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Phoenix Suns Free Agency Value Column: Money Talks

By Gavin Schall

Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) and forward Brandan Wright (32) against the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center. The Rockets defeated the Suns 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Gerald Green (14) and forward Brandan Wright (32) against the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center. The Rockets defeated the Suns 113-111. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jerel McNeal (8) controls the ball against the Utah Jazz at US Airways Center. The Suns won 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 4, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jerel McNeal (8) controls the ball against the Utah Jazz at US Airways Center. The Suns won 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jerel McNeal

A former college All-American and Big East DPOY at Maquette, McNeal is more than qualified in the 15th man role, but considering he’s a 27-year-old rookie this feels like the perfect spot for him.

McNeal had a superb season in the D-League, winning Impact Player of the Year (best midseason acquisition). He put up solid base stats of 18.5 points, 4.6 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game. His 43 percent mark from the field is a bit concerning, but he made up for it by shooting over 80 percent from the stripe and 35 percent from behind the arc.

Best-case NBA scenario; he turns into a 3-and-D guy who can play emergency or garbage time minutes at the spot.

The Suns recycled through journeymen at the end of the roster since the trade deadline and McNeal may prove to be an NBA-caliber guy, but he wouldn’t have even made the roster if not for Brandon Knight‘s ankle woes.

Unless he wows anyone over the summer, McNeal will likely be a victim of the numbers game.

Next: No. 5

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