Phoenix Suns T.J. Warren (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
After a dismal 2-10 start to the season, it is hard to focus on any single bright spot for the Phoenix Suns. More than a few 20+ point losses and still without any starting-caliber point guard, it feels as if things are getting worse before they are getting better.
Barring a miracle, the Phoenix Suns will have another top pick in the 2019 draft, but as the team continues to disappoint, it has made it comes clear which players are outplaying the rest. Here is a list of the few guys who have impressed through the first twelve games.
3. T.J. Warren
An improved jump shot, offensive game, and increased activity on defense has me certain T.J. Warren is ahead of Trevor Ariza on the depth chart.
Mikal Bridges has impressed at times, and looks like he has the potential to be a pretty big deal in this league. But just 12 games into the 2018-19 campaign, it is hard for me to say he has impressed as much as Warren.
The 5th year vet still shows inconsistency, but his improved 3-point shooting has certainly made him much more versatile, somewhat helping those inconsistency woes. Last year Warren shot 22% from 3-point range.
In 11 games this season, he is shooting 48%.
Apart from the improved trey-ball, Warren continues to show his scoring ability in Kokoskov’s system. Warren is averaging 16 points in just 26 minutes shooting near 47% from the floor.
Warren has already had multiple impressive outings, and was one of many few bright spots in this past weekend’s game against the Pelicans.
The NC State product continues to make the simply play on offense, and is proving to his coach that he is capable of putting the ball in the net.
The Suns can only hope that Warren continues to improve his game and add to his arsenal.
Whether his best role is off the bench or starting is still up for debate among the Suns community.
Regardless, Warren has impressed, and should be considered the Suns’ third option if he isn’t already.