The Phoenix Suns’ difficult offseason continued Bradley Beale’s departure for the Los Angeles Clippers.
After a beer deal acquisition and Kevin Durant’s trade with the Houston Rockets, only Devin Booker remains in the Big Three.
The Suns must be built again around Booker to make the playoffs at the loaded Western Conference.
The good news is that one summer league player will be impressed right after Beal’s exit and will be able to score a spot on the roster next season.
The three most famous players in five start in the Suns Summer League are Ryandan, Osoi Godalo and Kamanmaruach.
But shooting guard Boogie Ellis is now making his own name. He scored 23 points against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.
Ellis made seven of 13 field goal attempts (53.8%) including three three pointers, converting all six free throws.
This was his first start for the Suns in the Summer League, and a reward for scoring eight points with 15 minutes and 16 points in 19 minutes from the bench in the previous two games.
Of course, it’s too early to suggest that Ellis can replace the beer output, but he deserves a chance at least in the regular season.
The Phoenix Suns may actually be a great example of “subtraction addition” in the NBA next season.
Booker, Durant, and, to a lesser extent, beer are all great players, but they simply didn’t gel together. The roster is much more balanced.
As long as he can stay healthy, Booker will need to have an All-NBA team conversation next season with an average of 28 points and 10 assists.
Jalen Green enjoys being the second choice at Phoenix, but Mark Williams was able to thrive in more competitive situations than Charlotte.
Ryan Dunn and Dillon Brooks are both excellent defenders in the wing position, perfect complementing the offensively oriented backcourt.