The case for the Phoenix Suns to re-sign Troy Daniels

The Phoenix Suns have an open roster spot, and while it is rumored to be filled by Jordan McRae, recently waived Troy Daniels is an appealing option as well.

The Los Angeles Lakers, in their quest to something like their 75th NBA Championship, keep toying with their roster like they’re that guy who is .500 in Fantasy Football and lives on the waiver wire. Should the Phoenix Suns capitalize on their player scraps?

Last week they waived DeMarcus Cousins, a surprising move considering he was eyeing a playoffs return from ACL surgery, but it sounds like they are going to keep him around and let him continue to rehab in their facilities. Classy.

If the Suns were close to a playoff spot, I would argue they should definitely sign him, but that is a post for the summer when they reevaluate their roster. Color me Team Boogie since 2009.

That brings us to the latest Lakers player to land in the compost pile, Troy Daniels. Daniels played in every game for Los Angeles this season, averaging just over 11 minutes per game, contributing 4.2 points per game.

While his scoring is below his career average of 6.6 points per game and far below his average the last two seasons with the Phoenix Suns (7.8 points per game), it still feels like he was playing the role the Lakers brought him in to play:

Come off the bench, knock down a couple of 3s, go back to the bench.

However, the Lakers prefer a little more unpredictability than most on their roster as they are rumored to be currently working out both Dion Waiters and JR Smith to fill the remaining roster spot.

The Phoenix Suns just let him go this offseason and they are reportedly bringing in Jordan McRae to fill their last roster spot, but someone like Troy Daniels who can come in off the bench, knock down some open 3s, and go back to the bench, seems like it would be a perfect fit for what this Suns team needs right now.

He would be taking the place of Tyler Johnson, who was supposed to do exactly that (and more) for the Suns this season. Unfortunately, he forgot how to function as a viable NBA player and had no market at the trade deadline and was therefore waived.

Now the Suns are playing a point guard (Jevon Carter) as backup shooting guard when he should be–stay with me–be playing backup point guard, specifically over Elie Okobo.

Granted, Jordan McRae would (will?) be a good fit as well, especially with Kelly Oubre out, but if the Suns are looking for a former member of the franchise who can provide scoring off the bench, Troy Daniels appears to be the more natural fit on paper.

Would he come back? Probably not, considering they didn’t seem to want him when he was here. Then again, a million bucks or so would sway me if I were him.

Nonetheless, unless Woj gets one wrong for the first time in his career, look for McRae to land in Phoenix after he clears waivers. Maybe next time, Troy.