With the 2014-15 campaign written and closed, Suns.com’s Matt Petersen takes an end-season look at each member of Phoenix’s roster heading into the summer. Key points include what went well, what could be improved, and a notable advanced stat for each player are included, as is their offseason status with the team.
MORE REVIEWS: Earl Barron | Eric Bledsoe | Reggie Bullock | Archie Goodwin | Danny Granger | Gerald Green | Brandon Knight | Alex Len | Jerel McNeal | Marcus Thornton | P.J. Tucker | T.J. Warren | Brandan Wright
Brandon Knight
Bio: 6-3, 189 pounds, 23 years old
History with Suns: Traded to Phoenix from Milwaukee on Feb. 19, 2015
2014-15 stats: 32.3 mpg, 17.0 ppg, 5.2 apg, 3.9 rpg, 1.4 spg, 38.9 3FG%
Offseason status: Restricted Free Agent
What Went Well
Knight was openly surprised after Milwaukee dealt him. He was the floor leader and All-Star candidate on the surprise team in the East, one that struggled to the finish line after trading him away.
In contrast, Knight had been on Phoenix's radar for some time, but the Suns only saw 11 games' worth of him and Eric Bledsoe in the backcourt before Knight suffered a pair of ankle sprains that ended his season just as he was finding his groove.
They saw enough -- both in Phoenix and previous scouting -- to know Knight brings the on-court skills (dribbling, passing, outside shooting) and intangibles (high basketball IQ, leadership) the Suns value and need.
What Could Be Improved
Again, Knight appeared to be warming up within the Suns' offense right as his ankle injuries occurred. He'll spend the offseason getting healthy. Once the matter of his free agency is settled, he'll be able to settle in familiarizing himself with his new team.
By all accounts, it appears both he and the Suns are hoping he stays here. Knight wants to see through a similar rags-to-riches turnaround he helped engineer with the Bucks. He has notable ties with Bledsoe, who also attended the University of Kentucky under head coach John Calipari. He's also eager to establish a long-term NBA home after being dealt twice in his four-year career.
Notable Advanced Stat: Knight was just as big a threat on catch-and-shoot three-pointers (39.3%) as he was pulling up on the dribble behind the arc (38.0%).
Quotable: “I enjoyed my time here. I look forward to being here in the future.” – Brandon Knight