Tyler Ulis

Waived by the Phoenix Suns to open the offseason, Ulis was the most used of all the patch-up point guard options the team deployed last year. Playing in 71 games and starting 43 of them, Ulis appeared in 2,781 minutes over his first two seasons in the league with Phoenix, so it was a surprise to see him waived when he was set to cost only the minimum this season. Nevertheless, they did so presumably on account of not seeing much potential to improve within Ulis, a player who struggles to score the ball, defend his position or move opponents around on either end with his severe lack of size. The raw numbers of 7.8 points, 4.4 assists and 1.0 assists per game last year with a 2.5:1 assist to turnover ratio somewhat draw the eye, yet Ulis should be considered a deep reserve, That said, every team needs a third string point guard.

Tyler Ulis
PG, 5’10, 150lbs, 21 years old, 1 year of experience

Sported a near 3:1 assist to turnover ratio as a rookie, which is rare and very valuable. 444 points on 437 points speaks to the difficulties Ulis had as a scorer and will likely always have given his size, and he will perhaps need to shoot less often going forward. Even if he doesn’t, though, he is a sparkplug guard with great defensive energy, capable of big moments and big shots, and of being a great irritant defensively, who carries forth a lot of momentum after an excellent end to the season.

Player Plan: Three years of minimum salary remaining, with the 2017/18 salary guaranteed. Keep and play, for he has earned it.