O’Neale’s Strong Start Encourages Ott to Favor Larger Lineup
In the absence of Jalen Green, the Phoenix Suns have chosen to adopt a larger lineup, starting veteran Royce O’Neale. Earlier this season, Ryan Dunn was in the starting role during Green’s downtime, but the team has now shifted strategy. The decision has sparked discussion among fans regarding whether to stick with O’Neale or reinstate Dunn in the lineup.
Fan Support for O’Neale’s Inclusion
Evidence shows that fans largely support the change made by Jordan Ott. O’Neale has made significant contributions to the Suns’ early-season success, particularly in three-point shooting. Currently, he ranks fourth in the league for the most three-pointers made at a remarkable 45% shooting efficiency on 7.5 attempts per game.
Key Players and Their Impact
Alongside Grayson Allen, who leads the league in three-pointers made, O’Neale enhances spacing on the court for teammates like Devin Booker. This additional spacing allows Booker to navigate the defense more effectively, creating opportunities for newcomers like Mark Williams to adjust to their roles seamlessly.
- Royce O’Neale: Vital three-point shooter, fourth in the league for threes made.
- Grayson Allen: Currently leading the league in three-pointers made, shooting at 45%.
- Devin Booker: Benefits from improved floor spacing, allowing better offensive opportunities.
- Mark Williams: Adjusting well to his new team with O’Neale’s support.
Defensive Contributions
While O’Neale may not possess the same athleticism as Dunn, who is known for his exciting plays, he plays an active role in defense. He is second on the team in steals, continuing to show that his defensive contributions are crucial.
Dunn has improved this season as expected for a second-year player, but he remains inconsistent offensively. Teams often leave him open for corner threes, which he fails to capitalize on. If Dunn were to start, it would create a situation where two players in the lineup struggle with shooting.
Strategic Considerations for the Suns
Despite their agile play style, the Suns are not a particularly large team. Hence, they need to maximize their shooting capabilities when faced with tougher matchups. It’s expected that Ott will continue to rotate between O’Neale and Dunn strategically to leverage their differing skills throughout the season.
Neither O’Neale nor Dunn excels in free throw shooting, both below 67% this season. This could pose challenges late in games when free throws are critical. As the season progresses, the Suns may need to reconsider their options in clutch situations.
Have the fans made the right call by favoring O’Neale? As the Suns continue their campaign, the effectiveness of this lineup adjustment will remain under close scrutiny.
