Who is the the Phoenix Suns sixth man for the playoffs?
By Aaron Coe
If anyone besides Okogie gets the nod to be the fifth starter for Phoenix during the playoffs, it would be Torrey Craig. Starting in 60 games for the team this season – second most to Deandre Ayton’s 67 – Craig has made an impact all over the court for the Suns.
Option 2: Phoenix can use the other fifth starter
Craig began the season as a rotational bench player who might knock down the occasional three and provide some defense and became one of the Suns’ main non-all-star contributors. Craig may not have been starting over the last couple of weeks of the regular season, but Craig was often in the game late closing, with Williams preferring the experience of 32-year-old Craig over that of 24-year-old Okogie.
During the last few weeks, with a spot in the playoff rotation on the line, we have seen Craig expand his game, especially on the offensive end. Torrey has shown a greater willingness to attack the basket in the last month, taking fewer three-point attempts and finding his way with an expanding mid-range game.
No player made more appearances than Craig’s 79, and only Ayton and Mikal Bridges have played more minutes for the Suns this season. And while his 39% three-point accuracy may keep him on the court more than some expect during the playoffs, it is his rebounding – second on the team – and defense he is out there for. If the Suns are going to make a run, Craig will have to be a big part.