2. Earn the starting small forward role
This is probably the most unrealistic goal of the group, but for all the wings Phoenix has on its roster, there’s a lot of instability in the group. Devin Booker is the star 2-guard, while Trevor Ariza will be the starting small forward (or power forward, if Ryan Anderson is moved to the bench). However, if the season goes south, Ariza could be a buyout or trade candidate.
Josh Jackson is supposed to be the starting 3 of the future, but after an up-and-down rookie year, no one knows what to expect from him in year 2. T.J. Warren is the most experienced wing and established scorer among the younger small forwards, but he’s also the most expendable one of the group. Davon Reed is basically a rookie, while Troy Daniels‘ minutes shouldn’t be a priority.
Mikal Bridges doesn’t take anything off the table. That is invaluable on a team full of players with stark contrasts between strengths and weaknesses.
— Max (@maxmcc11) July 8, 2018
That’s a lot of competition, but the only guys with the coveted 3-and-D skill-set are Ariza and Bridges. Booker will get minutes because, duh, and Ariza will be on the floor for his two-way game and experience. After that, it’s a crapshoot.
Warren could be moved and Jackson could flounder again. If Bridges can prove himself as a reliable two-way presence, he may have a puncher’s chance of earning a starting role once the Suns start making their inevitable roster moves — and ideally before tanking comes into play.