Expectations weren’t high for the Phoenix Suns heading into their preseason matchup Tuesday night. Playing without Devin Booker, Dillon Brooks and the rest of their projected starters, the Suns appeared overmatched against the Los Angeles Lakers. Although LeBron James was inactive, Los Angeles still rolled out a strong lineup featuring Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves and Deandre Ayton.
That didn’t matter, however, as Phoenix stormed back with a dominant 33-17 third quarter, eventually earning a 113-104 victory. In the absence of the Suns’ stars, Jared Butler stole the show, delivering an all-around performance that turned heads. Butler finished with 35 points, nine assists and seven rebounds, a breakout effort after scoring a combined 27 points across Phoenix’s first three preseason games.
A former No. 40 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Butler played three seasons at Baylor, where he helped lead the Bears to the 2021 national championship. Originally drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans, Butler was traded before making his debut and has since played for four teams in four seasons, including stints with the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.
Last season with the Sixers, Butler flashed his potential in 28 games, starting 17 and averaging 11.5 points, 4.9 assists and 1.1 steals. Despite joining Phoenix on a training camp contract, his recent performance could earn him a roster spot — if not with the Suns, then elsewhere.
At just 25 years old, Butler’s mix of experience, poise and scoring ability make him one of the more intriguing preseason surprises across the league.