Suns Shake Up Rotation, Move Mickael Pietrus Into Starting Five

Phoenix Suns swingman Mickael Pietrus replaced Channing Frye in the starting line up tonight. Pietrus played 27 minutes and finished with 11 points, 2 three-pointers, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals. Channing Frye managed to play 28 minutes and put up 8 points and 5 rebounds. Josh Childress and Hakim Warrick appear to have fallen out of the rotation.

The Breakdown
Head coach Alvin Gentry chose to move Pietrus into the starting five because he's one of the team's better defenders. He's also a great three-point shooter who should have increased fantasy value as a starter. He's owned in just a few leagues, so fantasy owners in need of another three-point shooter may want to make a speculative addition.

As for Channing Frye, he still figures to see regular playing time but we don't expect him to consistently crack the 30-minute mark off the bench. Frye owners will want to keep a close eye on his minutes and production in the near future. Frye struggled early in the season coming off the bench and his struggles may return. We'll have to monitor the next few games to make sure his minutes and stats don't drop off significantly.

The few owners still holding on to Childress and Warrick should cut them loose now. There are certainly better options available in free agency.