PHOENIX SUNS

T.J. Warren’s improved versatility is key for the rising Phoenix Suns

Oct 24, 2018, 1:20 PM

Phoenix Suns' TJ Warren (12) lays up a shot between Golden State Warriors' Jacob Evans, left, and J...

Phoenix Suns' TJ Warren (12) lays up a shot between Golden State Warriors' Jacob Evans, left, and Jonas Jerebko (21) during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, in Oakland, Calif. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

The past six months have marked a period of transition for the Phoenix Suns. With an unproven head coach, a crock of new players and the No. 1 overall pick in center Deandre Ayton, forward T.J. Warren was nearly forgotten.

Now three games into his fifth season, Warren is flourishing as a complimentary scorer despite limited minutes.

Through three games, the 6-foot-8 wing is averaging 20 points on 58.5 percent shooting from the field. Generally viewed as a non-threat from deep over the course of his career, Warren has come out of the gates blazing hot from behind the arc. So far, he’s connected on 8-of-14 three-point attempts in just 70 minutes played.

For reference, Warren played 2,142 minutes over 62 games last season and finished with 20 total three-pointers made. With a solid NBA frame and an improved three-point shot, Warren serves as an integral member of the team’s core rotation.

“You can see what he’s worked on in the offseason,” veteran center Tyson Chandler said. “You know he added the three to his game. T.J. was all mid-range and to the cup, so now he’s able to spread the floor a little more.

“He always can score. Now also I think adding to the mix a new style of basketball – he’s playing the four a little bit – I don’t think there’s many fours that can keep up with him or contain him.”

Although the sample size is small, Warren has become a small-ball aficionado in a short amount of time. Since Phoenix has a deep rotation of valuable small forwards, Warren has spent 41 percent of his time at power forward and a whopping 59 percent of his minutes at center, according to Basketball Reference’s position estimates.

Despite the size and strength disadvantage, Warren has forced defenders to step out and guard the perimeter. This draws opposing big men away from the paint, creating easier lanes to the basket for the rest of the team. In turn, drive-and-kick chances have increased for the perimeter-oriented Suns.

Star guard Devin Booker has certainly noticed a change in Warren’s approach to the game.

“He’s taken it upon himself to go out there and play hard regardless of the situation every night,” Booker said. “It’s showed, he’s performed at a high level every night and we know that we need him if we want to reach the places we want to go.”

Phoenix Suns

Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunks the ball against Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoeni...

Kellan Olson

Who will win trade-off of Timberwolves’ size vs. Suns’ space?

The Minnesota Timberwolves' size and the Phoenix Suns' spacing will make for a fun stylistic clash in the NBA Playoffs.

1 hour ago

Devin Booker and Kevin Durant...

Nick Borgia

Team USA’s Grant Hill delivers Olympics jerseys to Devin Booker and Kevin Durant

Suns stars Devin Booker and Kevin Durant officially accepted the invitation to compete on USA's 12-man squad for the Paris Olympics.

17 hours ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Is overconfidence the biggest concern with the Suns in their playoff series with the Timberwolves?

Having not lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves all season, Wolf & Luke wonder if the Phoenix Suns might be a little overconfident heading into their first round playoff series with them.

22 hours ago

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 10: Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns talks with Bradley Beal #3...

Kellan Olson

Bradley Beal, Jusuf Nurkic must maintain footing for Suns playoffs series vs. T-Wolves

Bradley Beal and Jusuf Nurkic must step up to help the Phoenix Suns' first-round playoff series against the Timberwolves.

1 day ago

...

Arizona Sports Video

Video: Bickley Blast: Can Devin Booker and Kevin Durant have a ‘Golden Summer’

Dan Bickley askes if Kevin Durant and Devin Booker can wins a gold medal and an NBA championship in the same summer during his Bickley Blast.

1 day ago

Victor Wembanyama defends Bradley Beal...

Kevin Zimmerman

James Jones touts Bradley Beal’s balance as Suns’ playoffs begin

Bradley Beal found a groove late in the regular season. James Jones spoke on him settling into his role before the playoffs.

2 days ago

T.J. Warren’s improved versatility is key for the rising Phoenix Suns