Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Top-ten free agent signings in Phoenix Suns history

By Adam Maynes

PHOENIX - DECEMBER 3: Steve Nash #13 and Quentin Richardson #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2004 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves won 97-93. 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 Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX - DECEMBER 3: Steve Nash #13 and Quentin Richardson #3 of the Phoenix Suns talk during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on December 3, 2004 at America West Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. The Timberwolves won 97-93. 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 Licence Agreement. (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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SEATTLE, UNITED STATES: Seattle SuperSonic Gary Payton (R) speaks with Phoenix Suns Cliff Robinson as the SuperSonics struggled during their game against the Suns on 06 April 1998 in Seattle,WA. The Sun won 102-92. AFP PHOTO/Dan Levine (Photo credit should read DAN LEVINE/AFP/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES: Seattle SuperSonic Gary Payton (R) speaks with Phoenix Suns Cliff Robinson as the SuperSonics struggled during their game against the Suns on 06 April 1998 in Seattle,WA. The Sun won 102-92. AFP PHOTO/Dan Levine (Photo credit should read DAN LEVINE/AFP/Getty Images) /

3. Cliff Robinson

(27.4 WS / .136 WS per-48)

With Charles Barkley gone, the Phoenix Suns needed a power forward. So they acquired two.

Antonio McDyess was brought on board via trade, but that same summer, Cliff Robinson signed with Phoenix giving the Suns a potent frontcourt duo to play alongside Kidd and newly signed shooting guard, Rex Chapman.

Cliff provided Phoenix with both solid defense and consistent scoring, becoming an outside threat with the Suns, but also the ability to play tall ball next to McDyess, as Robinson’s shooting allowed Cliff to play small forward.

Robinson improved his scoring in each of his first three seasons with the Suns, spiking at 18.5 points per game in 1999-00, the highest it had been in five years. His peak individual performance came that very season, when McDyess exploded for 50 points – and 8 rebounds – against the Denver Nuggets on 17-26 shooting.

Unfortunately, after another good season with the Suns the following year, and with two additional seasons still remaining on his contract, Robinson was arrested for drunk driving and illegal possession of marijuana. Colangelo traded both he, and Jason Kidd, who was arrested in a separate ordeal, that offseason.

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