NBA Season Preview 2018-19: The Suns have a roster for relevance

By Ben Ladner | Oct 10, 2018

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 2: Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the Phoenix Suns NBA all access practice on October 2, 2018, at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 1: Trevor Ariza #3 of the Phoenix Suns is introduced during a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings on October 1, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Small Forward

Starter: Trevor Ariza

Depth: Mikal Bridges, Josh Jackson, T.J. Warren

Warren appears to be the odd man out at this stage. His size and scoring ability will likely translate to a solid NBA career with some team, but given the depth and upside against which he’s currently competing, that team may not be Phoenix. Over four seasons in the NBA, Warren has shot just 28 percent on 3-pointers, and though he averaged over 19 points per game last season, isn’t good enough with the ball in his hands to supplant Booker or Ayton as the team’s primary or secondary option. In that context, Warren’s value meaningfully depreciates, and players like Jackson and Bridges would better complement the Suns’ stars.

Kokoškov will likely play three or four wings at once, alternating between small lineups with Jackson, Ariza or Warren at power forward and supersized units with size and length at every position. The lack of a starting-caliber point guard on the roster could allow for Jackson, Bridges or Warren to experiment with the ball in their hands.