Re-Evaluating Suns' Fifth Starter Discussion

Does Metu's performance as a starter change how Vogel will approach the starting five?

The Phoenix Suns and head coach Frank Vogel may once again be in a conundrum. 

The Suns have one open spot in the starting five with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Kevin Durant, and Jusuf Nurkic all presumably healthy while up to four players could be considered for the fifth spot. 

Keita Bates-Diop, Eric Gordon, Grayson Allen, Josh Okogie, and recently Chimezie Metu have all received callings to the starting lineup this season. 

Only Bates-Diop didn't take advantage of the opportunity - for the most part. 

Gordon has quite possibly been the best non-star Suns player this season, but it appears as if he is a lock to be the team's sixth man with a more complete lineup. 

It makes sense, as Gordon is likely the strongest shot creator the Suns have outside of the big three. His ability as a secondary ball-handler/playmaker bodes well for leading the second unit, too.

Allen has started in all 19 games he has appeared in this season- and he has made a very strong case to be a full-time starter even next to two other guards. 

Allen has been one of the very best three-point shooters this season, knocking down nearly 47% of shots at nearly five attempts per game. He also has served as a reliable secondary playmaker and connector - much like Gordon. 

The conversation that has to be had with Allen is the lack of size on the wing and his ability to fit in a star-studded lineup, especially on the defensive end. 

Okogie has been nothing short of superb on the defensive side of the ball, as Suns fans have become accustomed to the past year-plus of his play on that side of the court. 

The lack of a three-point shot is a major drawback, however. 

Okogie has regressed from behind the arc this season, only knocking down 27.5% of 2.2 attempts per game. 

If Okogie could knock down even 34-35% of those looks he would almost assuredly be a shoe-in for the fifth starter gig.

Metu has also entered his name into the discussion behind three consecutive strong showings, his last two coming in the starting lineup. 

The former little-used member of the Sacramento Kings has flashed the ability to be a strong shotmaker, particularly from behind the arc in recent games. 

He also has shown the ability to be malleable defensively, and while he isn't the same at the point of attack as Okogie is, his 6'10", 225 LB frame allows him to attack defensively much like Durant as a tweener that can both guard the perimeter and protect the rim in spells.

This is a very tough decision for Vogel and co., as all four players have displayed flashes of brilliance - especially next to the star talent - but Metu has earned the right to continue being the fifth guy. At least for now.