By Dan Ferrara, NBA International
Tyson Chandler may be signed for three more seasons, but it’s clear that center Alex Len is not only the future in the paint for Phoenix, but he’s also the present.
The 23-year-old impressed last year, increasing his scoring, rebounding and assist averages for the third consecutive season. Not only is he getting better as the seasons roll on, but he’s progressing with each month that passes, averaging 13.7 points and 11.1 rebounds in 16 games in March, his first full month as a starter.
It’s no coincidence that Len’s best month of his career came when the Suns finally let go of the reigns and let him roam free. The ultra-talented big man has all of the skills that a team could hope for and he’s only going to get better with more seasoning.
Veteran Tyson Chandler, who is an NBA champion, former All-Star and Defensive Player of the Year, is the perfect player to help Len grow. As Chandler’s playing time eventually boils down over the length of his contract, he’ll earn his money to the tune of being a tutor for Len, teaching him how to patrol the paint and relish being the last line of defense for a squad.
Len’s offensive game needs some polishing, as his 42% shooting last season definitely needs to rise, as it ranked 71st among centers who played 10 or more games. Still, he averaged over 11 points per game as a starter last season, a solid total that will only get better as his shooting percentage creeps closer to the 50% benchmark. He’ll also get easier and better looks with distributors Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe back in the fold – the duo missed a total of 81 games last season due to injuries.
The No. 5 pick in the 2013 Draft finally showed why the Suns had enough faith to select him that high. Len’s upside is definitely something Suns fans should be excited about, as he and rookie Dragan Bender can be a dynamic duo for years to come. The Suns are an exciting roster of high lottery picks, proven NBA guards and solid veterans – if healthy, they should easily surpass their win total from last year.
Len’s progression this season will likely play a large part in how high the Suns climb this season and whether they fight for a playoff position in the Western Conference. The Ukrainian big man averaged a double-double after the All-Star break last season and if given the minutes and touches, should be a lock to do so again.
