What Trevor Ariza brings to the Phoenix Suns

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PHOENIX, AZ – NOVEMBER 16: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets swings a towel in reaction to scoring during the first half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on November 16, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets defeated the Suns 142-116. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Trevor Ariza was the Phoenix Suns’ biggest free agent acquisition this summer. This is what he brings (and doesn’t bring) in terms of both offense and defense.

To kick off the summer’s free agency period, the Phoenix Suns surprised the NBA world when they signed Trevor Ariza to a one-year, $15 million deal.

The Suns wanted a stretch four, but adding a veteran point guard felt like a much higher priority as Phoenix already has a bit of a logjam at the forward position and with presumptive starter Brandon Knight entering his first season after his ACL injury, badly needed a point guard to add protection in the lineup should Knight be able to play at the necessary pace.

At first I was scared the Suns were doomed to have another horrible season after using up their cap space on a non-point guard. However, Ariza brings a lot to the table.

For starters, I fully expect the Suns defense to improve just because of him. While not a lock down defender, he is solid as a perimeter defender and doesn’t make the kind of bone-headed swipe fouls that we are so used to seeing from our current forwards.

He is a great outside shooter. As the most consistent 3-point shooter in the starting lineup, his ability to light it up from outside as a power forward will make defenses stretch out to the line which will not only open up the lane for drivers like Devin Booker and Josh Jackson, but he will give Deandre Ayton plenty of space to play in the paint as ell.

Adding Ariza has many different impacts. Ariza is a great defender but will increase the forward logjam. He will stretch the floor with his shooting as small ball four, and he will help the Suns defensively.

Here is what Ariza brings and doesn’t bring to the Suns this season.

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