The Phoenix Suns have found themselves a diamond in the rough. Second round pick, Tyler Ulis, has been torching the NBA with his play as of late.
This play has led many to believe he’s the future of the Suns organization. A belief which could very well be true.
Coming out of Kentucky, the 5’9 Ulis wasn’t your typical Wildcat draftee. As many John Calipari products are guaranteed first round picks, Ulis went with the 34th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Even with the stigma of being a second rounder, Ulis has played like at an All-Star level as of late.
[DanielG]
During a stretch of five games played from March 26-April 2nd, Ulis has scored in double figures. If that wasn’t enough, he’s been able to record 46 assists in that same time span.
With averages of 18.4 points and 9.2 assists during his five-game run, Ulis has been one of the lone bright spots for the Suns.
With a lot of uncertainty on the Phoenix Suns roster, the future of Tyler Ulis isn’t as clear. Starting point guard, Eric Bledsoe, was shut down for the remainder of the season to give younger players, such as Ulis, the opportunity to prove themselves.
This begs the question, “Will Ulis be handed the keys to the Suns starting point guard job?”
With Phoenix falling so far down the standings, it’s possible they could seek a trade for Bledsoe. He’s under team control until through the 2018-19 season. At $15 million per year, it’s a contract Phoenix could be looking to shed.
While Bledsoe is still only 27, he’s certainly not going to get anywhere on a team that is years away from a playoff spot.
Ulis is the answer for the Suns.
He’s only 21, which gives Phoenix the opportunity to let him develop as the team improves. If that takes 3-4 years it’s not an issue, as Ulis will just be going into the prime of his career.
Giving Ulis full control of the starting point guard job seems like a no-brainer. While the Suns aren’t guaranteed to trade Bledsoe, it makes a great deal of sense to.
Phoenix wanted to give their younger talent a chance to shine, and it just so happens that they might have found their point guard of the future in the process.
Follow Daniel James Gentile on twitter @dgentleman9288