Hoops Habit
Fansided

Phoenix Suns: 5 Steps To Reaching The Playoffs

By Gerald Bourguet

Oct 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Phoenix won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (2) during a game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Phoenix won 99-87. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Phoenix Suns
Oct 9, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward T.J. Warren (12) shoots the basketball in the second half of the NBA game against the Utah Jazz at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Jazz 101-85. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Warren’s Breakout Season

For the time being, P.J. Tucker will remain the team’s starting small forward, which makes sense given his superior defense, rebounding and the intangible hustle skills he brings to the table. But backup small forward T.J. Warren got reps with the starters at training camp and if Tucker’s not careful, he could find himself coming off the bench before long.

Whether Warren works his way into the starting rotation a la Alex Len in 2014-15 is irrelevant; either way, Warren could be on the cusp of a breakout season after an important summer of development. He may not be able to spread the floor from three-point territory yet, but the other skills that Warren brings to the table are undeniable.

Heading into his second season in the league, Warren’s rookie numbers (6.1 PPG, 52.8 FG%) are hardly indicative of a player ready for a breakout year. But whenever Warren has earned extended minutes, he’s been an unstoppable scorer, from the end of last season’s regular season games to NBA Summer League to his most recent preseason performances.

Warren led the Suns in scoring during the preseason and made the All-NBA Summer League First Team over the offseason. His midrange game is deadly, his off-the-ball cutting injects some much-needed life into an offense that often grows stagnant and his ability to finish around the rim is impressive for a 22-year-old.

He’s worked hard over the last few months to improve his defense (one of the biggest flaws in his game) and if he earns a starting spot, the Suns will be in a good place. But even if he doesn’t, Phoenix still needs him to have a breakout season — even in a sixth man role.

Luckily for Warren, he just so happens to possess the kind of skill set that will allow him to put up points in limited bursts with the reserves. If he’s able to do that consistently this season, the Suns will enjoy his scoring punch off the bench and Phoenix’s added depth will be a serious problem for other team’s backups.

Next: No. 4

Home/Phoenix Suns