Former Suns who could be signed to fill out the roster

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Mar 13, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) dribbles the ball up court during the second half of a 100-78 win over Dallas Mavericks at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

P.J. Tucker UFA

Previously for Phoenix: 377 games from 2012-17

He wanted to stay. He wants to be a part of the Phoenix Suns’ first playoff run since 2010. He’d be happy backing up T.J. Warren. He’s unrestricted, and he’d be cheap. A longtime fan favorite, multiple Dan Majerle Hustle Award winner, and all-around good guy, McDonough has already hinted at potentially re-signing Tucker, a move that would be welcomed by many.

At the moment there is already interest in him from around the league this offseason (just a simple google search and teams like New York and Minnesota pop up) but I’d venture to bet that unless a team throws unexpectedly high money at him, if Phoenix were to offer a new contract anywhere in the range of other potential suitors, he would sign here.

Tucker is who we think he is: a below average scorer who loves the corner three, but can focus his boundless energy and effort on stopping the opponent’s best player. Adding that kind of defensive depth from any outside source would be a help to the franchise. Tucker, would be special since he’d be making a home coming.

If Phoenix were to draft Josh Jackson – by all accounts an above average defender – no one on the roster or coaching staff would be more capable of leading by example how to be an NBA-level defender than P.J. Tucker. Truthfully, if the team is able to draft Jackson, then there is no better reason to re-sign Tucker for another year or two.

Gerald Green UFA

Mar 24, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics forward Gerald Green (30) controls the ball during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Previously for Phoenix: 156 games from 2013-15

Let’s not sugarcoat who Gerald Green is: he is a poor shooter and rebounder, he doesn’t pass, and he becomes somewhat of a black hole on offense when he has the ball.

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But when he’s hot he can score as potently as any non-stars in the league, and his dunks would bring the house down. As a near end of the bench player, very little would be expected of him statistically if he returned to Phoenix. But if the Suns are again a team struggling to keep their head’s above water, then the excitement he would bring to the end of games would be Sports Center worthy.

Imagine too having both Green and Derrick Jones Jr. on the court at the same time, each streaking towards the hoop seeking alley-oop passes. Even if neither player received more than just a few minutes per game every other night, those moments when they each hit the court at the same time would keep butts in the seats and eyes on the television, regardless of the score.

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