The one variable that could cost the Phoenix Suns a championship

Breaking down the Phoenix Suns’ depth

Torrey Craig will most likely assume many of the responsibilities that Johnson and Bridges had. Craig will be asked to step up on the defensive end, help crash the boards be that high-energy guy that can lead the 2nd unit. He can also knock down 3’s, can score around the basket, and can recover on the defensive end if he happens to get beat off the dribble.

One of the most important positions is the point guard position and the Suns should have no worries there. Cameron Payne is Paul’s primary back up but Saban Lee has been playing well lately. He is quick, has good handles, and can finish around the basket. Now in his 5th season, Lee finds himself in a defined role with the Suns. Another high-energy guy coming off the bench, Lee is good at pushing the pace and creating plays. He could see an uptick in minutes and serves as a good insurance policy in the event Payne or Paul can’t suit up.

The biggest factors for Payne are for him to stay confident and have mental toughness and understand that his play can have a major effect on the outcome of a game. Payne must not become lackadaisical but must stay aggressive and keep his teammates engaged and focused. Damion Lee is a player who can also spot start or come off the bench and can score at will if he gets it going. He put up a career-high 31 points off the bench in a loss to the Wolves so we have seen what he is capable of if his number is called.

Lee is also top 5 in the NBA shooting it at a 45 percent clip from downtown.

Big men Jock Landale and Bismack Biyombo are the primary backups at center and both players each bring their own dynamic skill set. Landale is more valuable on the offensive end as he is capable of shooting the long ball, he’s a decent rebounder, and is capable of running the pick-and-roll effectively. He’s good at coming off of screens and finding space near the rim to catch a pass or fight for rebounds.

The Suns’ system complements Landale perfectly and he has been able to have success off the bench and has done enough to earn a spot in the rotation come playoff time. On the other hand, Biyombo is an intimidating, physical force who can protect the rim with his length and agility. If he doesn’t do anything else he remains to be a shot-blocking presence whenever Ayton goes to the bench.

Biyombo also averages 1.3 blocks per game which is the 12th-best in the league. TJ Warren came over with Durant from the Nets and if he can be anywhere near the player he once was before the injuries, this trade will prove to have been well worth it. He is an impressive player with a superb ability to finish at the rim.

He’s not the most athletic player but he knows how to score in a variety of ways from the midrange jump shot, shooting it from long range as well, and being able to attack the basket and get to the foul line. He is a strong and crafty player, and if he can earn the minutes, he will be a very effective player when they need him the most.

Last not but least is the newly acquired Terrance Ross who signed with the Suns after the Orlando Magic bought out his contract. Ross is an experienced veteran who plays aggressively with great movement off the ball. He’s no longer in his prime but is still a solid contributor who is reliable and plays with heart and hunger, exactly what the Suns need.

Maybe he will be the x-factor for the suns as they try and develop chemistry as they attempt to earn a high seed in the upcoming playoff chase.