Matthew Lissy is a Senior Staff Writer of Bright Side of the Sun, co-host of the Suns JAM Session Podcast, and has been a credentialed member of the Phoenix media since 2023.
As a rookie in the NBA, playing time can come and go. A player may lose steam due to the grueling 82-game schedule or even suffer an injury because their body isn’t yet prepared for the drastic shift in physical demands from college to the NBA. Adapting to the game can lead to fatigue and mental exhaustion, making it difficult to rely on a rookie to consistently bring the winning energy that earns fan appreciation and teammate support.