D.J. Strawberry Gets His Turn in the D-League

by TexSUN on Dec 19, 2007 9:15 AM MST in Phoenix Suns News

No more pleas of "Play DJ!" from me (or Hawk42) for awhile. The Suns have switched out their rookies, sending D.J. Strawberry to the D-League, and bringing Alando Tucker back. Alando sure made the most of his time in Albuquerque, earning Performer of the Week after averaging 36 point and 6.5 rebounds in the Thunderbirds' two games for the week. I am more impressed by the rebounds (D-League or not, that's much better than he did during the summer league games). The Suns are probably most happy with his 6-of-10 from three point range. He averaged 28.2 points and seven rebounds over the entire five game stint, and tied the D-League season high on December 14 with 40 points in a win over the Bakersfield Jam.

It's going to be a few days before DJ will get his D-League debut. The Thunderbirds don't play again until December 23.

Tweet Comment 2 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

DJ

Tex, I think it can only be good for him to get some court time, but I am not sure what to think of Tucker's numbers. You correctly highlight the 3 pt shooting as a positive (shooting 60% in the flow of a game is good on any level), but if he averaged 28 points and had a 40 point game, it makes me wonder about the competition. He didn't do that in the Big Ten. I think the jury is still out on the developmental league.

I expect DJ to dominate. If he has less than a 15 point, 6 rebound 8 assist 4 steals stint, I will wonder if he can be valuable to us. I would also hope he can be put on the best opposing scorer not a center or PF, and shut him down every time. I wish we could see the games.

'06-'07 Suns: It's clobberin' time!

by Hawk42 on Dec 19, 2007 11:32 AM MST reply actions

Love the D League

Its such a great thing for these young guys to get court time, work on their game and develop their confidence. They aren't going to get minutes on this Suns' team so they might as well get some in the D's.

by Seth Pollack on Dec 19, 2007 7:00 PM MST reply actions