Suns' Jared Dudley: Shifting to bench

Dudley will shift to the bench on what appears to be a permanent basis, beginning with Tuesday's game against the Trail Blazers, Paul Coro of the Arizona Republic reports.

Analysis:

Coach Earl Watson is yet to comment on the decision, but all indications are that the Suns will go forth with rookie Marquese Chriss as their starting power forward. Dudley started the first seven games of the season but is undersized for the position, while Chriss, at 6-foot-10, provides ample height and elite athleticism. Chriss is averaging just 13.1 minutes per game on the season, and while that figure will increase, Dudley, as well as P.J. Tucker and Dragan Bender, will still see ample minutes in the frontcourt. The 31-year-old Dudley enters Tuesday averaging 6.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 44.1 percent from the floor and 44.4 percent from three.