Coming off a career year, Allen will now find himself coming off the bench.
With the Phoenix Suns announcing their starting five, Grayson Allen now finds himself coming off the bench…a hot topic leading up to media day. The question was raised: How does Allen feel about coming off the bench after starting 74 of the 75 games he played last year, and being a full-time starter during his two seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks?
His response?
Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen at Media Day on how he’s approaching likely coming off the bench this season:#SunsUp #NBAX #NBA #Suns pic.twitter.com/82bs53rc5i
— Desert Wave Media (@DesertWaveCo) September 30, 2024
Taking a giant leap forward and now taking a step back to the bench may seem like a setback for Phoenix Suns guard Grayson Allen, but with the star talent on this team and the new addition of point guard Tyus Jones, Allen had little choice.
To Recap on his Comments:
“With Tyus being our starter, I just feel like our team got a lot better.”
Allen’s backing Tyus Jones as the starting point guard with the kind of confidence that makes you believe he’s already picturing a deep playoff run. You can hear it in his comments. He’s not just saying Tyus will hold his own; he’s saying Tyus is the glue that will pull this team together.
He sees Tyus’s savvy playmaking, leadership, and steady hand at running the offense as the keys to unlocking the team’s true potential. It’s not just support; it’s a bold statement that with Tyus at the helm, this squad’s ceiling just got a whole lot higher.
“I think he knew that I would be good with it, so I gave him a hard time just jokingly.”
Those Dukie’s and their joking nature.
When Allen talked to Coach Budenholzer about the Suns wanting him to come off the bench, his response had the vibe of a true team player. You could tell he gets it. Winning comes first, and if that means adjusting his role, he’s all in. It was the kind of conversation that shows this squad is laser-focused on one goal: stacking wins.
And honestly, with the firepower in this starting five, no one’s losing sleep over Allen coming off the bench. If it leads to W’s, you can bet we’ll all be smiling about this chat by season’s end.
Your Phoenix Suns starting five pic.twitter.com/8ryfoWnZQq
— Bright Side of the Sun (@BrightSideSun) September 30, 2024
Backing up a starting five that includes Tyus Jones, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic should be a smooth transition for Allen based on last year’s stats. He posted a career-high 13.5 points per game and an impressive 46% from three-point range. Those numbers, combined with his consistency, could easily put him in the conversation for Sixth Man of the Year if he continues to play around 30 minutes per game. He won’t hit those numbers, but he surely will contribute coming off the pine.
Beyond his scoring, Allen’s defensive ability will be a crucial asset for the Suns’ second unit. His energy and versatility, particularly his ability to guard multiple positions, will help Phoenix maintain its defensive pressure when the starters are on the bench. This kind of two-way contribution can make Allen a key player in crunch-time situations, especially with the Suns aiming for a deep playoff run.
With his playoff experience, Allen also brings a steadying influence to the bench. His ability to thrive under pressure will be valuable for younger players or recent additions adjusting to the team’s culture and expectations. If Allen continues to elevate his game, he could solidify his place as one of the most impactful bench players in the league.
Heading to the bench in what the Suns hope will be a valuable sixth-man role, Allen can still appreciate the hard work and success that earned him a starting spot for most of last season. His adaptability in transitioning from starter to reserve will be key in maintaining his influence on the court. With a strong second unit, Allen’s contributions could prove crucial in deciding tight games as the season progresses.
As the team focuses on managing the workload of its core players, Allen’s experience as a former starter provides valuable stability off the bench. His seamless transition between roles could make him one of the most effective sixth men in the league, potentially positioning the Suns as true title contenders.