Young Suns in New Roles Stepping Up

There didn't figure to be much turnover or change with 10 players returning from last year's team.

In a way, that is the case. The Suns still rely on their wealth of talent at point guard (Eric Bledsoe, Goran Dragic, Isaiah Thomas) to be the focal point through which all good things happen.

Take a deeper look, however, and it's clear that Phoenix is getting a lot more than it used to thanks to three young, key frontcourt players.

The brother originally drafted by the Suns would be as safe a gamble as there is on the stock market. His production has risen like clockwork in each of his four seasons in the league.

2011-12: 7.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 39.9 FG%

2012-13: 8.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 1.3 apg, 40.7 FG%

2013-14: 13.8 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.8 apg, 48.6 FG%

2014-15: 15.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.0 apg, 49.3 FG% (through 11 games)

The current year's numbers and efficiency come despite a significant role change for Morris, that of reserve-to-starter. It's a transition only truly dependable players can make without missing a beat, and Morris has done just that so far this season.

Markieff gives the Suns their best post threat and has shown a knack for timely baskets. He's also an underrated pest on defense, especially around the free throw area. When a high post big man is holding the ball, waiting for his teammates to cut, Morris has often darted in to poke the ball loose, plays which account for the bulk of his career-high 1.5 steals per game.

The younger twin has been just as dependable when it comes to personal progression. Maybe it shouldn't come as a surprise that two brothers as close as the Morrises are taking similar paths of improvement, but the Suns surely aren't taking it for granted.

2011-12: 2.4 ppg, 0.9 rpg, 0.2 apg, 29.6 FG%

2012-13: 7.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.8 apg, 42.2 FG%

2013-14: 9.7 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.1 apg, 44.2 FG%

2014-15: 10.7 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 41.7 FG%

Marcus' transition to a starter's role was less of a planned affair compared to Markieff's. P.J. Tucker's three-game suspension at the start of the season opened a small window of opportunity, and Morris has taken advantage of it. His 36.7-percent clip from beyond the arc is enough to make opposing defenses pay for collapsing on Phoenix's guards, and he's shown a much-improved, man-to-man defensive game.

With feet and fingers healed, the Suns hoped Len would be just ready enough to hold down the fort as Miles Plumlee's primary backup.

He's done that and more in the early going, averaging 6.5 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in just 19.3 minutes per game. As his playing time has increased (just 8.6 mpg last season), so has his confidence. Dunks are more assertive. His mid-range jump shot, a regular in practice but missing in games last season, his coming to life.

Over the past two games, Len has set consecutive career-highs in scoring (17 and 19, respectively).

More than anything else, Len's presence gives the Suns 7-foot-1 deterrant at the rim. Opponents driving into the lane often find Len waiting, arms extended straight up, to meet them.

Throw in Len's efficient touch from the field (57.4%) and the free throwline (89.5%), and it's easy to see the potential that led Phoenix to drafting him fifth overall a year ago.