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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NEW YORK CITY – 1994: A.C. Green #45 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a game against the New York Knicks circa 1994 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
NEW YORK CITY – 1994: A.C. Green #45 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during a game against the New York Knicks circa 1994 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. 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 1994 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

5. A.C. Green

(21.2 WS / .125 WS per-48)

The first in a series of three wink-wink free agent signing that Jerry Colangelo used to bulk up his Phoenix Suns roster from 1994-96, A.C. Green left the Los Angeles Lakers, who had taken the first seed Suns to five games in a stunning series the year prior, and added front court defensive assistance to Charles Barkley who due to an ailing back was slowly needing to count on his teammates up front more and more.

Green was neither a prolific offensive player nor a defensive stopper, but he was both efficient  and effective on both ends of the floor, averaging 10.6 points and 7.7 rebounds with his time with the Suns.

Green is most noted for his Iron Man status, having played in 1,192 consecutive games, including all 273 with the Suns. Phoenix was cognoscente and supportive of his streak and in a February 1996 game against New York, J.R. Reid elbowed Green in the face knocking out a couple of his teeth. To allow the streak to continue, the Suns continued to play Green for a few moments in every game until his face was healed – although he was forced to wear a mask the rest of the season.

Not necessarily notable to his Suns career, Green was a part of the trade to the Dallas Mavericks that brought young superstar Jason Kidd to the Valley of the Suns.

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