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Phoenix Suns: Examining The Youngsters 2 Weeks Into 2016-17 Season

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring in overtime of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) celebrates with teammates after scoring in overtime of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. The Suns defeated the Pelicans 112-111 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
Oct 26, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Garrett Temple (17) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (8) during the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Kings defeated the Suns 113-94. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Tyler Ulis Trying To Find His Way Off The Bench

Despite being the most NBA-ready rookie of the Suns’ trio, Tyler Ulis has been unable to crack Earl Watson’s rotation in its earliest stages. The backup guard has played a grand total 34 minutes over four appearances, averaging 2.0 points, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per game in that limited time.

He hasn’t seen action in the team’s last five games, racking up the DNP-CDs behind a crowded backcourt rotation of Bledsoe, Booker, Knight and Leandro Barbosa.

In the season opener, however, he spearheaded a strong effort by the rookies to help get Phoenix back into what was an early blowout, providing far more value than his two points, one assist, one steal, one rebound and one block indicated on the stat sheet.

He also flashed his potential in a season-high 18 minutes against the Clippers, putting up four points, six assists, two rebounds and two steals despite 1-of-5 shooting.

“I’m getting a chance,” he said after the season opener. “[Watson] threw me in the game, we’re down 20 but you have to play like it’s 0-0. That’s something Devin talked to me about and we just had a conversation at dinner about that. I just come in and try to do what I can.”

As the season progresses, Watson will hopefully be able to find time for an intelligent, hard-working rookie who was the total package in college. His 5’10” frame will probably prevent him from ever being a star, but all the Suns really need is a competent backup for the future.

Next: 2016-17 NBA Power Rankings: Week 3

If he can be that player, use his high basketball IQ to overcome his size disadvantage, play annoyingly persistent defense and manage the offense when the starters need a breather, this 20-year-old rookie will be able to fill a long-term role in Phoenix.

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