Phoenix Suns: 5 goals for Tyler Ulis in 2017-18

4. Record 15 double-doubles

This seems like quite a leap for a player who averaged 7.3 points and 3.7 assists per game last year, but it’s actually not — especially if Ulis winds up filling in as a starter in the event of an Eric Bledsoe trade or injury.

Despite receiving limited time until after the All-Star break, Ulis finished fourth among all rookies with six double-doubles — all of which came in the final month of the season. Jumping from six to 15 double-doubles seems like a lot, but keep in mind that 40 players reached at least 15 double-doubles last season.

Less than half of those players were guards posting double-doubles for points and assists, and it’s worth noting that Ulis probably won’t be playing 35-40 minutes a night like he was when he was racking up all those double-doubles.

But Ulis’ 8.1 assists per 36 minutes after the All-Star break ranked 17th in the league during that span, and if increased confidence and minutes are on his side, it’s entirely possible the passing that was infectious down the stretch earns him more opportunities to rack up some extra double-doubles.