Phoenix Suns: 5 reasons to be excited for 2018-19 NBA season
By Luke Swiatek
4. The point guard battle
At positions 2-5, the Phoenix Suns have nearly guaranteed starters in Devin Booker, Trevor Ariza, Ryan Anderson and Deandre Ayton. The same cannot be said of the point guard slot.
Currently, it seems like a toss-up between De’Anthony Melton and Elie Okobo. Isaiah Canaan is not very good, though he is a dependable veteran. Shaquille Harrison is unlikely to ever start, but stranger things have happened.
That doesn’t even mention the fact that the Suns are still looking to add a true starter via trade, or that they could move Booker to the point if necessary. There are many directions the Suns can pivot to, and it remains to be seen which one they’ll choose.
However, the most entertaining one would probably be a classic position battle. Even if Okobo or Melton wins the starting spot in training camp, that doesn’t mean the issue is settled. If one of them starts to outperform the other during the season, he could easily steal the starting spot right back.
It should be interesting to keep an eye on this battle all year, and it should be equally intriguing to see if head coach Igor Kokoskov rides the hot hand or keeps his lineups consistent. Certainly, point guard will be one of the more exciting positions for the Phoenix Suns this year.