Suns Preseason Awards: MVP, Best Defender and Pleasant Surprise
The Phoenix Suns played very well in a five-game preseason sample, despite being without the talents of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal on various occasions.
The Suns went 4-1, winning four games in which the team built big leads, and losing the sole game in a competitive effort against the defending champion Denver Nuggets.
Here's our picks for preseason superlatives such as MVP, Best Defender and Most Pleasant Surprise
MVP- Devin Booker
Devin Booker already looks in midseason form.
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Booker only participated in three of five games in the tune-up slate,but looked as if he was already in midseason form.
A common theme for Booker in recent years is he played well through the first month or two of new seasons, but not as well as Suns fans have become accustomed to.
This season appears to be different, and it's a very real possibility this is the season Booker distinguishes himself as a perennial MVP candidate.
Best Defender- Jordan Goodwin
Jordan Goodwin is the favorite to land backup point guard duties
Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-USA TODAY Sports
Goodwin only played in the final three games of the preseason, but his impact on both sides was noticed. Goodwin was disruptive both on and off-ball in all three games, even accumulating six steals against Portland on Monday night.
If there was any doubt before, Goodwin's relentless brand of play and physicality has likely earned him the backup point guard role going into the season.
Pleasant Surprise- Chimezie Metu
Metu was mostly seen as an afterthought signing by Phoenix in the early period of free agency. Many expected him to just be a break-the-glass option for coach Vogel and company, however the former Sacramento Kings hooper has been thoroughly impressive so far, albeit in a small sample size.
Metu displays tons of confidence when shooting the ball, being an effective option from behind the arc the entire preseason slate. The most intriguing part of Metu's game is the ability to play small-ball center minutes.
The combination of shooting and defensive versatility likely have landed Metu a significant role with the team, at least in the regular season.
