Phoenix Suns Final Regular Season Grades for Every Player in 2021-22
Phoenix Suns Front of the Bench Grades
Cameron Johnson: 12.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.5 APG (.460/.424/.860)
Developing into a lethal 3-point shooter and versatile defender, Cameron Johnson frequently came off the bench this year and turned 10-point leads into 20-point leads in a matter of seconds. His percentages fell off a bit after coming back from a month-long quad injury, but as a whole, he did everything Phoenix asked this year, and then some.
Grade: A
JaVale McGee: 9.2 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.1 BPG (.629/.222/.699)
As a sparkplug big off the bench, JaVale McGee provided tons of energy for Phoenix whenever they inserted him into the game. He averaged his most points and rebounds per game since the 2018-19 season, and really only struggled when forced to play longer minutes whenever Ayton could not suit up.
At this point in the season, it’s clear that McGee is best used in spurts rather than in an expanded role. The shortened rotation in the playoffs promises to help with that as well.
Grade: B+
Cameron Payne: 10.8 PPG, 4.9 APG, 3.0 RPG (.409/.336/.843)
A roller coaster for season for Cameron Payne thankfully ended on a high note with his percentages all experiencing a lift over the past two weeks. That allowed him to end up with a career-best scoring average this season.
His final field goal percentage and significantly weaker 3-point percentage from the year before cloud that number a bit. A mixed bag as a ball-handler, Payne averaged career-high assist and turnover numbers. But again, the Suns do seem to have him right for the postseason, which is all that matters.
Grade: C
Landry Shamet: 8.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 1.6 APG (.394/.368/.840)
The trade which brought Landry Shamet to the desert looked to be an uneven one earlier this year, as the sharpshooter struggled to find rhythm in Phoenix’s offense. But when Booker and Paul both missed time due to injuries/COVID, he turned things up.
Now ready for the playoffs, he resembles a terrifying threat to come off the bench and bury shots. With that turnaround, he saves himself getting an abundantly negative grade.
Grade: C-