Luke Kennard is showing the Suns he’s more than a shooter

I don’t know if Grayson Allen’s departure would necessarily be described as a big shoes to fill. But when you look at the production he provided over three seasons with the Phoenix Suns, it might be one of the more underrated stories surrounding the organization during that stretch.

Allen appeared in 190 games for Phoenix, starting 108 of them, while averaging 13.3 points on 41.0% shooting from beyond the arc. Add in 3.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game, along with the fact that he led the NBA in three-point shooting three seasons ago at 46.1% while starting 74 of the 75 games in which he appeared, and you begin to appreciate how valuable his contributions were. That’s a role that won’t be easy to replicate, and it’s essentially the one Luke Kennard is stepping into as he arrives in Phoenix.

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Kennard carries much of the same stigma that followed Allen prior to his arrival in the Valley, particularly when it comes to his archetype as a player. He’s viewed primarily as a three-point shooter, somebody whose value is largely defined by his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter. But what Kennard has showcased thus far in the preseason is an ability to contribute in ways beyond his shooting.

Of course, shooting the basketball remains his calling card, and through three preseason appearances, he’s demonstrated why. In 17.8 minutes per game, Kennard is averaging 12.3 points while shooting 35.7% from beyond the arc. He’s attempting 4.7 three-pointers per game, which is where much of his offensive impact is expected to come from.

Throughout his career, Kennard has posted a three-point attempt rate of 58.4%, meaning the majority of his field goal attempts have come from beyond the arc. That trend has continued through the preseason, with 56% of his shots, 14 of his 25 attempts, coming from deep. If he’s going to replicate the role Allen occupied in Phoenix, he still has ground to cover in that area. Allen attempted 68% of his shots from beyond the three-point line, showcasing how heavily his offensive role was built around perimeter shooting.

But what Kennard has showcased this preseason is a much more…

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Publish date : 2026-10-12 00:00:00

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