Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NBA. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Suns fans and fans across the country.
The Phoenix Suns have done a good job in recent years of fully utilizing their two-way contracted players as a developmental pipeline. That’s not something we’ve always seen here in the Valley. James Jones wasn’t someone who leaned heavily into development, and the organization completely eliminated its G League affiliate in 2020. Now, with
the Valley Suns in place and three two-way roster spots available, Phoenix has started to take advantage of that structure.
Look at last season. The Suns brought in Jamaree Bouyea after seeing what he did with the Austin Spurs. He was given an opportunity to shine in the G League, earned a chance on the big-league roster, and, when injuries created an opening, he got minutes and impressed. Eventually, he worked his way into a guaranteed contract.
That is how the system is supposed to work.
Now we turn our attention to this season and the next crop of two-way players and ask one simple question: Who has the best chance to become the next Bouyea? Not necessarily who will earn a guaranteed contract, but who will see minutes with the team?
You have three options to choose from once again.
The first is Koby Brea, the sharpshooting second-year player out of Kentucky. He didn’t get much run with the big league club last season, appearing in 12 games and scoring 45 total points across 84 minutes. He did go 13-of-30 from beyond the arc, good for 43.3%, so there is clearly a transferable skill there that Phoenix could use this season, especially if the team struggles from three-point range.
Then there’s CJ Huntley, another second-year player who gives the Suns some optionality if they need more size on the floor. He also saw limited action with the big league club last season, appearing in four games and logging 40 total minutes.
Lastly, there’s Pat Spencer, the new kid on the block, per se. The point guard spent three seasons with the Golden State Warriors, averaging 5.2 points on 42/34/76 shooting splits. He fits more into the archetype of someone who can come in, create disruption, and provide some energy. At 30 years old, he’s also the oldest of the group.
So, who do you think has the best chance of earning minutes with the big league club? Let us know in the comments below.
