Phoenix Suns: Alex Len Developing into Franchise Center

On June 27, 2013, the Phoenix Suns officially committed to the future by selecting center Alex Len with the No. 5 overall selection in the NBA Draft. Len was Phoenix’s first Top 5 pick since Armon Gilliam in 1987 and its first Top 10 selection since Luol Deng in 2004, whom was later traded for a pick that turned into Nate Robinson and later became Kurt Thomas and the draft rights to Dijon Thompson.

In other words, Phoenix’s history with early draft picks hasn’t always worked out.

On a more optimistic note, Len became the first Top 10 pick to complete a season with the Suns since Amar’e Stoudemire in 2002 and Shawn Marion in 1999. Both players were instrumental in the glorious, “Seven Seconds or Less,” days.

The hope is that Len can help restore legitimacy to Phoenix’s championship aspirations.

The Ukrainian is a skilled player who blocks shots, crashes the boards and scores with intriguing finesse. He’s also 21 years old, which has many excited about his untapped potential.

In 2014-15, Len is beginning to show signs of becoming what Phoenix drafted him to be: the franchise center.

Competitive Edge

According to NBA.com, Alex Len is holding opponents to 53.3 percent shooting when he meets them at the rim. That’s far from an elite number, but it’s one that fails to tell the entire story.

Len may not yet be a dominant rim protector, but he’s providing something invaluable to a perimeter-oriented Suns team: all-out effort and a competitive edge on the defensive end of the floor.

Much of what Len offers can’t be measured by statistics, whether basic or advanced. Len’s blocking shots and becoming a legitimate double-double threat, but the true value is in his desire to make plays on defense.

Whether he’s sending shots back or denying an entry pass, Len isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty.

Previously viewed as a finesse player who lacks the toughness to thrive, Len has been a pleasant surprise.

Admittedly, I was just as skeptical.

Len isn’t only swatting shots as a help defender, but lunging at the ball to disrupt passes into the post—whether it’s coming to his man or the 4. He’s not only dominating the glass, but boxing out players to enable his teammates to pull down boards.

After a brutal rookie season that was marred by injury and inconsistency, Len is beginning to show the poise and knowhow that made him such an intriguing prospect.

What might be the most telling play of Len’s season thus far came in Phoenix’s 107-100 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It wasn’t a block or a fancy finish, but instead a play in which he was dunked on.

Around the 7:58 mark of the first quarter, LeBron James threw down a ferocious up-and-under dunk in Len’s face.

The reason you should be impressed is simple: Len didn’t give up on the play against a superstar who routinely forces defenses to clear out when he’s on the drive.

Len didn’t clear out. He competed.

This has become the very definition of Len’s present day and future value to the Suns. He may not be the most polished player, but he’s instinctive and committed.

On the topic of upside, Len has every tool to become one of the best defensive centers in the NBA.

Offensive Presence

When a player isn’t the focal point of an offense, the only thing that a coach can ask of them is to play within their abilities. Inefficiency is generally a result of a player attempting to do more than they’re capable.

Offensively, Alex Len understands what his role is. He’s done an excellent job of filling it.

Arguably the most difficult aspect of a new NBA player’s transition is adjusting to their usage. Players may fill a specific role, as Len does, but they’re often tasked with changing their priorities mid-game, as Len is commonly asked to do.

Regardless of where his focus lies, Len has thrived.

One of Len’s best traits is his willingness to pull down an offensive board and get the ball back out to the perimeter. This enables Phoenix’s offense to complete another full possession rather than having an interior player rush a shot in traffic.

Thus far, Len’s averaging 2.0 offensive rebounds in 20.4 minutes.

Len’s also dynamic when he faces up in the high-post due to his ability to take his man off-the-bounce. He’s not the most explosive athlete, nor is his mid-range game prolific, but he has a good first step, long strides and he finishes in a variety of ways at the rim.

For a team that lacks size, the fact that Len stands at 7’1″ doesn’t hurt, either.

Providing Size

This past offseason, the Phoenix Suns committed to a Don Nelson-esque vision by signing three high-profile point guards. All three net significant playing time, which helps establish one very important truth: Phoenix is terribly undersized.

Alex Len helps to create some balance.

Len stands at 7’1″ and 255 pounds with a massive 7’4″ wingspan. He’s put that size and length to use to post respectable season averages of 6.3 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 20.4 minutes per game.

That translates to per 36 numbers of 11.1 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.6 blocks.

As his playing time has increased, Len’s statistics have reflected his per-minute efficiency.

In eight January games, Len is averaging 8.1 points, 9.0 rebounds, 2.8 offensive boards and 2.9 blocks in 25.3 minutes. He’s recorded four games with double-digit rebound numbers and has three outings with at least five blocks.

With youth on his side, the former Maryland Terrapins star is providing exactly what Phoenix needs from him.

When the Suns require a basket from an interior player, Len’s stepping up with efficient finishing in the paint. When Phoenix needs a strong screen for a perimeter scorer, he’s flashing out to the perimeter with commendable agility.

Defensively, it’s been everything from a blocked shot to a tipped pass to the proper rotation to cut off a driving lane.

Admittedly, there remains a massive divide between star status and Len’s current placement on the NBA spectrum. What he continues to prove, however, is that the stage isn’t too big for him.

Youth, size and a will to be great all combine into one promising reality: Len is progressively becoming the Suns’ franchise center.

Next: Who should the Phoenix Suns be targeting in the 2015 NBA Draft?