Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Suns get more value by avoiding veteran free agents

By Dan Volpone

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 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 - MAY 2: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets looks on during the game against the Utah Jazz in Game Two of Round Two of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 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) /
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The Phoenix Suns brought in Trevor Ariza in free agency, but other than that, they’ve steered clear of veteran signings. That bodes well for their future.

The Suns are asking fans to be patient for one more season. They were quiet in free agency, and the biggest difference between this season and last season’s teams figures to be their new draft picks. While that may not be the excitement some people were looking for, it’s the best strategy going forward.

Because there are only so many minutes to go around, and it’s not time to give up on the young players. What actually has more value: bringing in a veteran point guard for a year to add a few wins to a team that won’t make the playoffs anyway, or seeing if Elie Okobo and Shaquille Harrison can become quality NBA players while giving each the opportunities needed to develop? It’s most definitely the latter.

And it’s not just at the point guard position. The Suns shouldn’t keep around players like Jared Dudley and Tyson Chandler if it means moving on from someone like Davon Reed. Whatever value their mentorship brings doesn’t even come close to the value of giving Reed a chance to succeed. The same goes for Troy Daniels as well.

Trevor Ariza figures to be a key piece in the rotation this season, but the Suns shouldn’t fully prioritize his minutes over player development. Sure, he’s their best three or four on the roster for now. But Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges need plenty of time together, especially attempting to close out games down the stretch. And Dragan Bender and Marquese Chriss need to play, too.

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If the Phoenix Suns had filled too many rotation spots with veteran players, they would have risked missing out on quality role players in the future. It’s unlikely all of the young guys pan out, but it’s probable one or two of them earn their place long-term. By staying the course with the current roster, the Suns will certainly sacrifice some wins, but they’ll get as much value as possible down the line.

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