Phoenix Suns’ Alex Len looking to stay fresh for long season, playoff run

It’s not uncommon for veteran NBA players to sit out the one of back-to-back games to help reduce the rigors a long, 82-game regular season can present.

It is uncommon, however, for a 22-year-old player entering his third season to sit out the second of consecutive games — in the Las Vegas Summer League, no less.

That’s exactly what Phoenix Suns center Alex Len did earlier this week. After playing 28 minutes in the team’s summer opener against Washington last Saturday, Len sat out Sunday’s loss to Houston.

The 7-foot-1 Ukrainian was back on the floor Tuesday night in the Suns’ 91-82 win over the Utah Jazz. Len contributed eight points and 14 rebounds in 23 minutes.

After the game, Len was asked about sitting out during back-to-backs. He had a clear answer.

“You don’t want to go too hard too early,” Len said. “The season is long and we’re trying to make the playoffs, I think. You’ve got to be careful with that.”

Len admitted to feeling fresh after getting the off day and the Suns are undoubtedly choosing to be careful with the former fifth-overall pick. Len has been bothered by foot, ankle and finger injuries during his short time in the league.

There is also a possibility that Len could suit up for Team Ukraine later this summer in the FIBA Eurobasket, which runs from Sept. 5 through Sept. 20.

The big man was non-committal when asked about his future participation.

“I don’t know, I haven’t thought about it yet,” he said.

The Summer Suns will be back on the court at COX Pavilion Thursday when they take on the winner of a tournament game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Houston Rockets. If they lose that, they’d play next on Friday afternoon, but a win would give them another off-day and a Saturday afternoon game.