The Phoenix Suns should put Boban Marjanovic and Devin Booker together
Even though Booker still found a way to score while having to create looks for himself each time down the floor during the NBA Finals, his isolation-based attacks in the half court made things far too simple for Milwaukee on the defensive end. But adding Boban Marjanovic could make things far more complicated for the Bucks, or any other team facing Phoenix down the line.
During the 2021 postseason, Marjanovic finished in the top 10 for points scored during pick-and-roll sets, despite coming off the bench to play only 20.8 minutes per contest. Utilizing his superior height and relatively solid mobility, Marjanovic operated beautifully with Luka Doncic from time to time as a roll man, beating up on the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Mavericks succeeded with Boban Marjanovic in pick-and-roll against the Clippers' small ball.
— Grant Afseth (@GrantAfseth) June 3, 2021
-Rondo is applying heavy ball pressure to start possession. Doncic counters with use of re-screen & Morris has to step up.
-Boban gets behind Morris to be in position for pass. pic.twitter.com/6MgAm1JviG
With his incredible size, Marjanovic can not only set tenacious screens for Booker, but also draw extra attention should he ever role to the basket. Those two factors poise to create substantial space for Booker as a ball handler, making difficult shot attempts no longer a first hand offensvie option for him.
Deandre Ayton already owns the team’s starting center spot, to whom Booker can run the pick and roll with as well. But Ayton often strayed into foul trouble during the last few NBA Finals contests, which eventually catalyzed all the “hero ball” from Booker.
We can only expect opposing defenses next year to try and replicated this formula which clearly worked against Phoenix a few weeks ago, and make pushing Ayton into foul trouble a priority. For this reason, Marjanovic and his effectiveness via the pick-and-roll become not just a beneficial thing to add on Booker’s behalf, but also for the entire Suns team.
Marjanovic’s most recent squad, the Dallas Mavericks, will certainly try and bring him back this week, but Phoenix needs him more. Joining forces with the Suns would put him on his fifth team in four years, but also land him in a better position to win a title than ever before.