Phoenix Suns: 3 Players to Watch in the NBA Summer League

The Phoenix Suns currently find themselves with a 1-2 NBA Summer League record, having beaten the Denver Nuggets, but also dropped games against the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz. Even after a slow start though, a lot still exits for the Suns to play for as they test out their roster ahead the 2021-22 season.

This mini-tournament running through mid-August operates as a smooth a gateway for younger players making their way into the league. It also provides fans with a swift supply of entertainment as they labor through the grey area between the draft and upcoming season’s commencement.

Phoenix’s Summer League roster this year includes 11 rookies and four players with one NBA season completed thus far. At the helm sits regular season assistant coach Brian Randle, now working under Monty Williams for the second straight year.

Amongst this crowd though, only a few players will make the team’s final roster. This sets the scene for some fun and competitive basketball.

For die-hards planning to watch, keep an eye out for these three players as they look to seperate themselves from the pack.

Phoenix Suns Summer League Players to Watch: Ty-Shon Alexander

Ty-Shon Alexander barely played last year, averaging only 3.1 minutes per game while suiting up for just 15 total contests. But during the Summer League, the typically forgotten players like Alexander often shine the brightest.

Across Phoenix’s first three games, Alexander averages a solid 11.3 points per game. Scoring at all three levels, Alexander often utilizes his speed to glide through to the basket, his craftiness to find open mid-range looks, and shooting touch to occasionally hit from outside.

By Summer League standards, Alexander embodies the entire package. His ability to create for himself offensively makes him someone worth following each time he steps onto the court.

Before going undrafted last year, Alexander played three years at Creighton while averaging 12.7 points per game and hitting from downtown at a 37.2 percent clip. He certainly possesses the tools to make it as an NBA player, but just needs to establish more consistency.

But the Suns already own an incredibly crowded backcourt though with Chris Paul, Devin Booker, Landry Shamet, and Elfrid Payton all aboard. Due to this, Alexander’s chance to shine under a regular season spotlight might need to come with another team.

For now though, he remains a Sun, and an incredibly entertaining one nonetheless.

Phoenix Suns Summer League Players to Watch: Jalen Smith

Even though the Suns spent a first round pick on Jalen Smith last year, they kept him shelved for nearly the entire 2020-21 season. He appeared in just 27 contests, averaging 5.3 minutes per game while doing so. But like Alexander, the Summer League comes as a fantastic opportunity for him to show off everything he still brings to the table.

Through three games, Smith averages a team-high 16.0 points and 12.7 rebounds per game for the Suns. But even as a walking double-double, Smith’s skillset allows him to extend outside the confines of your typical big man.

Averaging 6.0 triples per game and hitting them at a 38.8 percent rate, Smith stretches the floor incredibly well. With the less-impressive Frank Kaminsky as the only other rostered center for the Suns that possess a decent jump shot, Smith’s shooting abilities might allow him to find more minutes during the 2021-22 season.

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Discipline and assertiveness on the court remain the only things currently standing between Smith and accomplishing that goal though. He still appears as a very raw product, and one that makes mistakes a bit too often for a focus-driven coach like Monty Williams.

Phoenix Suns Summer League Players to Watch: Kyle Alexander

He appeared during only a pair of games with the Miami Heat two seasons ago, but Kyle Alexander more recently played for a professional team in Spain. Before that though, he played all four years as a collegiate athlete for Tennessee.

Having spent his first two years outside the NCAA bouncing between two different continents, Alexander is not exactly a notable prospect like the other two players mentioned before him. But that does not make him a lost cause, just ask Cameron Payne, who recently inked a multi-year deal with the Suns after spending a year overseas just before.

During Phoenix’s most recent game, Alexander shot an incredibly efficient 6-8 from the field, allowing him to collect 15 points. He also illustrated his incredible defensive skillset, finishing with eight rebounds, a block, and a steal

If Smith fails to pull through and start living up to his draft position, the Suns might take another look at Alexander, who certainly possesses enough size to play down low if ever called upon. He certainly will be cheap if they indeed decide to extend a contract his way, so don’t be surprised if you see his name make the final roster.