If there is one player that the Phoenix Suns can point to over the last 12 months and say that they got brilliant value for money, it is Jamaree Bouyea. Brought in last season to zero fanfare, the point guard ended up playing 46 games and acting as a valuable veteran for this group. Head Coach Jordan Ott gave him plenty of run during preseason this time around, so why has it not translated to more regular-season playing time?
Suns need much more than Bouyea's niche defensive coverage right now
In certain scenarios, Bouyea can be exactly what the Suns need defensively. Alongside Jordan Goodwin, the tandem can occupy one or both of the backcourt spots as part of the second unit, but they are also capable of guarding smaller forwards and elite scorers thanks to their length. That was one of Coach Ott's secret ingredients to success last time out, but the makeup of this current roster means he is unable to once again break out his favorite weapons.
It is not possible for Goodwin and Bouyea to provide a difficult defensive puzzle for opponents to solve when Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks are being taken advantage of in the frontcourt. Sophomore center Khaman Maluach is learning on the job as well, which has led to his teammates trying to help him out as much as possible.
Bouyea only works when the defensive structure around him is solid, and right now the Suns have the worst defensive rating in the league. This explains why he has only appeared in two games so far and has managed five minutes per contest. Coach Ott appears to have settled on a 10-man rotation to try and get the team back on track, and Bouyea does not figure in that second unit. As long as the starting lineup remains as it is, he won't get back in his plans either.
Jalen Green going to the bench would open door for Bouyea once again
It feels like a matter of when, not if, Jalen Green is relegated to the bench. Should that happen, one of either Collin Gillespie or Goodwin will take his spot with the starting group. Assuming that gives the Suns the balance they need to get back to winning ways, Bouyea will again be called upon.
Either to come on with Goodwin in place of Gillespie to replicate what they achieved last season, or else to back up Gillespie in his own way as a more offensive-minded version of Goodwin. He better hope the change is made soon, because until then there are going to be plenty of DNPs in his future. The Suns can't afford to have it any other way.
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