How The Phoenix Suns Became Fun Again

Tyler The Creator

Whether you prefer “Ant-Man,” “Tyler the Creator” or “The Micro Machine” as Tyler Ulis’ new nickname, there’s no question that this 21-year-old rookie has been the most exhilarating part of this whole Suns youth movement.

Since the All-Star break, Ulis has put up 9.4 points, 5.4 assists and 1.3 steals in his 20.4 minutes per game, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor, 40 percent from long range and 90.9 percent from he foul line.

He also just so happened to knock down the game-winner against the Boston Celtics that serves as the perfect display for what makes the Suns fun again.

https://twitter.com/Suns/status/838876880103079936

Against Boston, where he made his game-winner from the exact same spot as his D-League game-winner last summer, Ulis finished with a career-high 20 points and five assists on 8-of-12 shooting.

Until Tuesday night’s Washington matchup in which he was a -25 in 22 minutes during a game featuring huge runs on both sides, Ulis had posted a +3.8 point differential since the All-Star break.

It’s not surprising, then, to learn that the backup who’s recorded 38 assists to only nine turnovers in that same span has been a boon to Phoenix’s lackluster assist department:

• Suns assist numbers before ASB:  18.6 APG (30th), 47.5 AST% (29th), 18-39 record
• Suns assist numbers after ASB:   24.6 APG (7th), 55.8 AST% (20th), 3-4 record

"“Post-All-Star break you’ll see another rise [in offense] because of the way we’re getting assists,” Watson explained. “And that’s just Tyler Ulis coming off the bench, making it happen.”"

Ulis can’t take all the credit for such a drastic turnaround in the way Phoenix has moved the ball, but he’s a huge part of it in a second unit that’s surprised some people.

His court vision and ability to bend defenses to his will is uncommon for any 21-year-old rookie, let alone one that stands at 5’9″.

In matchups against Kemba Walker, Russell Westbrook, Isaiah Thomas and John Wall, Ulis came into the game, hounded All-Star point guards for the full length of the court and made Eric Bledsoe’s job easier by helping wear them down.

"“Someone just asked me this, ‘These young guys play so uncool,’” Watson said. “There’s no ‘cool’ way to win in this league and I love it. Tyler Ulis doesn’t care about picking up full court. It’s not the most attractive thing, you don’t get a highlight for it, but somehow Kemba Walker got tired.”"

Watson has said all season long that Ulis was ready, and now that he’s actually getting the minutes, those words have proven to be more than baseless encouragement to keep a young player’s confidence intact.

"“It’s about experience and early in the season I didn’t get much, but when I did I tried to make the most of my opportunity,” Ulis said. “I learned from Bled, learned from Brandon [Knight] and now that I’ve played four or five games straight, I’m starting to get in better rhythm and our group is starting to get in better rhythm with each other, recognizing how each other plays.”"

Ulis’ contributions aren’t limited to his hounding defense and his passing ability, however. As he did at Kentucky, Ulis has scored the ball at a surprisingly efficient level despite being so undersized.

After the Boston game, Ulis mentioned he’s started watching more film of Isaiah Thomas, another small player who is currently second in the league in scoring. With Ulis’ well-rounded game, the Suns are thankful to have found such a quality backup in the second round of last year’s draft.

"“He makes it hard for the other starters, he’s guarding starting point guards most of the time,” Booker said. “At the same time I think what’s surprising a lot of people is his ability to score. Everybody looked at him as a pass-first point guard but he can pretty much do it all.”"