Which Suns Bench Players Can Capitalize Most From End of Season Action?
The Phoenix Suns have two games remaining this season and with the four seed as well as home court advantage in the first round already secured, they don’t have much to play for.
This most likely means that we will see Suns coach Monty Williams rest some of the starters in order to avoid injury leading into the playoffs. Bench players who usually don’t see the floor as often will have the opportunity to prove themselves over these two games which brings the question: Which players have the most to gain?
Cameron Payne
Last season, Cameron Payne was undoubtedly the backup point guard for Phoenix providing an offensive spark whenever Chris Paul needed a rest.
However, this season it is a completely different story. Payne has only played 47 games this season due to a foot injury that has sidelined him for almost half of the season.
He is currently averaging 10.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
Recently, Payne has seen the majority of his minutes stripped away, sometimes even playing for less then ten minutes.
These next two games will be a huge opportunity for Payne to show Williams that he can still produce on the offensive end and be the Swiss army knife off the bench that the Suns desperately need in order to go on a deep playoff run.
Bismack Biyombo
When Deandre Ayton dealt with a hip injury late in March missing a few games, Bismack Biyombo stepped up in a huge way taking his role in the starting lineup during his absence.
Over that time, Biyombo solidified his spot as the backup center over Jock Landale. Biyombo’s 4.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 0.9 assist per game don’t necessarily jump off the stat sheet but his presence on the defensive side of the ball has been extremely valuable.
While his spot in the rotation may already be set in stone, he still has the opportunity to give Williams even more of a reason to plug him in the rotation come playoff time.
If Ayton is to rest Biyombo will surely take his spot in the starting lineup just as he did a couple weeks ago, especially with his ability to protect the rim in the postseason.
Terrence Ross
Since being acquired by the Suns on Feb. 15, Terrence Ross has been very streaky as an offensive plug off the bench.
He has had a few games where he has scored over 15 points including a 30-point performance on March 24 against the Sacramento Kings but also has had many games where he is unable to score at all.
Being unreliable is a coach's worst nightmare in the playoffs so it will be important for Ross to show over these next two games that he is capable of being a consistent scorer.
When Ross shows up he is arguably the best scorer on the second unit and could take that role in the playoffs if Williams can trust him to produce each and every game.
