Welcome Home Tyrone | TyTy Washington Jr is Back
Welcome to the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns Season Preview series, where we embark on a comprehensive journey through the roster. In this series, we’ll break down individual player previews, offering a detailed look at each member of the Suns’ lineup. We’ll recap their performance from last season, highlighting key moments and areas of growth, and analyze how their skills, experience, and roles will contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.
Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the rising stars, each player has a unique role in what could be a defining season for the franchise. Join us as we explore the potential and challenges that lie ahead for the Suns in their pursuit of basketball glory.
Tyrone Lewis “TyTy” Washington Jr
Point Guard, 6’3”, 195 pounds, 22 years old, 2 years of NBA experience
Imagine you’re tucked away in your underground lab — you’ve got your John Bellion mix cranked, headphones on — and working away like Dr. Frankenstein building a prototypical, 3rd-string point guard with curious upside. Making diamonds.
What collection of pieces and parts would you start with?
- Intriguing plus-size physical tools.
- Basketball pedigree from a strong college program.
- Intangibles—a preternatural understanding of fitting in and ‘playing the right way.’
Rather than having to get messy, building this player in some clandestine lab—beneath the bowels of the Footprint Center—Matt Ishbia and James Jones simply went out and acquired a guy who ticks all the boxes. Phoenix Suns fans, meet TyTy Washington Jr.
These three things are also why TyTy may be a diamond in the rough.
Plus-size tools? How’s 6-3” with a 6-8” wingspan look?
Basketball pedigree? TyTy cut his teeth at Kentucky and currently holds the Kentucky single-game record for assists [17]. He was a consensus five-star recruit and considered a top point guard in the 2021 class.
Intangibles and fit? It’s all about the vibes. TyTy is a “local boy who makes good,” returning to his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, after stints in Milwaukee (last season) and Houston (his rookie campaign).
2023-24 Recap
Last season, TyTy saw limited NBA action on a two-way contract, playing 11 games for the Milwaukee Bucks (and the Wisconsin Herd).
Taken with the 29th pick in the 1st round [by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2022], it wasn’t until the dust settled on several trade moves that he landed with the team he’d suit up for as a rookie: the Houston Rockets. He played in 31 games [2 starts], averaging a promising 14.0 minutes per game.
Contract Details
TyTy Washington Jr returns home on a two-way deal with Phoenix [TW] and can expect to get court time with the newly minted hometown NBA G League Team, the Valley Suns.
Strengths & Weaknesses
I’ve dug back into the NBADRAFT.NET analysis offered on TyTy Washington Jr as he was gearing up for the draft. And there is a lot to like. Here are a few comments I’ve cherry-picked from his draft profile.
NBA Comparison: Andre Miller.
Strengths: Limits turnovers. Strong basketball instincts. Solid runner/floater game. Can play either guard spot.
Weakness: Is more crafty than athletic, lacks initial burst/first step in a lead guard.
Whilst the Andre Miller comp feels like a best-case scenario, there are good things to like about having him on the roster. Ideally, with TyTy, the Suns add a young player who will feel comfortable being in Phoenix and benefit from veteran leadership in a lead guard role [Tyus Jones]. Getting reps against guards who know the game in practice like that is worth everything for a young, professionally-minded player like TyTy.
I’d love it for TyTy and the Suns if he turns out to be the diamond in the rough for Phoenix—even more so if he can unlock that floater game!
One Key Factor
PATIENCE AND PREPARATION [Okay, that was two]: For TyTy, it will be about providing energy, being a great player in practice, and, when called upon, being ready to execute efficiently when he checks into games late in the 4th when the lead is secure.
This year, he’s filling the Saben Lee role for this team—if he demonstrates that he can do the right things well, with the G League team specifically, more court time may follow.
Prediction Time
I’d love to see TyTy have a breakout season statistically, but with depth at the point guard position (I know, right?) in Phoenix, his role comes down to this: be a stud in practice and keep working on his shooting, strength, and defense.
I’m hoping we see him get on the court in at least 25 games [all 20-point blowout wins], with local fans going crazy for him in the home games.
Final Thoughts
Bringing TyTy Washington Jr back home to Phoenix has almost nothing to do with winning games. It’s about the vibes. It’s about looking after Home.
TyTy’s return to Phoenix will do good work for the local fan base and the community—a timely reminder that the NBA game is as much about people and community as it is about the highlight reel packages and global superstars.
Please welcome your diamond, TyTy Washington Jr.
Let’s go, Suns!
Read other 2024-25 Player Previews right here: