3 G League Point Guard Options for the Phoenix Suns

Nick Johnson (6-3, 200 pounds, 25 years old)

A familiar face. A hometown guy. Born and raised in the Valley. Went to the University of Arizona.

Imagine someone like that helping the Phoenix Suns. He’d quickly become a fan favorite. He’d also be fellow alumnus for Deandre Ayton. Another connection is him being the nephew of former Suns All Star Dennis Johnson. Is it too good to be true?

There is bad. That’s why he’s unsigned. He hasn’t played an NBA game since the 2014-15 season where he shot an ugly 35-24-68 line, only made 0.2 threes per game and averaged 2.6 points, 1.4 rebounds, 0.4 assists and 0.3 steals with 0.7 turnovers in 9.4 minutes over 28 games.

Yuck. No wonder he hasn’t made an appearance yet. Bad shooting and more turnovers than assists. Teams have passed.

However, as time goes by a good player will improve. He knows he has weaknesses and he’s done what he can to get better. There has been significant improvement and he’s only 25 years old.

In 2014 he was named Pac 12 Player of the Year and made the Pac 12 All Defensive Team. Something more recent and on a professional level? OK.

Last season he led his G League team to win a title and was awarded Finals MVP, netting 12 of 18 threes (66.7 percent) and averaging 15.5 points per game. Looks like he can shoot now. In the summer league prior to this season he hit 8 of 13 triples (61.5 percent). Further proof.

Through 6 games with the Austin Spurs he’s lit it up with a 45-44-77 shooting line, making 2.7 threes per game to go with 23 points, 6.3 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 steals per game.

He’s done enough to warrant another chance in the NBA. The Suns should give him that opportunity.