EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

Phoenix Suns already tapping deep into bench depth

Feb 2, 2021, 6:53 PM | Updated: Feb 3, 2021, 10:34 am

Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr., left, defends against Phoenix Suns guard E'Twaun Moore (...

Dallas Mavericks forward Tim Hardaway Jr., left, defends against Phoenix Suns guard E'Twaun Moore (55) in the first half during an NBA basketball game, Monday, Feb. 1, 2021, in Dallas. (AP Photo/ Richard W. Rodriguez)

(AP Photo/ Richard W. Rodriguez)

The Phoenix Suns were celebrated in the offseason by swinging the Chris Paul trade and attracting a hard-nosed Jae Crowder in free agency.

Before they play their 20th game of the season, it’s become clear that what general manager James Jones did from that point forward by filling out the roster matters, too, especially as the NBA pushes on during the pandemic.

It showed Monday night against the Dallas Mavericks.

As the Mavs began gaining steam and opened an 11-point lead with five minutes left to play in the third quarter, Suns coach Monty Williams subbed out his three best players: Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton and Paul.

In came Langston Galloway, E’Twaun Moore and Frank Kaminsky. Over the final five minutes of the quarter, Phoenix pulled within five points, setting up a fourth quarter that ended with Booker hitting a game-winning shot and Luka Doncic missing his last-second heave to complete a Suns win.

With Phoenix already down big man Dario Saric (health and safety protocols) and backup point guard Cam Payne (foot), it was an extreme example of just how impactful the usually overlooked roster-building process played out.

Galloway followed Moore this offseason by joining the Suns on veterans minimum contracts late in the free agency process. Maybe that felt redundant for a backcourt that already included the re-signed Jevon Carter.

Now, that duo has played as the backup minutes the last three games.

“They just know how to play. Whether it’s a zone defense or man, I think they have experience,” Williams said Tuesday. “You can watch those guys communicating on the floor, they know what to say and even if they’re not as fast on certain plays they’re usually in the right spot.

“They’ve been able to get us organized. The ball movement with that group and the player movement with Langston, E’Twaun and Frank (Kaminsky) … we want to continue to grow that. Those guys give us a great lift when they come into the game. They get great shots on offense.”

Moore, who entered the rotation the past four games, has taken on the play-initiating duties and brings enough shiftiness off the bounce.

In Williams’ eyes, Moore, who has a floater game and can hit an open three, has passed up a few too many shots because he’s so focused getting the offense in order.

Galloway, who entered the league six years ago, is evolving into a pure off-ball shooter.

He’s blowing his career shooting averages (40% overall and 37% from three-point range) out of the water so far by connecting on 49% of his shots and the same percentage from deep.

Abdel Nader, who joined the Suns in the Paul trade from Oklahoma City, has given Phoenix slashing from the wing of late, and Williams on Tuesday made sure not to leave out Kaminsky when discussing his second unit that has carried more than its weight.

The big man who the Suns didn’t re-sign this offseason and picked up after he was waived by the Sacramento Kings before the regular season started is admittedly more comfortable right now. Playing almost exclusively as a backup center after ending last season doing the same has given him continuity.

“Just being vocal on defense, I know what spots to be in, I know our coverages,” Kaminsky said. “That’s something I’ve gotten better and better at in my career. It was a little difficult at first, especially last year. It’s a different set of coverages.”

Three games back against the Golden State Warriors, Kaminsky was two assists shy of a triple-double, a sign of his role as an offensive initiator who swings the ball from strong- to weak-side.

He’s grown into a similar role that Saric forged in the bubble to end last season.

It’s likely Saric will regain that role in the coming days once he’s cleared to play. It’s possible the same goes for Payne, who was playing at a high level before an ankle and foot injury. That duo and Carter, who is healthy, gives the Suns options, at least.

Williams can’t mind that Jones provided him with such depth.

Asked Tuesday about Carter’s current role and how he might fight his way back into the rotation, the head coach said it well: “It’s really hard to play that many guys.”

Empire of the Suns

Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets is guarded by Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns during th...

Kellan Olson

Suns respond to season’s low point with thorough win over Nuggets

The guessing game of which Suns team shows up on which night persists. The best current version did on Wednesday in a win over the Nuggets.

6 hours ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns argues a call with official Pat Fraser n the first half as Jere...

Kellan Olson

Suns stumble through latest inexcusable effort, lose to shorthanded Spurs

The Phoenix Suns followed up Saturday's win over the San Antonio Spurs with Monday's offering being more of what we've come to expect.

2 days ago

Devin Booker #1 of the Phoenix Suns drives in front of Keldon Johnson #3 of the San Antonio Spurs i...

Kellan Olson

Phoenix Suns find better energy for clinical win over Spurs

The Phoenix Suns were overdue for a win like Saturday's 131-106 final over the San Antonio Spurs, taking care of business early.

4 days ago

Jusuf Nurkic #20 of the Phoenix Suns passes over Kyle Lowry #7 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the...

Kellan Olson

Suns work through typical turnover problems to defeat 76ers

The Phoenix Suns dealt with some of their usual issues while managing a comfortable win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

7 days ago

Isaiah Thomas #4 of the Charlotte Hornets looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX ...

Kellan Olson

Isaiah Thomas returns to NBA, Suns after injuries derailed his career in its prime

Isaiah Thomas' NBA journey is a unique one. Here's how he thinks he can help the 2023-24 Phoenix Suns in a return to the league.

8 days ago

Phoenix Suns head coach Frank Vogel looks on during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics  ...

Kellan Olson

Suns in serious jeopardy of play-in tournament fate entering last month of season

You wouldn't have guessed it by watching them over the last two games but the Phoenix Suns are in a precarious position.

9 days ago

Phoenix Suns already tapping deep into bench depth