After being handed a $50 million contract extension by the Suns, T.J. Warren started all 65 games he featured in during the 2017-18 season. Tony Buckets, as he’s more affectionately known, delivered on the name with 19.6 points per game at near 50% shooting efficiency.
However, Phoenix won just 21 games, and the detractors questioned whether, if Warren was only getting buckets, he should be an automatic starter. Where was the improved outside shot? Where was the solid defense? Where was the even slight increase in playmaking for others? Basically, why did the Suns pay this man?