Phoenix Suns Report Card for New Additions
![Oct 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jon Leuer (30) is congratulated by teammates after dunking against the Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Kings 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports Oct 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jon Leuer (30) is congratulated by teammates after dunking against the Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) in the first half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeat the Kings 102-98. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/de82e4f855bd9431029f003164a1c6eafe3cb24f85115174e92075fb11bc2ff6.jpg)
Sonny Weems, F, 29 years old
Initial thoughts:
Weems, much like Teletovic, is one of those guys with a back story that would make anyone appreciate the sport. After the ’10-’11 in which he played with the Toronto Rapters, Weems played overseas for three years before signing with the Suns this season.
The work ethic and the will to make it back to the NBA is the sort of indispensible experience that builds a winning culture in today’s day and age.
Areas of Strength:
His experiences are vast; he’s played professionally in the states, albeit just three years, and abroad and again, brings a veteran presence to the locker room that isn’t easy to come by.
Areas of Weakness:
Weems has had a difficult time adjusting to the style of play in the NBA and his production has suffered. He is averaging just 1.4 points per game with a career mark of 7.5. Granted, it’s been three years since he played in the NBA, so it could just be an issue of getting back into the swing of things stateside. Nevertheless, Weems needs to get acclimated again and fast.
Moving Forward:
Get back to scoring points and making an impact on the floor. Right now, the value that comes with Weems is one-dimensional; he needs to prove that he’s more than a positive influence.
Overall Grade:
D+ – The production has been abysmal to this point. In 10.6 minutes a game, Weems has only converted on 25 percent of his shot attempts. This could change, however, if this is a matter of time taking its toll on Weems’ skill set, the 29-year-old could be in hot water.
Next: Jon Leuer