Ronnie Price
Here’s where things get complicated. Mike James and Mickey McConnell are easily the two most tantalizing prospects on this list, but for them to have any shot at making the roster, they’ll have to upstage new signee Ronnie Price at training camp.
As a 32-year-old veteran, Price brings locker room leadership and stability to the backup point guard position, even if his NBA career hasn’t been anything impressive. Last season with the Los Angeles Lakers, Price averaged 5.1 points and 3.8 assists per game — both career highs. But he also shot a dismal 34.5 percent from the floor and 28.4 percent from downtown.
Price can’t shoot and he’s really only on the roster to supplement Tyson Chandler‘s veteran experience for the younger guys. But after the Suns officially signed him to a one-year contract yesterday, the backup point guard gig is his to lose.
That puts the pressure on McConnell (age 26) and James (age 24) to outplay Price at training camp, assuming they even earn invites. They may be younger, more exciting prospects in theory, but there’s also a reason they’ve been bouncing around overseas for the last few years.
Price brings stability and it’s his job to lose with 13 players already on contract for the 2015-16 season. But for the sake of excitement and potential, here’s hoping McConnell and James at least get a chance to prove they’re ready for the NBA stage at training camp.
Next: Expect A Breakout Season From T.J. Warren In 2015-16