Alex Len: Past, Present, and Future Phoenix Sun?
By Alex Vairo
Now that the Phoenix Suns have ended their pursuit of marquee free agents, do they consider to bring back one of their own in Alex Len?
After being linked to players such as Blake Griffin and Paul Millsap, the Phoenix Suns are now changing their approach this offseason. The Suns have committed to a full on youth rebuild; confirmed by reports that they decided against signing Paul Millsap:
Sources: Suns out on Millsap pursuit, turning to use cap space to absorb $ dumps paired w/ assets. Open to moving vets, going all-in young.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2017
By relenting on signing veterans like Millsap, the Suns have now turned their focus on their own free agents. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7 reported that the Suns have offered Alan Williams a 4 year worth $5-6 million per year. Alan Williams was a integral part of the Suns’ second unit after the All-Star break. As a home grown Phoenician, Williams has already immersed himself in the Phoenix community and is one of the Suns’ figureheads throughout the Valley.
While the Suns have shown interest in bring back Alan Williams, all remains quiet on the Alex Len front. Shams Charania of the Vertical sent this tweet about Alex Len:
Among desired RFAs, center Alex Len (Phoenix) has potential to become most attainable for teams. He's discussing scenarios with teams now.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2017
Now this begs the question, is Alex Len’s tenure as a Phoenix Suns over? Since drafted by the Suns in the 2013 NBA draft, Len hasn’t shown consistency during his time on the court. With more playing time and a chance to cement his spot on the team after the Suns shut Chandler down, Len was instead outplayed by Alan Williams. By season’s end, Williams looked like the starter and Len the backup.
Will Alex Len be a part of the Phoenix Suns’ future? Should he be? This seems similar to another situation involving a former Phoenix Sun.