What Trevor Ariza brings to the Phoenix Suns
![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) 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)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/25d256ed4d2d2d42871f3619a6bbdfb9358f5069cbf713c1d6830bab4df1b1d1.jpg)
What he brings: A logjam at the power forward position
The Suns have six forwards on the roster, five of which were lottery picks. The other: Ariza
Here is the current depth chart based on position:
Point Guard: Brandon Knight, Shaquille Harrison, Elie Okobo
Shooting Guard: Devin Booker, Troy Daniels, Davon Reed
Small Forward: T.J. Warren, Josh Jackson, Mikal Bridges
Power Forward: Trevor Ariza, Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss
Center: Deandre Ayton, Tyson Chandler Richaun Holmes
With the addition of Ariza (and the acquisitions of Bridges and Holmes), the Suns will have to shift players to play different positions one through five to solve the glut.
Booker will likely play a lot of time at point guard this season because of all the forwards. If he is playing as a point guard for stretches the Suns can then play Bridges or Jackson at the shooting guard position.
The other thing that will happen is that Bender and Chriss might get some minutes as small ball fives. Although this isn’t ideal, Bender and Chriss need to get some minutes and being able to handle center might literally save their jobs.
As a committee Ariza, Warren, Jackson, and Bridges will play the shooting guard, small forward, and small ball power forward. Although there is little difference between these positions offensively, it will be interesting to see who guards the other team’s bigger players. Having those three (hopefully) above average defenders should be a big booster for Phoenix defensively.
If a point guard is available mid-season, Warren and maybe even Bridges could be traded to give relief to a stacked position while further strengthening the team’s weakest point.