Valley of the Suns
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5 Remaining Free Agents the Suns should consider

Khaleel Abdullah|
HOUSTON, TX - MARCH 30: Alan Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a lay up against the Houston Rockets on March 30, 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 - MARCH 30: Alan Williams #15 of the Phoenix Suns shoots a lay up against the Houston Rockets on March 30, 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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 03: Brooklyn Nets Center Jahlil Okafor (4) reacts to an awkward landing on a rebound in the second half during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers on April 03, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – APRIL 03: Brooklyn Nets Center Jahlil Okafor (4) reacts to an awkward landing on a rebound in the second half during the game between the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers on April 03, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

#2 Jahlil Okafor (6-11 260, 22-years-old)

Jahlil was the 3rd pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He ran out of the gates being selected to the All-Rookie 1st team with averages of 17.5 points, 7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 30 minutes making 51% of his field goal attempts.

What’s happened since then is anyone’s guess. Is it just the turning of the tides and the getting away from the traditional big man in the modern style of play? Is it his complete lack of focus on defense and seemingly lack of care that has just gotten under the skin of coaches? Is it the after effect of the tear he had in the meniscus in his right knee that made him miss the end of his rookie season?

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Whatever it is, the last 2 seasons his play has really fallen off and last season he only managed 6.3 points, 3 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 12.6 minutes per game.

However, he’s only 22-years-old and has legit size with a 7-5 wingspan and is athletic, a decent rebounder and an efficient post scorer.

Last season Devin Booker tweeted “Free Jah”. With no other teams in the league seeming to be calling giving him a serious reality check he’d be left to accept a cheap prove it deal.

The Suns should offer that and see what happens.

In 5 games last season when he played 20 to 25 minutes he shot 56% from the field and averaged 12.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1 block.

The possibility of him being that star is still not out of the question but that wouldn’t be asked of him. He’d simply be asked to be a capable backup big. I think he can do that.

And, if he does pan out, a starting lineup of DeAndre Ayton and Jahlil Okafor or a center rotation of Okafor coming in when Ayton needs a breather could become a scary thought for opposing teams. For a team that’s been wanting a legit front court, that has to be tempting.

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