Overview:
What’s not to like about the Phoenix Suns? They’re full of solid rotation players worthy of a fantasy roster on anybody’s team. Though they lack a true superstar, Phoenix does things by committee which is a ‘glass half full, glass half empty’ type of thing depending on who’s looking.
If I have it my way, I think the pros does outweigh the cons and it’s the reason why this team is at least 7-deep when it comes to roster-worthy hoopsters.
Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight looks like the front office’s backcourt of choice going forward and while the Markieff Morris debacle doesn’t have a foreseeable solution, the Suns look solid up front with Tyson Chandler and Alex Len (with Jon Leuer and Mirza Teletovic).
The roster looked pretty balanced in terms of position (not too many guards and wings) with Chandler’s experience would be a major plus especially for the young big guys like Morris (assuming he stays), Len, and Leuer.
Breakout Candidate: Brandon Knight
Chandler’s presence is beneficial for the young guys especially in the long run but a productive guy who has his pedigree will end up eating a lot of those minutes. If he’s not there, this could be Alex Len’s year but I guess we have to wait a little longer for that to happen.
Having said that, I’m crossing my fingers and hope Brandon Knight’s largely awful 11 games in a Suns uniform is the exception and won’t be the norm. Knight averaged a hideous 13.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists and in much awful shooting percentages (31.3 % from deep and 35.7% overall.)
In 52 games with the Bucks, Knight is a superstar going by averages of 17.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals and better shooting percentages (40% from deep, 43% overall).
In my book, 52 trumps 11 any time of the day.
P.S. He does seem to like dunking on his now-Phoenix teammates
Bust Candidate: Devin Booker
One look at the numbers from the past year and you’ll immediately recognize there won’t be enough PT to come around especially for a rookie. Eric Bledsoe eats 34 minutes, Knight at 32 minutes, while designated defender P.J. Tucker claims 30 minutes of his own.
That’s simple mathematics.
Deep League Sleeper: TJ Warren
Warren is the other, lesser-known reason to believe Devin Booker’s fantasy stardom won’t happen in 2015-16.
Over the past 10 games last season, Warren got himself some nice diverse numbers. He averaged 9.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.8 assists with some defensive promise (1.1 steals and 0.7 blocks) in 26 minutes. His throwback, I’m-not-going-to-do-anything-crazy type of game netted him 51% of his shots but his deep shooting leaves a lot to be desired (16.7%) during that span.
Next on Fantasy Basketball Team Preview: Charlotte Hornets
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas/ USA Today Sports
