The stars have done their job in leading the Phoenix Suns, but there are underrated players who have helped their season so far.
The Phoenix Suns boast one of the best All-Star tandems this season. They have Devin Booker, Kevin Durant, and Bradley Beal on the roster, which makes them one of the more star-studded teams. Although they haven’t played a single game together this season, there’s optimism that a full-powered Phoenix team could be a problem to opposing teams.
The stars have led the team to victories this season. Durant’s play for the 2023-24 campaign has been incredible. With the conclusion of the NBA In-Season tournament, KD made the first-ever NBA All-Tournament Team.
The 6-foot-11 star played four games during the league’s new tournament and averaged 34.5 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.
His performance during the tournament is just a sneak peek of what he’s been able to do this year. Booker missed nine games this season but still can contribute significantly to the team. The former Kentucky Wildcat has played 13 games this season, averaging 27.4 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.1 assists. Even though he hasn’t played much, the three-time All-Star has done an excellent job helping the Suns win games.
Lastly, Beal hasn’t played much. Since the season started, he’s only played three games and has spent most of his first season with the Suns on the sidelines. The good news is that he’s slowly returning to the lineup.
The stars’ production this season takes most of the credit for the Suns’ success. But some players deserve recognition for how they’ve been effective for Phoenix. Here are three underrated players on the roster.
Yuta Watanabe
Yuta Watanabe holds a reputation for being one of the league’s best shooters. Signing Watanabe over the summer was a no-brainer, as he helps spread the defense, making it easier for the stars to conquer the mid-range. Last season, the Japanese sensation shot over 40 percent from the three-point range. However, this season, he’s only knocking down 36.7 percent.
Although his efficiency has been down this season, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t add value to the Suns. Watanabe’s also more than an offensive weapon for the team.
He also brings a significant amount on the defensive end. The 6-foot-9 forward is a great rotational defender. His size and length give him a better chance at preventing others from scoring over him.
The season is still young, and he could prove his worth to most fans down the line. But so far, Watanabe has done an exceptional job providing what the Suns need from him.
Josh Okogie
Defense wins games, and Josh Okogie is one of the most valued players on the Suns’ roster this year. Okogie has solidified his position as the fifth starter for the team. He fits right in the starting lineup as his defensive skills help the stars focus on their primary responsibilities.
Although head coach Frank Vogel has only opted to start the 6-foot-4 forward ten times this season, there’s no denying that he adds a different dynamic with the starters.
Offensively, the George Tech alum has hit a road block. He hasn’t contributed much in the scoring department, and the Suns hope it’ll improve soon. He may not be the team’s best option on the offensive end, but he makes it up on the other side.
Okogie is averaging a steal and 0.5 blocks per game this season. It may appear irrelevant, but that puts him second in the defensive net rating for the Suns. The two-way guard is also bringing a positive impact on the rebounding category. He’s fourth in offensive rebound percentage. Among guards, he ranks first in getting the most offensive rebounds this season.
His offensive inconsistencies are hurting his reputation of being a great role player. But looking deeper at the numbers, Okogie is an underrated player for the Suns.
Jordan Goodwin
The Suns started this season without a true point guard. Aside from Booker, who occasionally handles the facilitating job for the team, players have taken turns being a point guard. Luckily for the team, they have Jordan Goodwin, who’s been exceptional as the primary ball-handler for the second unit.
Goodwin is the player that the Suns need right now. Many have overlooked the acquisition of Goodwin when the front office traded for Beal. The third-year guard out of Saint Louis has provided the right tempo Phoenix needs. Defensively, he has the best defensive net rating in the team. Which means his impact lies more on the defensive end. Head coach Frank Vogel applauded the young guard last month for how he’s impacted the team’s defense.
“”We’ve been challenging him as a coaching staff to be better on both sides of the ball. He competes defensively but staying within the framework of what we’re asking him to do from a scheme standpoint,””
Offensively, he’s helped control the ball. Goodwin is averaging fewer turnovers than Booker and KD, averaging 3.2 and 3.6, respectively. He also has been reliable from the three this season, making 35 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.
In the rebounding department, he’s been an important player. The 25-year-old guard is averaging more rebounds than assists, a testament to his tenacity on the court. He’s averaging 3.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists.
