The Phoenix Suns have flexed impressive depth throughout their preseason games so far to the delight of their fans. That includes bringing Luke Kennard off the bench and starting him in Devin Booker's absence in the recent victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Kennard already understands his role in The Valley, which is why he can succeed like he never has before.
Kennard will be sixth man who can slot into starting lineup as required
Many felt that losing Grayson Allen this offseason would cost the Suns an underrated defender and secondary playmaker. But Kennard has quickly proven that he can also create for his teammates, though his real value is being one of the NBA's best 3-point shooters.
This shouldn't surprise anybody, given that he led the NBA in 3-point field goal percentage last season (47.8 percent), but his last few stops have seen teams try to turn him into something he is not. Kennard can be a weak link defensively, but when tasked with getting open to let it fly while being hidden by superior teammates on the other end of the court, he can thrive.
Phoenix's latest win was proof of that. Kennard finished with a team-high 20 points, making 4-of-10 attempts from deep. That is a whopping 70 percent increase in attempts from deep for the former Los Angeles Laker. It is no wonder he was beaming during his arrival to The Valley on media day. Kennard is finally being used to his strengths and knows what that will look like when the season begins.
Kennard's 3-point prowess already an asset with Booker struggling
Getting Kennard settled so quickly is a huge plus for Head Coach Jordan Ott, as Devin Booker has struggled badly in that area during preseason. His ability to spread the court for Dillon Brooks and Miles Bridges will be invaluable, while even center Khaman Maluach will profit whether he is starting or coming off the bench.
But knowing he will primarily be coming off the bench, as well as taking the shots left by Allen and Royce O'Neale, gives Kennard the best chance to succeed. He doesn't have to create for others, although he has already shown that he can, and anything he contributes on the defensive end is a plus.
To have all of this in place before the regular season begins ensures one of the Suns' main offseason acquisitions will be able to help his team win games from the jump.
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