Phoenix Suns: 3 Secret Weapons for the Postseason

Obviously, we expect the NBA’s biggest names to shine brightest during the NBA playoffs. Elevating one’s game during crucial moments remains the most straightforward way to differentiate this league’s stars from its superstars. It’s why Jimmy Butler saw his NBA stock skyrocket within the bubble last year, and also why Paul George goes repeatedly laughed at and disrespected.

But to capture a Larry O’Brien trophy, role players and typically forgotten pieces must step up and do the same. This truth meets no exception with the Phoenix Suns now up for title contention, who need reinforcers behind Chris Paul, Devin Booker, and Deandre Ayton to make some noise.

With just over a week left until the NBA’s play-in tournament kicks off the postseason, the Suns currently lead the NBA with a +2.9 bench net rating, showing promise that they already possess enough talent with their complimentary pieces to make an impact. Additionally, the Suns rank as a top 10 bench squad with a 79.2 free throw percentage, illustrating their potential to seal off victories during those always crucial late game moments that frequently come about during playoff contests.

Amongst Phoenix’s clearly talented bench though, three specific “secret weapons” remain at the their dispose, ready to give opponents some trouble despite their less recognized stature as NBA players. With that said, Suns fans should be excited for the team to set these players loose.

Phoenix Suns potential playoff secret weapons: Cameron Payne

Prior to joining the Suns, most only knew Payne as a pregame dance partner for Russell Westbrook during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Having since jumped from Chicago, then to Cleveland, and back to Chicago again before finding a home with the Suns, playing very little minutes while doing so, Payne long seemed destined for a “journeyman’s” career at best.

But like so many things this year, that all changed for Payne, who continues to enjoy a career season as a highly valued bench piece. Although Payne only averages 8.0 points per game, his efficiency this year has skyrocketed, allowing him to carve out a role as a steady contributor. Excluding last year where Payne only suited up for Phoenix’s eight game bubble stint, Payne is averaging career highs in field goal percentage (47.6), free throw percentage (88.5), and assist to turnover ratio (+3.5).

However, Payne’s ability to operate as a deadeye 3-point shooter makes him most dangerous. Shooting a career high 43.0 percent from beyond the arc, Payne really found his niche with the Suns this year. This marks a substantial jump for Payne, with it coming as a +10.2 percent differential from his other four seasons as a pro.

With Payne seemingly coming out of nowhere, Phoenix’s playoff opponents might mistakenly overlook him, and consequently leave themselves vulnerable. Although it came during a disappointing loss, Payne scored a career high 24 points Monday night while shooting 9/10 from the field, doing so against the Los Angeles Lakers who remain a likely first-round opponent for the Suns.

Phoenix Suns potential playoff secret weapons: Jae Crowder

Crowder started last year with the Memphis Grizzlies, but it was his run with the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals last fall which most recall about him prior to his time with the Suns. Crowder averaged 12.6 points and hit at a 35.7 percent from three during the campaign, which saw them take the Los Angeles Lakers all the way to six games.

We know what Crowder brings to the table as a postseason standout, with those averages both coming as increases to his regular season marks from that year. With this alongside his habit for sinking buzzer beating shots, he certainly feels like Phoenix’s most reliable shooter outside Paul and Booker.

Additionally, Crowder’s presence alone out on the hardwood makes him a likely candidate for his teammates to look for especially during close contests. Across Phoenix’s roster, all players have collectively played in 296 postseason contests. With Crowder adding 72, he stands responsible for nearly 25 percent of the team’s playoff experience.

With this acknowledged, it feels almost certain that Crowder will find the ball in his hands during Phoenix’s upcoming playoff venture, and his proven ability to enhance his game promotes this decision as one likely to prove fruitful.

Phoenix Suns potential playoff secret weapons: Jevon Carter

Unlike the player before him, Jevon Carter brings very little experience to the Suns as a third-year player. But despite his minimal time as pro, Carter remains a serious threat likely to make Phoenix’s opponents sweat this postseason.

Fielding just 11.5 minutes per game this year, Carter remains a more unfamiliar tool within the Suns basketball machine, but only due to Phoenix’s inconsistent bench minutes distribution resulting from their flexible roster. But make no mistake about it, when Monty Williams feels like he needs Carter, he goes to him, and does without hesitation.

As a strong guard with lateral quickness, Carter often serves as a defensive stopper for the Suns, assuming a role which every playoff team will need to fill at one point or another. Nobody for Phoenix with 30 games under their belt owns a greater opponent turnover percentage than Carter, and nobody hustles quite like him as well, earning the team’s highest defensive loose ball recovery rate at 69.2 percent.

More importantly though, Carter continues to see his game improve even outside his forte, now developing an adequate jump shot. Although shooting 37.7 percent from deep this year, since April 15, Carter’s 3-point percentage has soared to 43.2 percent, a mark higher than that of Steph Curry, Khris Middleton and Duncan Robinson this year.

With Carter heating up offensively while maintaining the defensive skill set which earned him Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honors during his senior year at West Virginia, Carter remains a solid “three and D” addition to this team. Be sure to bet on him to break out at some point this postseason.