For a player that was initially signed by the Phoenix Suns on a 10-day trial contract, Ray Spalding had a pretty good outing.
The Phoenix Suns gave out a few 10-day contracts this season, trying out different players but it didn’t really pan out until they gave Ray Spalding a chance.
Both sides ended up being rewarded as Spalding was signed for the remainder of this season and given a partial guarantee for next season as well. Phoenix got a promising young player that they can allow to develop over the summer and see what he brings next season.
Spalding’s rights were sent to Dallas after being selected by Philadelphia with the 56th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. The Mavericks acquired Kristaps Porzingis and had to let a player go to make room for the trade, so he was released. After clearing waivers, he signed with the Suns.
In 13 games with Phoenix, he shot 53% from the field and averaged 4.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals and 0.6 blocks in 11.3 minutes per night.
He played sparingly but rose to the occasion when his number was called. His per-36 minute defensive numbers are pretty impressive (11.8 rebounds, 2.2 steals and 1.9 blocks).
Yes, it was the end of a lost season and there were many injuries, but he started the last 3 games of the season. In that stretch, he shot nearly 56% from the field and averaged 10.7 points, 8 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 1.7 blocks in 23.7 minutes per game.
His best game of the season came on April 5 versus the New Orleans Pelicans in a close game that the Suns ended up winning in overtime. He was a big reason for the win as he made 10 of his 13 shots, scoring 21 points as well as pulling down 13 boards and adding on 3 steals and 3 blocks.
He showed in the G League that he has potential of being able to eventually stretch out to the three point line as well as get to the free throw line fairly often. He’s also a very good passer for a big man.
For a team that still needs a power forward, it’s smart to hang on to him and watch him grow. At the very least his defense, intensity and dunks make him worthy of a reserve spot. He’s only 22-years-old and he has the potential to be a decent role player in this league.