The Phoenix Suns have needs at both the power forward and center positions. There are several former Suns’ big men that could help with the depth situation.
The Phoenix Suns need solid veteran depth at either big man position. The questions surrounding Marquese Chriss‘ and Dragan Bender‘s lack of can cause a headache. The franchise has to find veterans that can properly help mentor and develop both young players. In the past, I’ve written about how former Suns free agents could help fill needs at the playmaking and wing positions. There are former Suns can could help provide solid play off the bench and possibly help develop both young players.
No. 4
While Greg Monroe isn’t the least skilled player on this list, he obviously didn’t make any type of meaningful impact with the Suns this past regular season before he was released after the club was unable to find a trade for the center. Monroe’s lack of defense isn’t something the Suns should want around their young players. The only redeeming qualities that the unrestricted free agent has is his low post scoring and his passing skills. There isn’t a very good reason for the Suns to bring back a player they just waived recently, but if for some strange reason they did sign him, he might be good as a backup.
No. 3
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Anthony Tolliver didn’t have a good stint with the Suns, but is a solid bench player that could help the team with floor spacing. Tolliver’s 24 games with the club produced unimpressive stats beyond his 38.7 percent shooting from downtown. While his tour in Phoenix wasn’t the best stop of his career, during the majority of it, the unrestricted free agent has been very serviceable as a backup big. He has career averages of 6.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and a 37.6 percent 3-point shooting average. He would be a solid veteran coming off the bench if signed.
No. 2
Combo big Channing Frye could help be a good mentor and help stretch the floor for the Suns. Frye’s had a overall good stint with the Suns averaging 11.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and shot 38.9 percent from the 3-point line. The veteran unrestricted free agent is still a solid 3-point shooter and has won a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2015-16 season. He would help install a winning culture in the Suns locker room and still help space the floor in limited minutes with the club.
No. 1
Ranking unrestricted free agent Michael Beasley may have been the toughest decision on this list. On one hand, Beasley was released by the team when he was arrested on drug charges which would leave a bad taste in the mouths of any fan base and the franchise. He also had one of the worst season’s statistically of his career in Phoenix. On the other hand, Beasley has turned it around in recent years and had one of his better seasons with the New York Knicks this past regular season. If the Suns front office believes that Beasley has truly turned a page and matured, then he has the potential to be the sixth man of the year with Phoenix. There is a high risk/reward with signing Beasley, but it depends on whether or not general manager Ryan McDonough believes Beasley is mature enough to come back to Phoenix.
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While none of these former Phoenix Suns big men are starting level players for a playoff bound team, they are quality reserves for a competitive team. These players should be at least on the radar of the team’s front office this offseason if the team is to do their due-diligence.