Phoenix Suns: 2 Studs and 1 Dud From Preseason Finale vs Portland

Phoenix Suns Dud vs Portland Trail Blazers: Jalen Smith

You never want to pick on a younger guy still trying to find his footing as an NBA player. But Jalen Smith was easily the worst player for the Suns during this contest.

Shooting 2-7 from the field, Smith lacked the efficiency which his teammates boasted during the game. He also only secured three rebounds, while other big men Ayton and Kaminsky grabbed double-digit boards.

Smith’s ability to stretch the floor as a deep shooting center also makes him special compared to Ayton and Kaminsky, but he also struggled with that as well last night. He went 0-2 from beyond the arc, ending his entire preseason shooting an ugly 10.0 percent from three.

Smith also turned the ball over a team-high three times. He needs to earn Monty Williams’s trust if he wants to contribute toward the team this year, and his performance last night did him no favors in that regard.