The Suns Need To Re-sign Alan Williams
By Kory Miller
Alan Williams is perhaps the last player any Phoenix Suns fan would have expected to be in contract discussions at this point in the season. But his effort and hustle on the court have helped him play into discussion for a long-term deal.
Alan Williams wasn’t supposed to play much this season for the Phoenix Suns. He was supposed to be the last guy on the bench. He was supposed to be a practice player and a feel-good story as a native son of Phoenix. The story hasn’t exactly gone to script.
Although Williams hasn’t received consistent playing time, he’s capitalized on every minute he’s recevived. Williams has played in 25 games (8.5 MPG), shooting 57.1% from the field and has compiled 4 double-doubles. To put that into perspective, Alex Len has played in 56 games (19.8 MPG), shot 49.4% from the field and has 7 double-doubles.
I see some of Zach Randolph in Williams’ game. They’re both about the same size (6’8″ 260lbs for Williams, 6’9″ 260lbs for Randolph) and they’re both pure post players who can score at anytime from 6 feet and in. Williams will be a restricted free agent this summer along with Len. I am now of the opinion that the Suns should make signing Williams to a 3 or 4-year deal a higher priority than re-signing Len. Len will likely command in the neighborhood of $16-20 million per year (see Timofey Movgov as my barometer) while Williams would likely be $6-$10 million per year.
Frankly, I think Williams has performed better than Len this season when he’s had the opportunity to play. If Len’s value ends up being less than what I think it is, sign them both. That would be ideal. However, I fear giving Len $20 million per year based on his performance to date. He simply hasn’t earned the starter’s job over Tyson Chandler, and honestly hasn’t earned a huge payday yet either. I understand that giving up on a former Top-5 pick would be admitting defeat, but I’d rather cry Uncle than burden the team with a bad deal. Especially for a poor defensive center like Len has been. I’d much rather gamble 3-years and $20 million on Alan Williams than 4 years and $70-80 million on Len.
I’m not saying that Williams will be a starting center in the NBA anytime soon, or ever, but I think he at least has the potential to be a very good backup. Tyson should have at least one more season of productive play in Phoenix, so the Suns could have another year to find their center of the future while Tyson starts and Williams serves as the primary backup if Len leaves.
Williams has been an awesome teammate and a surprisingly good backup big. He’s also fast becoming a fan-favorite here in the Valley (at least for me). I think he’s earned the chance to show the league what he can do on a night-in, night-out basis. Even if that means Alex Len plays elsewhere next season.