1. Kevin Love
In a perfect world, the Phoenix Suns would find a way to earn Kevin Love’s undivided attention this summer. A lot of people are down on Love right now after his stunning 2013-14 numbers (26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 4.4 APG) dropped drastically in his first season with the Cleveland Cavaliers (16.4 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.2 APG).
But Love was taking on a tertiary role and if anyone questions that this guy is an offensive superstar, again: 26.1 PPG, 12.5 RPG and 4.4 APG only a season ago. Love is a superior option to Aldridge not only because he’s only 26 years old, but also because his three-point shot is more established.
Sir Charles In Charge
The pick-and-pop was a highly underutilized element of Cleveland’s offense, but that wouldn’t be the case in Phoenix. His ability to spread the floor as the team’s star stretch-4 would open up driving lanes for Bledsoe and Knight. If Love felt underappreciated or unfairly criticized playing with LeBron James, he’d probably be pretty open to automatically being the face of the Phoenix Suns franchise.
Love is not a great defender and he never led a team to the playoffs once with the Minnesota Timberwolves. But his teammates up north were consistently terrible or injured, and since when do the Suns care about defense? This franchise has historically tailored its roster to high-powered offenses and a run-n-gun style anyway.
An excellent rebounder, scorer and perimeter shooter, Love is the best fit (on paper) the Suns could find in free agency. Without a star to attract other talent, no NBA team can contend for championships. Kevin Love in Phoenix would be a dream come true in that vital first step, even if he’s got his fair share of flaws on the court.
Unfortunately, it’s hard to see him leaving a situation where A) he can get paid an extra $20 million+ and get an extra year on his contract and B) has the luxury of another easy run to the NBA Finals by virtue of playing with the best player in the world in the lowly Eastern Conference. Love would be a dream acquisition, but it’s one that every Suns fan might have to wake up from in the next few weeks.
Next: 5 Reasons Devin Booker Was The Right Pick For The Suns