Are the Suns Finally Bucking the Trend?

By: Michael A. Chase Jr.

11/16/2019

         The Phoenix Suns are playing well to the surprise of myself and other observers. They are currently 7-4 on the season, playing some much improved basketball. Plus, the fact that they are doing this without their star young center Deandre Ayton makes this start even more promising. They have gotten key production from their established stars, while benefitting from contributions from unlikely sources. All in all, it equates to a promising start for a Suns team that as a franchise has not made the playoffs since the 2009-2010 campaign. The question now is if this start is sustainable for Phoenix? While identifying what has and must continue to occur for this early success to last this season.

            One of the main reasons for the Phoenix Suns success is the significant contributions from some unlikely players. These players include Center Aaron Baynes and Forwards Frank Kaminsky and Dario Saric. These three players have all contributed to their new team far more production then even the Suns anticipated. Providing Phoenix with solid role players that have helped diversify their frontcourt production.

            The biggest surprise of this group in terms of overall performance must be Aaron Baynes. Who came to the Suns to fortify their back-up Center spot but has thrived in a starting role due to Deandre Ayton’s suspension. Baynes is averaging 15.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists while starting 10 of the 11 games the Suns have played. After Ayton was suspended after the opener Baynes has stepped in flawlessly to fill the void. Shooting efficiently from the floor at 57.1%% and a great 46.8% from three-point range. Baynes has also brought a toughness and leadership to this young group as a veteran player. Bringing experience from his time with winning organizations like San Antonio and Boston to a franchise in need of culture improvement. Baynes may not continue to start upon Ayton’s return, but he will continue to be needed to produce from the center spot until Ayton returns, and thereafter.

            For The two forward Kaminsky and Saric their impact has been key in providing Phoenix with production from the power forward spot. A position that has not seen consistent production in years for the Suns. Saric who arrived this offseason after time split in Philadelphia and Minnesota last year is averaging 11.3 points and 6 rebounds as the starter opposite Baynes currently on the front line.  Kaminsky is as his primary backup putting up 10.6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Thus, both players are giving reliable production across the board. Add in both can stretch the floor and make threes while being solid free throw shooters and this a very nice combination Phoenix has. Both do need to up their shooting percentages slightly, shooting just 46% and 41.3% respectively but that will come as they both continue to settle in. Overall Phoenix has gotten strong production from these three frontcourt players. These players have given the Suns more than they were anticipating, and as we know with good teams you need role players to step up.

            The other key reason for the Suns hot start is because of the play of two of their young stars. These being shooting guard Devin Booker and small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. Both players have taken their game up a level and thus are helping spearhead an improving Suns team. Booker is averaging 25.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists on the year. While shooting 53.7% from the floor, 50.0% from three and 94.3% from the free throw line. Oubre is pouring in 16.9 points and 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 48.1% from the field and 33.3% from three. These two young stars will have to continue to be such for Phoenix to go far this year. Both have already compiled some early big games have shown they may be ready for this responsibility. Booker has already had a couple signature moments this season that have seen him gain the deserved recognition as a true developing superstar. Booker scored 40 points in an impressive win over the Philadelphia 76ers, had 30 points and 8 assists in a win over the LA Clippers. Even 27 and 9 assists in a victory over Brooklyn displaying he is not just putting up big numbers. He is doing it against some of the league’s best teams which is key. For Oubre it is his consistency that has been his best attribute so far this season. As he is giving Phoenix another solid scoring option to Booker and point guard Ricky Rubio on the perimeter. He and scored in double figures in all but one game this season for the Suns. While scoring at least 15 points in 8 of Phoenix’s 11 games. If Oubre can continue this trend of consistent scoring is along with Booker will lead the Suns to further success as two of the leaders of this team.

            In the end with all these players factoring, the question remains can the Suns continue this good start to the year. My answer right now is yes but with a caveat for this young group. It first starts with their need for further defensive improvement, as their defensive rating sit in the middle of the pack at 105. They must continue to defend better as a group, especially to keep competing with some of the more offensively gifted team in the Western Conference. If they can bring down their 110.5 points allowed per game number which ranks 16th in the NBA, then they have a good shot to stay in the race. Plus, if they keep defending the 3 better holding opponents currently to 34.2% from behind the arc. Then in a three-point happy league their defense will keep them in a lot of games. They also need to rebound better as a team, because Ricky Rubio leading this team in rebounding a 6.3 a game is not a flattering stat. When Ayton returns this should be fixed, but better production on the boards will be just as necessary for Phoenix to grow into a playoff contender.

Overall Phoenix especially when Deandre Ayton returns has a great shot to be in the playoff race if they continue this trend in strong play. They will need their young stars to continue to ascend, with their role players keeping up their production. Throw in some improvement defensively and better team rebounding, and you got a recipe that may end a cycle of futility in Phoenix. Whether they make the playoffs is a different discussion, but by building on these early results that idea may not be too far-fetched.