Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Five lingering Suns questions that need answers post trade deadline

By Dallin Funk

PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - NOVEMBER 06: Interim head coach Jay Triano of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench during the first half of the NBA game against the Brooklyn Nets at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 6, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Nets defeated the Suns 98-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Is the future Point Guard on the roster?

OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – FEBRUARY 12: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns looks on from the bench against the Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on February 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Right at the 2018 NBA trade deadline, the Phoenix Suns dealt a second-round pick to the Orlando Magic for point guard Elfrid Payton. Payton had a solid outing in his debut appearance as a Phoenix Sun, racking up 19 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists. However, I am still of the mindset that NBA teams just don’t let go of starting caliber point guards for second round picks. The ex-Orlando Magic guard largely disappointed in his first three seasons in the NBA, leading to his eventual trade from the team. Still, there is a chance that Payton could reach his potential that made him a lottery pick in the 2014 NBA draft. The point guard is still just 23-years-old and has plenty of upside. Even still, hoping that Elfrid Payton can develop into an above average starter on the Phoenix Suns seems awfully optimistic.

That brings us to the highest paid player currently on the roster, Brandon Knight. Saying that Brandon Knights career as a Phoenix Sun has been underwhelming, would be considered an understatement by most. The oft-injured point guard has never played more than 54 games in a season during his run in Phoenix and will be coming off a torn ACL, that has caused him to miss this entire season.

I think one could argue that Brandon Knight was never given a fair chance to flourish in the desert. Maybe he was never comfortable in Jeff Hornaceks two point guard system. Maybe he just struggled to adjust to a bench role last year. Whatever the case may be, Brandon Knight is almost guaranteed to be on the roster next year. The real question is, should the front office even consider Brandon Knight a long-term solution at point guard next to Devin Booker?

I personally do not view either Elfrid Payton or Brandon Knight as long-term answers to the point guard position. I would strongly consider taking a chance on either Luka Doncic or Trae Young in the upcoming draft or pursuing another veteran point guard via free agency or trade. Look, I realize that one of these two players is likely to be the starting point guard for at least a portion of next season, but I think it’s safe to assume that neither is the answer to the position fans should be looking for.

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