The Phoenix Suns signing Kennedy Chandler to a training camp deal was a move that made a lot of sense. However, that was before the new and improved Jalen Green showed up, saying all of the right things about being more of a point guard for this group. It has likely put an end to Chandler's chances of sticking in The Valley before they even started.
Green changing style of play to hold down starting spot
The former second overall pick arrived at media day and immediately spoke about working with one of the best point guards of all time in Steve Nash to get a better grasp of pace of play. If Green can become more comfortable handling the ball, setting up his teammates, and reading the defense to make the right pass, the starting spot alongside Devin Booker will be his for the season.
That's bad news for the undersized Chandler, as the thought process behind giving him a shot at camp came as a result of the Suns having enough defensive-minded guards and wings to slow down opponents. Even Miles Bridges surprisingly got in on the action, which should be another huge boost to Green's chances of sticking with the starting five.
He can now take the ball off Booker some to tee up his teammates, while also morphing back into the score-first two-guard on many possessions. There is no room for Chandler in that scenario because of the slew of other guards who will be vying to back up Green.
Collin Gillespie and Jordan Goodwin are the next duo up, while Jamaree Bouyea is still on this roster. Pat Spencer is in Phoenix on a two-way deal and has already said all of the right things about expanding his own role before long.
Khaman Maluach unlikely key to Chandler sticking
All is not lost, as center Khaman Maluach has been given a huge push by the franchise out of the gate and is expected to be their starting center before long. Whichever guard can figure out how to cultivate an impactful two-man game with the South Sudanese big man at training camp might just be kept around long-term.
Chandler has the opportunity to do just that, and could use his quickness and scoring burst around Maluach's hulking frame to give the coaching staff something to think about.
The odds were always stacked against Chandler to survive beyond training camp, and this new and energized version of Green, who also appears to finally be healthy, has made that goal as difficult as ever to achieve.
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