Who is Jared Butler? New Phoenix Suns star outshines Luka Doncic with 35 points vs LA Lakers

Jared Butler scored 35 points in Phoenix Suns win vs LA Lakers

Jared Butler produced one of the most impressive displays of the entire NBA preseason for the Suns against the Lakers.

He produced 35 points, seven rebounds, and nine assists on 56 percent shooting from both the field and the three-point line.

Butler outscored both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, who both put up 25 points for the Lakers.

Suns fans will now hope that Butler can continue his sensational form into the regular season, even if he plays on the second unit.

Devin Booker and Jalen Green will probably be the starting backcourt when they are fully healthy, but Butler could be a valuable spark plug off the bench.

How did the Phoenix Suns find Jared Butler?

Jared Butler spent three seasons at Baylor University, winning the 2021 NCAA Championship, before entering the NBA Draft later that year.

Butler was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the 10th pick in the second round and immediately traded to the Utah Jazz.

He played 41 games for Utah in his rookie season but failed to make an impact and was waived in October 2022.

After difficult stints with the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Washington Wizards, Butler spent the second half of last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

He averaged 11.5 points per game on solid efficiency amid the 76ers’ injury crisis, earning a $2.5 million contract with the Suns this summer.

Butler now has the opportunity to solidify his place in the NBA as an exciting bench scorer on a rebuilding Suns team.