The Phoenix Suns face an uphill climb to make the 2020 playoffs once the “bubble” games start at Walt Disney World. The team has to take out the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs to clinch the eighth and final playoffs spot out West.
To make matters even more difficult for the Suns, starting small forward Kelly Oubre Jr. won't be available, as he's still recovering from knee surgery. That means All-Star shooting guard Devin Booker and former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton are basically going to have to play like superstars for the Arizona franchise to shock the world and make the postseason.
With the “bubble” games almost a month away, let's take a look at three questions the Suns need to address.
3. Who will be the Suns' third 20-point scorer behind Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton?
Without Kelly Oubre Jr., the Suns lack a bonafide third 20-point scorer behind Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton.
To win in the playoffs, you need three guys who can create their own shot off the dribble and score since the floor shrinks and fouls don’t get called as much.
The Suns will need someone on the roster to take their game to the next level. We'll see if Mikal Bridges can be that guy or someone else.
2. Will Deandre Ayton's ankle hold up?
Deandre Ayton only appeared in 30 games because of a suspension that cost him 25 matches. He also dealt with an ankle injury after coming back, so the 2019-20 campaign was sort of a nightmare for the former top pick.
The Arizona product averaged 19.0 points and 12.0 rebounds in 33.2 minutes a night for the Suns before the season was suspended. The hiatus allowed Ayton to rest his ankle and recover, but since players will be prone to injuries at Walt Disney World because they haven't played since March, Ayton's ankle issues are something to keep an eye on if you are a Suns fan.
1. Can Devin Booker become Superman and will the Suns to the playoffs?
Devin Booker is one of the best scorers in the NBA. He made his first All-Star team this season and was averaging 26.1 points per game before the campaign was suspended.
We have seen superstar shooting guards in the past basically will their teams to the playoffs through electric scoring streaks. Can Booker channel his inner Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant and guide the Suns to the playoffs for the first time since 2010? It's possible since the former Kentucky Wildcat once scored 70 points in a game back in 2017 against the Boston Celtics.
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