NBA: 10 players facing make or break seasons in 2017-18

6 of 11

PHOENIX, AZ – MARCH 05: Alex Len #21 of the Phoenix Suns handles the ball against Amir Johnson #90 of the Boston Celtics during the NBA game at Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 5, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Suns defeated the Celtics 109-106. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Alex Len, C, Phoenix Suns

Entering his fifth season, Alex Len has yet to emerge for the Phoenix Suns. Now entering the last year of his contract, Len has a lot to prove to the Suns and to the NBA. For his career, Len has averaged 6.9 points and 6.2 rebounds on 46 percent shooting. For a person who is a massive 7-foot-1 and 260 pounds, you would want to see better than 46 percent from the field. Len did progress in some areas last season where he posted career highs in true shooting percentage at 55.3 percent, PER at 15.04, rebound rate at 17.8 and a career low turnover rate at 14.6.

The problem with Len is he is a post player who is not good in the post. He also isn’t a great midrange shooter, even though he shoots a decent 72 percent from the free throw line. Len’s best offense is simply setting screens and rolling hard for duck ins and easy finishes is probably his best use.

Even though he only averaged 20 minutes a game last season, Len is likely the starting center for Phoenix this season. For his playing time to go up Len must master the little things. Not what you expect out of a fifth overall pick, but I think its safe to say Len will never be a star. That doesn’t mean he can’t average 11 points, eight rebounds and be an above average defender. If Len dominates the glass, gets a few more putbacks and gets back to blocking shots he is a quality starting center for the Suns. If not, he will never be anything more than a rotational big for bad teams.

Home/NBA News