Phoenix Suns: 5 New Year’s Resolutions For 2016
4. Prioritize Alex Len
Simply put, the Tyson Chandler signing is not panning out. A four-year, $52 million gamble to try and lure LaMarcus Aldridge to Phoenix is looking like a lost bet early on, with Chandler averaging a meager 5.3 points, 7.7 rebounds and 0.7 blocks per game on the season.
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The highly vaunted training staff was supposed to supply Chandler with enough Lazarus Pits to keep him going through the end of his contract; he’s already missed eight games due to a hamstring issue. Chandler was supposed to tighten up the Suns’ porous defense; Phoenix ranks 23rd in defensive rating and is actually better with him off the court.
At this point, it’s time to put Chandler’s mentorship of Alex Len to work and place as much emphasis on the young Ukrainian’s development as possible.
On the season, Len is averaging 6.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game. He’s been steadier in the middle than Chandler, even with his recent slump, and with the season being virtually lost, there’s no reason for the two to be splitting minutes anymore. Give the lion’s share to Len and focus on this 22-year-old’s bright future.
Next: No. 3