NBA: Power Ranking Every Team’s Bench Unit Entering 2016-17
By Mason McFee
24. Phoenix Suns
Starters – Brandon Knight, Devin Booker, P.J. Tucker, Jared Dudley, Alex Len
Bench – Eric Bledsoe, Leandro Barbosa, T.J. Warren, Dragan Bender, Tyson Chandler
7SOL will not be returning to the Valley of the Suns this season, but a bright future and a coach that’s loved by the players aren’t bad consolation prizes.
Earl Watson will be leading a team that has had one of the more underrated offseasons, especially if it all meshes together.
The Suns drafted a pair of high-risk, high-reward big men to be their frontcourt of the future in Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss. If they live up to the hype, the Suns suddenly have one of the youngest cores to build a dynasty.
Even if that does happen, the Suns need to focus on competing this season while developing their young talent. I think these ‘combo’ lineups (if you will) give the Suns just that.
Brandon Knight was signed to a long-term extension shortly after being acquired from the Bucks, and has had some monster games. He’s a combo-scoring guard who is a decent set up man.
Booker is still only 19 years old, and is unbelievably good. When he’s hot, he’s hot and seemingly can’t miss. He can shoot from 3, drive to the basket….. just watch highlights. My words won’t do him justice.
P.J. Tucker and Jared Dudley are veterans who will serve as stopgaps for part of the season until Watson decides to give the keys to Warren and Bender. Len or Chandler will probably be traded to make room for Chriss when he’s ready, but I’m getting ahead of myself.
Eric Bledsoe is coming off a meniscus tear, and will need to be eased back into NBA action. He’s an electrifying player to watch, but Watson may keep him on the bench to (rightfully) give the starting 2 job to Booker for good versus playing a 2-PG set.
Barbosa is back where it all began to mentor the young players. He showed during his time with the Warriors he can still contribute and compete at a high level, so this was a solid signing.
Warren has received inconsistent playing time like Alex Len, but I think is the future 3 for the Suns. This may be the season he breaks through.
Bender was drafted No. 4 overall, but is the backup 4 for now. He has potential, but needs to add frame and get used to the NBA previously playing internationally.
Tyson Chandler was a desperation signing to lure LaMarcus Aldridge, but instead ending up not playing his best basketball last season. He was consistent, just not the player he once was and was unfairly criticized for it being on a rebuilding team.
The starting and bench units will probably be doing a lot of mixing and matching this season, so their bench was hard to construct and rank; until I see some Suns games, I won’t rank them any higher.
Next: No. 23