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Why aren’t the Phoenix Suns calling up George King?

By Khaleel Abdullah

PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 18: George King #8 of the Phoenix Suns arrives to the arena before the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 18, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - MARCH 18: George King #8 of the Phoenix Suns arrives to the arena before the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 18, 2019 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Michael Gonzales/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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With all the injuries piling up on the Phoenix Suns and only a few games left in a lost season, why isn’t George King being called up?

The Phoenix Suns selected George King with the 59th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. He was signed to a two-way contract and has spent the majority of his time up with the Northern Arizona Suns. George has only logged 6 total minutes in 1 game with Phoenix where he grabbed 1 rebound.

With the plethora of wings on the roster, it’s made sense for him not to have had much of an opportunity thus far. However, with the injury bug biting hard right now, why isn’t he being called up to help the team and to see what exactly he has to offer?

He’s a two-way wing, that’s supposed to develop into a 3-and-D type of player. Well, the Suns could use both threes and defense right now so it’s as good of a time as any to make him active. With the season all but over, there isn’t much of a reason not to call him up at this point.

The rookie has shown some signs of what he can bring to the table. He’s played in 41 G League games and started 39 of them. In NAZ, he’s put up an impressive 48-43-82 shooting line, made 2.2 treys and averaged 15.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 1 steal and 0.5 blocks in 31.8 minutes per game.

King has scored at least 20 points in 11 different games, including a 28 point effort on February 20th against the South Bay Lakers, where he made 9 of 17 shots and 3 triples. He has the ability to shoot from downtown and put points on the scoreboard as well as get to the line, getting at least 5 free throw attempts in 10 different games.

He’s a pretty good rebounder for a 6-foot-6 wing and has grabbed 10 or more rebounds in 10 different games, including a season-high 10. He’s a good passer and can make plays, dishing out at least 4 assists on 9 different occasions, including an 8 assist night with only 3 turnovers on January 15th against the Canton Charge.

Defense is also part of the package he brings, swiping at least 2 steals in 12 games, including a season high 5 thefts against the South Bay Lakers on December 29th.

Related Story. The Suns got away with theft twice this season. light

Yes, he’s a 25-year-old rookie and almost went undrafted for a reason. However, the team needs to know what they have in him and right now are missing several players due to injury. The time is now to see exactly what King provides. The team needs to call him up and let him play.

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