Phoenix Suns’ Alex Len set for Las Vegas Summer League
Jul 7, 2015, 2:47 PM | Updated: Jul 8, 2015, 12:04 pm
PHOENIX — Hopefully the third time is the charm for Phoenix Suns center Alex Len and the Las Vegas Summer League.
As a rookie, Len didn’t participate at all due to ankle surgery. In year two, he missed the final four games after suffering a broken finger three quarters into the opener.
This is an important time for the 22-year-old as the focus for him has gone from being a key cog in the starting lineup back to developing and contributing off the bench. Len understands what his role will be with the soon-to-be official addition of former Defensive Player of the Year Tyson Chandler.
“Obviously he’s going to start,” said Len about Chandler. “He’s an All-Star-caliber player. My mentality right now is trying to get better every day, trying to come early and trying to get ready for the season.”
Chandler’s presence doesn’t mean Len won’t have a chance to contribute. The veteran big man has only averaged 30 minutes per game the last two seasons and hasn’t averaged 35 or more since 2007-2008. When he was at his peak, helping the Dallas Mavericks win an NBA championship in 2011, Chandler only played 27.8 MPG. At 33, that type of playing time could very well be what he is best suited for.
Summer League starts for the Suns on Saturday in a matchup with the Washington Wizards at 3:00 p.m. When Suns fans tune in they can expect to see a lot from Len.
“What he is, he’s man in the middle that can really protect that rim for us,” said summer league head coach Nate Bjorkgren. “Offensively, he’s very skilled. You’re going to see him diving to the rim, catching making plays and finishing, he can step out to the arc and shoot the three.”
Game two of Phoenix’s Las Vegas schedule is Sunday versus the Houston Rockets and they also play Tuesday opposite the Utah Jazz. After those three contests, the Suns are guaranteed at least more games in the league’s tournament phase.
All Las Vegas Summer League games will be played at either the COX Pavilion or Thomas & Mack Center.
