Phoenix Suns training camp is almost upon us, and three individuals are already trying to earn their way back into the rotation in varying ways ahead of the new season. Let's shine a spotlight on them.
Jalen Green
Green is not like the other two players on this list. Not only is his spot in the rotation assured, but he will likely begin the season as a starter. Or will he? Nobody else has more to lose once camp begins than Green, as he is still playing catch-up after an injury-plagued first season in Phoenix.
His poor fit next to Devin Booker is well documented, which is why it would not be a surprise to see Green coming off the bench as the main storyline ahead of the regular season.
He also has a ton of competition for backcourt minutes with Jordan Goodwin and Collin Gillespie back on new deals, Jamaree Bouyea in The Valley until further notice, and two-way menace Pat Spencer lurking in the background. All are more traditional point guards than Green, which does not make this task any easier for the former second overall pick.
Jamaree Bouyea
Bouyea is right there alongside Green, although he is trying to earn a spot in the backcourt off the bench while also playing for his career in Phoenix. The arrival of center Duop Reath as a training camp invitee means that one of Bouyea or Haywood Highsmith will likely have to go if they want to sign him outright, only increasing the pressure on both.
It feels inevitable that one will go, as they need another big to add to a depth chart now missing Mark Williams through injury and which currently boasts only Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro. With the glut of guards already mentioned, Bouyea is well and truly on the hot seat.
A superb training camp could see the axe swing in Highsmith's direction instead. He is more injury-prone, while Bouyea showed a willingness and ability to defend multiple positions last time out. His return remains far from a guarantee, but he will have an opportunity to showcase himself.
Ryan Dunn
The former first-round draft pick by the Suns was unexpectedly thrown a lifeline in the wake of Williams needing shoulder surgery, and this will be his chance to act on it. The roster is now one meaningful defender short in the frontcourt, and Dunn could solve that problem.
Except he can't shoot consistently, although he had maddeningly short stretches where his 3-point shot looked pure and fell at a respectable clip.
If he can somehow get hot throughout training camp, switch onto all manner of scorers, and do all of the dirty work alongside some starters, Dunn will once again cling to a spot on the second unit. Failure to do so will likely make him the next player out the door.
Perhaps the arrival of Miles Bridges and his offensive tendencies will make the coaching staff realize how good they could have it with Dunn and his desire to defend, but we wouldn't bet on it.
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