The Phoenix Suns joining the LaMarcus Aldridge sweepstakes this summer was probably the most excitement the city has had in a while. They came very close to luring the four-time All-Star but fell short to the San Antonio Spurs in the end.
So how has the Suns’ offseason fared since they missed out on Aldridge?
Phoenix’s biggest move was the acquisition of Tyson Chandler. The former Defensive Player of the Year was initially brought in to help recruit Aldridge, but that plan ultimately failed. Now, Chandler remains as the best addition to the team and will serve as a defensive anchor like he has throughout his career.
Another important move for the Suns was the re-signing of Brandon Knight. The 23-year-old combo guard was unable to show much promise in a Suns uniform due to a severe ankle injury, but the organization knows how crucial he is to their future success.
Besides, Knight was already having a career year with the Milwaukee Bucks before being traded to the Suns at the deadline. Phoenix strongly believes that he will fully recover from his injury and easily flourish in the backcourt with Eric Bledsoe.
Last season, Knight improved on many aspects of his game, including his rebounding, play making ability, three-point shooting, and efficiency. He was a borderline All-Star and was a major part to Milwaukee’s success last year.
Aside from those two very pleasant moves, the Suns made a handful of other roster change ups. With optimism running high, the Suns went ahead and dealt Marcus Morris, Reggie Bullock, and Danny Granger to the Detroit Pistons to create cap space for a possible LaMarcus Aldridge signing. But since Aldridge signed elsewhere, Phoenix basically traded a key piece from last season’s team in Marcus Morris for absolutely nothing.
Now with Marcus gone, his twin brother Markieff Morris is stirring up some off-court trouble by bashing the Suns organization and requesting a trade. Phoenix has yet to discuss any deals for Morris, but it almost seems like he is a goner.
To make up for Marcus Morris’ loss, the Suns turned to Mirza Teletovic, a streaky three-point shooting power forward. Teletovic is nowhere near Morris as far as overall talent, but he will certainly provide outside shooting and nicely space the floor.
The bench overhaul continued when the Suns signed Ronnie Price, who actually played for Phoenix once before during the 2011-2012 lockout season. Price last played for the Los Angeles Lakers where he was able to show the ability to defend around the perimeter and play with tremendous energy. The 10-year veteran will serve as a good backup to Bledsoe this upcoming season.
Seeking for more backcourt depth, the Suns attained Sonny Weems, a 6-foot-6 two guard who has played overseas the past few years. Weems has three years of NBA experience under his belt also, having played for the Denver Nuggets and Toronto Raptors. The 29-year old is mainly known for his scoring, as he averaged 9.2 points in 23.9 minutes per game off the bench for the Raptors during the 2010-2011 season.
The Suns made some noise during the draft as well, selecting Devin Booker with the 13th overall pick. He is a sweet-shooting two guard who has high basketball IQ and a silky-smooth three-point shot. Booker will become the youngest active player in the NBA this season at the age of 18, and Phoenix hopes that he will replace Gerald Green, who signed with the Miami Heat.
Booker is expected to play the backup shooting guard role behind Brandon Knight, barring any unforeseen changes. The young kid possesses a ton of potential and is also an underrated play maker. He should fit in nicely with the young core and could become a vital bench player in the near future. During Summer League action, Booker averaged 15.3 points and 4.9 rebounds.
Aside from Booker, Phoenix made a draft day deal using their second-round pick Andrew Harrison to land Jon Leuer. If Markieff Morris is indeed traded, Leuer could become a key component off the bench depending on what Phoenix would get in return for Morris. Either way, he is on the roster to provide extra frontcourt depth and assurance.
The Phoenix Suns have renovated their bench this offseason, adding a bunch of new faces. They did not make any earthshattering moves but have slightly improved on their roster. However, their offseason may not be finished just yet. Before the season begins, the Suns may possibly ship their disgruntled starting power forward Markieff Morris.
Off-Season Grade: C