 a game unless he plays as well as he did last game.
If Okobo struggles or is in foul trouble Melton will get his chance after as I expect him to remain on the NBA roster until another move is made.
If Okobo continues to play well, or if one of the three starting wings begin to struggle, there is a chance that Elie could enter the starting lineup to move Booker back to shooting guard. As both of the rookies get integrated it should lead to more playing time for Jamal Crawford and more ball-handing responsibilities, if only for a short time.
The initial reaction from many after the Canaan release is that a trade must be coming.
I believe this is true however there is almost no way a trade will take place until after December 15, when Trevor Ariza is able to be moved. The most logical move to be made is for Markelle Fultz, who the Phoenix Suns are a top candidate for, but the team must decide if it is a good idea or not. based on his obvious shooting woes that have plagued him since he entered the NBA.
Next. The pros and cons of the Phoenix Suns potentially trading for Markelle Fultz. dark
In the end, I think that the Suns should and will make a trade for a point guard in the next weeks.
Until then, Okobo will fill in the same minutes Canaan was playing, and if he continues to play well Igor might experiment with him in the starting lineup.
Either way expect new rotations to be tested and moves to be made, the point guard position test runs are just getting started.