Phoenix Suns: Alex Len’s Health Key For 2014-15
Between the Super Slash Brothers and the newly acquired Isaiah Thomas, the Phoenix Suns’ backcourt will be the star attraction once again in 2014-15. Goran Dragic, Eric Bledsoe, Thomas, Gerald Green, Archie Goodwin, Tyler Ennis and Zoran Dragic form the league’s deepest backcourt, one that’s bursting with talent, athleticism, youth and promise. But when it comes to weaknesses, defense has long been at the forefront for these fast-paced Suns teams, which begs the question: What can Phoenix expect from its frontcourt, Alex Len in particular?
As of right now, the Suns can expect more of the same: an injured Alex Len. Limited by offseason ankle surgeries and a left knee injury, Len played a grand total of 362 minutes in 42 appearances his rookie season. Phoenix was looking forward to seeing what Len could do in NBA Summer League coming into his second season, but he injured his right pinky finger in his first game and was sidelined until training camp. Len had six points, six rebounds and two blocks in his 25 minutes of Summer League action.
The rave reviews about the improvement of Len (and fellow sophomore Archie Goodwin) have been rolling in since the Suns started training camp. According to Kevin Zimmerman of Valley of the Suns and numerous other reports, Len has put on a lot of muscle, moves quicker, is developing a jumper and overall, looks like one of the most improved players from last year on the Suns’ roster.
Bummer setback for Len. Dragic reiterated yesterday that Len was most improved player in camp. Team was really encouraged by his progress
— Matt Petersen (@TheMattPetersen) October 7, 2014
Unfortunately, Len will once again be on the sidelines for a little while after re-fracturing that right pinky finger. Though the fracture occurred in a different place than the first one (per Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic), this minor setback is still a little bit discouraging. The good news is that the seven-footer’s feet are still okay. The bad news is Len won’t be evaluated until after Phoenix’s first three preseason games.
It may not seem like a big deal to miss three preseason games, but Len’s development at the center position is key to what general manager Ryan McDonough is trying to build in Phoenix. As the No. 5 pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, Len has plenty of potential and could be the future of the center position for the Suns. Len averaged 9.8 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per 36 minutes as a rookie, so there’s clearly a strong foundation to build off of.
The only problem is Len can’t seem to stay healthy long enough to truly show what he can do and possibly challenge Miles Plumlee for the starting spot. A pinky injury isn’t serious, but between his ankles, his knees and now this recurring finger injury, Len seems to be made of paper-mache. At only 21 years old, he still has plenty of time to develop and prove his long-term value far outweighs these early injury concerns. But injury-prone seven-footers typically don’t tend to last very long in this league.
Plumlee was a revelation last season as a viable starting center, but his production tailed off at the end of the season and his post defense definitely leaves something to be desired on a team that needs to improve on that end. In other words, as much as Sky Miles is a pleasant surprise, he may not be the long-term solution at center.
Len, "I won't get discouraged, it's just a pinky." Also added that he can still run and work on his left hand. #Suns
— Jeffrey Sanders (@JeSanders11) October 7, 2014
The Suns will rely on small-ball lineups a lot this season, and there’s already been talk of Markieff Morris logging big minutes at center. Shavlik Randolph is a more versatile offensive player than people realize and although it was an extremely small sample size, he showed some veteran poise last season when he got minutes. But the 2014-15 Suns need a healthy Alex Len, not only to make the playoffs, but also to build team chemistry and cohesion as a unit.
Bledsoe will be in Phoenix for at least another five years. The Morris twins just signed four-year extensions that will kick in one year from now. Thomas is on board for four years. P.J. Tucker re-signed for three years. Goodwin, Ennis, Plumlee and T.J. Warren are all on rookie contracts. And the odds of Goran Dragic leaving his second home in Phoenix as a free agent next summer are slim to none now that the Suns signed his brother to a two-year deal.
The core is locked in; now it just needs time to grow together. The full potential of this young and talented team won’t come to light until Alex Len can stay healthy and start playing some meaningful minutes. A pinky injury isn’t a big deal by itself, but it is yet another detour on an increasingly hazardous road.