Alex Len is playing well. Tyson Chandler’s hamstring is healed. What does this mean in the middle?
A good problem at worst, according to Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough.
Phoenix’s front office captain expressed the opposite of concern on Arizona Sports 98.7 FM when addressing the Suns’ center position, which appears to have two starting-quality options ready and available.
“Those guys have a great relationship,” McDonough said. “They’re two of the most unselfish guys we have on the team. I’m not really as concerned about that. It’s a nice luxury for us and the coaches that they can go with whoever’s playing better, especially if somebody is either in foul trouble or has an off-night.
Rejected By Len
Len has logged the majority of minutes in the middle over the previous two weeks while Tyson Chandler recovered from a strained hamstring. His play was more than encouraging: 10.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and 50-percent shooting as a starter.
Considering how trying the start of his career was – two ankle surgeries before the 2013 draft and a handful of nagging injuries in his sophomore season – Len’s production serves as proof of his personality.
“Alex is a great kid,” McDonough said. “He’s worked his butt off to get in this position. You guys remember some of the struggles he had with the injuries, just catching up with the speed of the game his rookie year. I think that gives you a good perspective on how much he’s improved over the past couple years.”