Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns 2018 offseason plans Part 3: Free Agency

By Adam Maynes

MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 30: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three pointer during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 30, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Mike McGinnis/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - MARCH 30: Jabari Parker #12 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three pointer during the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center on March 30, 2016 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Mike McGinnis/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 28: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on January 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 28: Clint Capela #15 of the Houston Rockets drives to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on January 28, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Clint Capela

While many Suns fans are very high on the possibility of stealing Clint Capela away from the Houston Rockets this offseason as a restricted free agent, there is one thing that makes me very wary at the prospect of throwing an inordinate amount of money at him: how many players do we know have career  seasons in Mike D’Antoni‘s offense who were never quite as good anywhere else? And that’s not to mention specifically those players who had exceptionally talented point guards, i.e. Steve Nash, James Harden, and Chris Paul?

While I would certainly not be against the Suns signing Capela if they do not land DeAndre Ayton in the draft, I would be wary that he would come in and remain the dominant double-double player here that has been with the Rockets. Phoenix will likely not be anywhere near as talented as Houston is and therefore he may very well see a statistical slip with the Suns, not a spike – and may himself not even be able to beat out Tyson Chandler for the starter’s role should Chandler be retained.

If Capela was the best player Phoenix acquired this offseason too I do not see the team taking that large a leap forward either. He is a nice complimentary player but not the kind of talent that would make the Suns that  much better right away. Therefore, if he is signed, my hope is that he wouldn’t cost near the max line because they will need to acquire additional talent at some point in the next season or two to truly take that next step and having a large contract on the books for a good although not dominant  center would hurt the ability to improve the roster from outside the draft.

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