With Kelly Oubre Jr. being out (uncertain?), who is most likely to step in and fill the swagger role for the Phoenix Suns?
Kelly Oubre Jr. ruled himself out for the season, but according to GM James Jones, he might have a shot at returning to the lineup. Based off of the Suns’ injury history this season, I don’t have high expectations for his return. If Kelly is unable to come back, the Phoenix Suns will need to fill some stylish, swaggy shoes. Losing Oubre isn’t just a big loss in terms of his playing ability, but also because he brings a certain level of confidence and attitude.
That can only be attained by someone whose nickname is Tsunami Papi. While it is my hope that Cameron Johnson will be filling his minutes, we need to know who is most likely to bring the added edge that Oubre can’t bring from the bench. Let’s explore the options.
Ricky Rubio
He’s no longer the mop-haired, bare-armed point guard from long ago, and the arm sleeve, man-bun is quite the look. The key for him to add on to his swagger level may be more exuberant celebrations after one of his slick dimes. The likeliness of it is doubtful. But I can dream.
Devin Booker
I believe with the shortened amount of regular-season games and after all the hate he’s taken for being a stats compiler, this opportunity to, in a sense, get some, “high stakes basketball” is going to propel him to heights we haven’t seen. With all eyes on him in Orlando, I think we could get an edgier Booker, one that’s more willing to bring the fierce, in-your-face competitiveness that we have seen from Oubre.
Mikal Bridges
I love him. I really do. He just seems like that perfect complimentary starter on a winning team. He plays hard on defense, hits his shots, doesn’t do anything ridiculous. That’s the thing though, Mikal always seems under control. This is a good thing, but every once in a while I’d like to see him play with an, “I’m the best player in the league,” type of attitude.
Deandre Ayton
I think this could be the guy that truly fills the leadership, alpha dog role. With him missing so much time this year and then coming back to a team where Aron Baynes is playing quite well, I think we haven’t had a chance to see Ayton be what we believe he can be: a dominating big man hitting jumpers but also being a beast down low. When the Phoenix Suns head down for Orlando, I think Ayton will be on a mission to show he is one of the best bigs in the league. He is about to put up some gaudy stat lines, and he is going to let everyone know he means business.
Kelly will likely be in Orlando as he continues to rehab the injury, and it would be a more than welcome addition if he’s able to get back out on the court. If not, he may need to spend some additional time guiding some teammates in the art of the “it” factor.