Valley of the Suns
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The Phoenix Suns should sign Lance Stephenson

By Khaleel Abdullah

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 24: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 24, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 116-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 24: Lance Stephenson #1 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball during a game against the Phoenix Suns at Bankers Life Fieldhouse on January 24, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Pacers won 116-101. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using the photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Throughout his career, Lance Stephenson has had a love/hate relationship around the league and in the eyes of fans. You either love him or hate him. That said, he’d be a great addition for the young Phoenix Suns.

Recently, a piece was written on this site about how the Phoenix Suns could use someone like Enes Kanter. Why? Because the Suns need to not just get better but they need to get tougher. Phoenix needs a tough guy. They can’t let opponents get under their skin and they need to learn how to throw some elbows or, dare I say, blow in some ears.

That moment, for better or worse, brought Lance into the spotlight around the league and made him the enemy of fans across the nation.

Focused with the beyond nightmare matchup of guarding LeBron James, out of nowhere Stephenson leaned over and blew into his ear. This was just one of many tactics he’s used to fully frustrate his opponent. That’s what he’s known for around the Association.

His numbers don’t stand out, but he is a good player. He had his best season that season putting up a shooting line of 49-35-71 with 1.1 treys for 13.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game along with a league high five triple-doubles. It is his tactics though that are what get noticed.

Phoenix Suns
Phoenix Suns /

Phoenix Suns

Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough has stated many times he’d like to add veterans this summer. How about one with 7 years of NBA experience and 57 career playoff games under his belt?

Speaking of postseason, his numbers there are better than his career regular season statistics. In the playoffs he’s shot 45% from the field and 33% from downtown and posted 11.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game.

This year, in the first round, Indiana gave Cleveland a run for it’s money. He was a big reason why posting 10.4 points, 2.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game. Sure, those numbers don’t jump out at you, but they aren’t bad.

We wouldn’t be asking him to be “the guy” either. The Suns have Devin Booker, they just drafted Deandre Ayton and Mikal Bridges, and Josh Jackson also has a full season of experience and a second half in particular where he really ticked up his play. Lance would only be fuel off the bench – an in case of emergency break glass type of guy.

He’s 6’6″ and weighs 230 pounds. He can play minutes at both guard spots as well as both forward spots. No, he’s not your backup point guard or power forward, but he can guard them very well when asked to do so.

Phoenix needs a veteran with playoff experience in addition to Tyson Chandler or Jared Dudley, especially if one or both are traded and not on the team to start the season.They also need to add veterans who would actually play regular rotational minutes. Chandler has a recent issue with injuries and hasn’t played in more than 66 game in a season for Phoenix nor more than 46 in the last two seasons, and Jared Dudley is more of a “break glass if Lance Stephenson breaks like glass” kind of guy.

A lot of people hate on Stephenson because of his trash talk and his mind games.

I’m all for it if he does it as a Sun. Phoenix need that type of guy. Dudley has had his moments, so has P.J. Tucker and Chandler.

Stephenson would take it up another level. Or four.

New Head Coach Igor Kokoskov needs someone to throw elbows and do the dirty work. Stephenson is not a dirty player. He’s actually a really smart player. Sometimes it’s not just about stats and skill. It’s about having someone do what needs to be done. When push comes to shove, someone needs to push and shove back, and Kokoskov really doesn’t want it to be Booker, Ayton, Jackson, or Bridges.

Next: The Phoenix Suns should not trade Tyson Chandler or Jared Dudley

The young Suns need a vet that can play solid minutes and be a good rotation guy, not just one that will go through the motions, but someone who be willing to talk trash, frustrate opponents, and hey, maybe even blow in their ears.

Especially is LeBron James ends up in Los Angeles and the Suns have to face him four times a year.

The Phoenix Suns need someone like Lance Stephenson.

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