The center position has never been one of high prestige for the Phoenix Suns. Roster turnover could help change that for the desert franchise.
The last time the Phoenix Suns had an All-Star big man was Amar’e Stoudemire back in the 2009-2010 season. It has been almost ten years since the Suns have had All-Star caliber play at the center position. The Suns need to get legit play from that position and will, at best, get quality play at center this season. Changes need to come if the Suns want to be competitive at the position and in the NBA. The one bold prediction that I have for the center position is that the Suns will trade Tyson Chandler this season to tank for Marvin Bagley III.
Obviously there are two sides to this prediction, so let’s start out the Suns trading Chandler this season. In a previous article, I have personally advocated for Chandler to get traded. It’s no secret that Chandler is not a part of this young team’s core or future. He is there primarily to help mentor the young players on the team. That’s great however, one more good quality draft should put the Suns in the position they need to be a playoff team within one to two years. Chandler is still worth at least one late first round pick and a bad contract even at his age. He only has two years left on his deal and could definitely pull interest from playoff teams.
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Trading Chandler will most assuredly subtract a couple of wins from the Phoenix Suns’ record this upcoming season. The Suns’ will need help reaching a top three selection in next summer’s draft based on how bad the Eastern Conference will most likely be next season.
NBAdraft.net has Bagley ranked second on their big board and in all likelihood will be off the draft board by picks four or five. When reviewing some tape of Bagley, it is clear he can be something special.
Bagley’s game reminds me of Karl-Anthony Town’s game. Bagley has the potential to be a transcendent and the Suns could easily be the winners of the draft by selecting him. He averaged his last season in high school 24.6 points, 10.1 rebounds, and two blocks per game; while shooting 66 percent from the floor and 29 percent from the arc. Bagley has the potential to become an elite center in today’s NBA and the Suns need to draft him if they want to have one of the best duo’s in the league.
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Trading Chandler will only help the Suns in their ultimate goal in obtaining a franchise center like Bagley. Bagley could be the answer the Suns so desperately need at center.