Suns' Jared Dudley: Expected to start at power forward

Dudley is expected to open the upcoming season as the Suns' starting power forward, Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis:

During the latter half of last season, the Suns experimented with a starting frontcourt of Alex Len and Tyson Chandler, but since both of those players are natural centers, upgrading the power forward spot was a top priority for the organization. The Suns did just that during the draft in June by selecting Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss with top 10 picks, but since neither player is expected to be a major NBA contributor right away, Dudley was brought in on a three-year, $30 million contract to serve as a placeholder at the position. His ability to stretch the floor and guard both perimeter and interior players should earn Dudley plenty of minutes right off the bat, but look for his role to decline as the season rolls along and Bender and Chriss presumably begin to find their footing in the NBA.