When discussing the Phoenix SunsOpinions vary wildly, and that’s part of what makes covering the team so exciting. As a contributor to Bright Side and co-host of the Suns Planet Podcast, I’m excited to engage with fans of our “Valley Boys” around the world and share perspectives. No opinion is definitive, which keeps the conversation alive. I recently came under scrutiny from my fellow Phoenix Suns media content creators for this “hot take.”
And so, I will be there, alone, on this ledge… or not?
Today I’m here to explain why I ranked Grayson Allen as the third best player on the Phoenix Suns roster for the upcoming season.
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When the Phoenix Suns signed Grayson Allen, many of us had our doubts. His reputation as a “dirty player” made us wonder if he would be more of a liability than an asset. But we couldn’t have been more wrong.
Allen has certainly maintained his reputation as a troublemaker and a nuisance on the court, but it’s our opponents who suffer, not us. He’s quickly become a fan favorite at Footprint Center, providing not only entertainment, but a great addition to our roster. Last season, Grayson was a scoring juggernaut. Allen dominated with a .499 field goal percentage. Even more impressive was his .461 three-point shooting percentage, which led not only the Suns, but the entire NBA last season. Suns fans, rejoice: we have the best three-point shooter in the league. That’s pretty good!
But his contributions don’t stop there.
Grayson Allen’s ball-handling abilities are solid, as evidenced by his 95 turnovers last season. To put that into perspective, Kevin Durant had 244, Devin Booker had 178, Jusuf Nurkić had 175, and Bradley Beal had 131. Despite playing the second-most minutes on the team (2,513, just behind Durant’s 2,791), Allen kept his turnovers low. Add to that an average of 3.0 assists per game, and it shows that his turnovers are not only adequate but reliable.
Allen is also a threat on defense with 0.9 steals per game (ranking fourth on the Suns roster). His ability to disrupt the opposition on both ends of the floor makes him a key player for the upcoming season. Whether it’s on offense or defense, Grayson Allen is poised to become a key piece for the Suns this year.
It’s important to remember that Allen started 74 of 75 regular-season games and both playoff games last season. When he was injured, his absence was felt, particularly in terms of scoring, ball-handling and that “disruptive energy” he brings to the field.
This is where the real eye test comes in. With Bradley Beal’s injury history, someone like Grayson will fill the void and this is where Allen moves from fourth to third on the Suns roster. His durability, reliability and overall commitment put him there ahead of everyone else. Grayson Allen doesn’t give up and thrives against competition. He won’t let us down. Beal? I didn’t see him as a one-man showdown.
This season brings new challenges: a new coaching staff, new roles, and a deeper rotation with the addition of two skilled point guards. While this may affect his minutes and possessions, I believe that under coach Mike Budenholzer, Grayson Allen will continue to be one of the team’s most valuable assets. Will he earn a starting role, as many minutes, or be used as often as he has been? Probably not, but time will tell.
That’s the most exciting thing about a new team and new coaches, we have no idea what’s in store for us this season. I know @GraysonJAllen has gone from league villain to Suns hero and I’m rooting for you bro!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe to the Suns Planet podcast for more of my “hot takes.”
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