Arizona Sports Roundtable: Who or what will be the Suns’ biggest disappointment?

The anticipation is immense. The expectations aren’t as high. Together, it makes for a unique lead-in to a Phoenix Suns season. The Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s Empire of the Suns blog is previewing the 2016-17 season by asking our on-air, online and Suns-centric personalities to speak their minds.

In today’s roundtable, we ask: Who or what will be the Suns’ biggest disappointment?

Previous editions:

— What’s the Suns’ best-case scenario for 2016-17?

— What’s the worst-case scenario for the Suns?

— Who will be the most impactful Suns rookie this season?

—  Who will be the Suns’ most improved player?

— Who or what will be the biggest surprise for the Suns?

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Craig Grialou: I want Alex Len to be successful, but he still has to prove to me 1) he can stay on the court (i.e. health and foul trouble) and 2) he can perform more consistently. It’s been a roller-coaster thus far with Len in terms of injuries and brief periods of success. Until he shows it, Len would be my pick as a potential disappointment.

Kellan Olson: The depth on the bench. Marquese Chriss has been a revelation in the preseason, but his rebounding numbers, defensive miscues and foul trouble should creep up eventually. Alex Len has been anything but consistent and Leandro Barbosa is just a support player at this point in his career. Brandon Knight and T.J. Warren will have to do some heavy lifting.

Vince Marotta: Unfortunately, I’m going with Bender here. The ceiling remains high, but he looks a little overwhelmed so far. Of course, I’m basing this on three preseason games, but have you ever seen somebody learning to dance, and they have to audibly count to stay in rhythm? That’s what Dragan looks like to me at this point. He’s only 19 and needs to get stronger, so I don’t think this “disappointment” will be a major one at the end of the season.

Bryan Gibberman: Alex Len’s offense continues to stagnate and his NBA role looks to be that of a backup center.

Paige Dimakos: Alex Len. It feels like it’s do-or-die with this guy, and I just don’t think he has what it takes to compete like they expected him to.

Kevin Zimmerman: It shouldn’t be disappointing that Dragan Bender struggles this year, but that just might be the case due to expectations for a fourth overall draft pick. The 18-year-old hasn’t produced as a pro before and hasn’t so far in the Summer League and preseason. He needs comfort, time and a lot of strength.

John Gambadoro: To me, it’s Tyson Chandler. I thought it was a waste of money when they got him and I still feel the same way. If healthy he can maybe give you 15-20 good games. That’s about it. Gives you nothing offensively. Smart defensive player, but nobody wanted him when Phoenix signed him for a reason.

Jon Bloom: I still have hopes that Alex Len takes the big step the Suns have been waiting for this season. If he isn’t unable to take over the starting center position and consistently provide an offensive threat along with solid rim protection, the former fifth overall draft pick will end up with the disappointment label.

Doug Franz: When the season is over, 1993 will be one year further removed.

Adam Green: Based on expectations, probably Brandon Knight. While he is better suited to come off the bench, I really wonder if he will accept that role, especially if the Suns are not winning games. His erratic shooting and mediocre defense will not do him any favors if his attitude turns sour.

Ron Wolfley: How disinterested people are in the process and not the end result. Although I love and appreciate the journey, I know I’m in the minority and the proof will be in the empty seats at Talking Stick Resort Arena.

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