What Trevor Ariza brings to the Phoenix Suns

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HOUSTON, TX – JANUARY 28: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Phoenix Suns on January 28, 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) /

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.

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