Evaluating all 4 Phoenix Suns’ no-so-great backup point guard options

Phoenix Suns (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No member of the Phoenix Suns has seized the role of backup point guard quite yet. Who has played the best thus far, and who deserves it?

“Water, water, everywhere, [but not a] drop to drink” is a famous line from a super-old poem that I never really understood growing up. However, after witnessing the Phoenix Suns’ backup point guard situation this season, its meaning becomes crystal clear.

To make the quote apply to the Suns, you might rephrase it like this:

“Back up point guards everywhere, but not a guy to play.”

If you include combo-guard Tyler Johnson, the Phoenix Suns have five point guards on their active roster. In addition to Johnson, there is Ricky Rubio, Ty Jerome, Elie Okobo, and Jevon Carter.

On top of that, the 15th man and current Northern Arizona Suns appointee, Jalen Lecque is a point guard, and oh, lest we forget two-way contract player, Jared Harper: Another point guard.

With all of these floor generals, you would naturally presume one would emerge from the pack over a quarter-way through the season, but unfortunately for the Suns, this has not been the case.

In spurts, each has shown signs of potential that might make Suns fans (or more importantly, Monty Williams) think the team has landed on a solid solution, only to have the rug ripped out from under that line of thinking a few games later.

After a frustrating loss to the Memphis Grizzlies Wednesday night, where rookie Ty Jerome manned backup point guard-duties with limited success, it may be time to reevaluate the Suns’ options for the vital role, because as much as a magician he might be, Ricky Rubio can’t play 48 minutes.