NBA Power Rankings week 12: injury fallout, OKC Thunder highs and lows

Phoenix Suns:

Offense: (109.7)  13th
Defense: (110.5 ) 19th
Net: (minus -0.7) 15th

Games Week 12 (2-1): Won vs. Magic: 98-94, Hornets: 100-92, Lost vs. Kings: 103-114
Games Week 13 (3 games): Tues at Hawks | Thurs at Knicks | Sat at Celtics

If you follow this column then you’ll note Dario Saric is a favorite of yours truly so his sudden shift to fewer minutes registers in the what the heck territory.

I get Monty Williams electing to use Aron Baynes with Deandre Ayton for the former’s defensive ability (just avoid those missed block highlights). What I don’t understand is the loss of playing time even with the reserves.

If the Suns aren’t going to use Dario Saric then teams (read: OKC Thunder) should try to nab him. Phoenix GM James Jones elected to not offer a rookie extension contract so he’ll enter the offseason as a restricted free agent meaning Phoenix could match any offer he gets. But, if the Suns aren’t going to utilize him even off the bench then why not trade him now and fill the gaps you have on the roster or add picks?

Saric has too many tools in his kit to be sitting on the bench playing less than 10 minutes per game! And if the Thunder can’t find a way to land him can the Suns send him to the Spurs for a match made in heaven playing under Pops. Not that I’m trying to help San Antonio but since he arrived in the league I’ve felt he was a player who would feast under Pops’ tutelage (think Boris Diaw).