5 Phoenix Suns goals for free agency
By Dan Volpone
![NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 26: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) NEW ORLEANS, LA - FEBRUARY 26: Rajon Rondo #9 of the New Orleans Pelicans drives against Elfrid Payton #2 of the Phoenix Suns during the second half at the Smoothie King Center on February 26, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. 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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c41a44289aade817129e29f2f97312ca1c9c843a851444a6c7d1557b5418c722.jpg)
Sign a shooter off the bench
There’s a good possibility that the point guard the Suns bring in won’t be an above average shooter (see Smart, Marcus and Rondo, Rajon). And that’s okay, as long as they look to bring in someone who can shoot off the bench.
Whether it’s at guard or on the wing, the Suns would do well to sign a shooter this offseason. The team already seems to have their starting lineup filled out, but the bench could still use some pieces. Right now, Bender, Chriss, and T.J. Warren are all expected to share bench minutes. But that means the Suns still need bench guards and bench shooting.
Having the ability to bring in a shooter off the bench would allow the reserves to become a functional five man unit. And the threat from deep would be valuable in end of game situations, as well as allowing the Suns to exploit certain matchups.
The Phoenix Suns don’t need to build their team around all three point shooters. But in situations where Booker and Bridges need rest, the Suns should make sure they don’t go without a shooter on the floor. And they should also have the ability to go to a lineup of four shooters when the game situation calls for it.
Signing a three point shooter off the bench would not only fill a need for the Suns. It would also give them a go-to skill off the bench that could prevent below average shooters like Josh Jackson and T.J. Warren from being exploited.