After getting off to a very rough start, the Suns have started to turn things around, winning five of their past nine games. The recent success is mainly a result of strong play from their two franchise cornerstones Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton, but Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype writes that Kelly Oubre‘s positive impact shouldn’t be overlooked.
As Kennedy points out, Oubre is averaging 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.3 threes and 1.0 blocks per game, while shooting 47.4 percent from three-point range since joining the Suns several weeks ago. Ayton and Booker have loved the energy and “swag” that Oubre has brought to the team and perhaps more importantly, Oubre fits with the team’s timeline as they continue on a rebuilding path.
The Suns are still evaluating what they have in some of their young players, but it’s safe to say that the team continues to show more promise as Booker and Ayton lead the way on a nightly basis.
There’s more from the Pacific division:
- An afterthought when acquired back in February, Iman Shumpert has taken up a leadership role with the Kings this season as his play has improved. Jason Jones of The Athletic details the valuable presence that Shumpert has had for this young Kings team.
- As a result of recent struggles in the face of LeBron James‘ injury, is it better for the Lakers to stay patient or make a win-now move? Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report tackles this challenging question.
- Speaking of those struggles, Kyle Goon of The Orange County Register details the Lakers‘ inability to close out games with James not playing. A recent buzzer-beating loss to the Kings and fourth quarter unraveling against the Clippers highlighted the room for growth for the Lakers’ young core.
Lebron will have Walton fired and someone brought in he wants.
Doubt that happens.
Both LBJ & LW are learning each other.
Walton is a much more capable HC than TyLue
I don’t think there is much evidence to support the claim that Luke Walton is a more capable coach than Tyronn Lue. But regardless, if heads are gonna roll you can bet it will be Walton’s first.
cavs and suns began tanking before the started – they shouldn’t be allowed a lotto pick
Right, that’s why they signed Love to a big contract, brought back Frye, started Smith.
Too late for the playoffs now though!
All I know is if the lakers lose tonight against the kings there will be another visit from Magic Johnson and some changes have to take place!!!
Sorry for multiple postings!!
No surprise there that Phoenix is doing better with KOJ as he is clearly better than Ariza. Also now that Booker finally seems to be healthy & Ayton is playing some unbelievable basketball hopefully we can see a bit of the bright future ahead of Phoenix.
Oubre and Booker is a fit. Not sure about Rozier… these days, in a contract year, he is looking for his own shot.
Now Phoenix should b trying to trade for Rozier and they would have a very solid lineup. Rozier-Booker-Oubre-Warren-Ayton.