Phoenix Suns: The Alex Len Dilemma
The Most Important Stretch Of Len’s Career?
With Dragan Bender sidelined for another 3-5 weeks, the Suns probably won’t get another look at a Marquese Chriss-Bender pairing in the frontcourt this season, which is a seemingly premature yet important aspect to consider when weighing Len’s future fit.
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But with two 19-year-old rookies unlikely to flash long-term potential together anyway, the Suns could at least attempt to answer their lingering frontcourt question by giving Alex Len’s starter’s minutes. It’s not just about giving him more action; it’s about playing him against other starters and seeing how he holds up in extended time.
A Tyson Chandler trade would simplify everything, and even reward Alan Williams for all his positive attitude as he tries to crack an NBA rotation. But if general manager Ryan McDonough doesn’t move one of the team’s best locker room leaders, it could be as straight forward as, you know, just starting Len already.
From avoiding fouls to putting up respectable numbers to not tanking the defense to seeing if his body can physically hold up, there are plenty of reasons Alex Len needs to be on the court — ahead of Tyson Chandler — as the Phoenix Suns enter the home stretch of a developmental season.
"“The truth is, we have to put him in a better position,” Watson said. “It’s not always just the player, it’s the coach allowing the player to go through his challenges as well throughout the minutes of the game and that’s what we decided to do through the rest of the season is pan off.”"
Will Watson stay true to his word? Only time will tell, even as the mounting losses continue to make it clear that the youth should be priority No. 1.
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One thing is for certain though: Coming out of the All-Star break and heading into such an important free agency decision, it’s probably time for “the quintessential Alex Len game” to take on a new meaning.