Phoenix Suns: 3 Things JaVale McGee Brings to the Table

We all expected the Phoenix Suns to go after a backup big man during free agency this year, but very few expected them to settle on the polarizing, yet still formidable JaVale McGee.

Playing first for the Cleveland Cavaliers, and later the Denver Nuggets last year, McGee averaged 7.3 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Rounding out his 13th season as a pro, the journeyman played slightly under 15.0 minutes per game between both teams.

Even though McGee rarely took the floor during Denver’s playoff series with the Suns, he still raised some eyebrows while doing so. During Game 4, McGee snatched seven boards, five points, and a blocked shot during a 20 minute run, granted to him after league officials ejected MVP Nikola Jokic.

A few days before it, McGee took the floor for with only a few minutes to play during a contest already well decided, but still played incredibly hard while doing so. His hustle left an impression on Chris Paul, who even reached out to McGee after the game to express his respect.

McGee could not keep Denver’s season alive with his efforts, but still managed to secure his own future during the bout, with his good impression on the Suns likely coming as the driving factor behind their choice to extend him a contract.

The deal in place goes for only one season, paying McGee $5 million dollars. Coming as a very team friendly agreement, the contract poises to keep the Suns under the luxury tax for now, working a near-veteran’s minimum deal.

But with the ink drying overnight, we know cannot help but wonder what exactly McGee can bring to the Suns. Taking into account both is basketball skillset and presence as a seasoned veteran, these three things stand out amongst the rest.

JaVale McGee will help the Phoenix Suns get vertical

Stretching out as a seven-footer, only 10 other current NBA players stand taller than JaVale McGee. Even more distinctly though, McGee possess a 31.5 inch vertical—something nearly unseen with players as tall as him.

Nearly matching his height, McGee’s wingspan also reaches out to 7-foot-6, which once even allowed him to dunk two basketballs at once. That was several years ago, but those dimensions remain intact today, still making him a freakishly large figure.

Collectively, these tools allow McGee to cover up ground quickly as a defender, fitting quite nicely with Phoenix’s gritty, defensive identity.

Even with McGee’s minimal minutes during the postseason last year, he still lead the Nuggets with 1.3 blocks per game—almost certainly due to his impressive size. He essentially fears nobody while going up at the rim, even the league’s most decorated dunkers.

But offensively speaking, McGee’s size and bounce allows him to threaten as an alley-oop finisher anytime he takes the floor. Having displayed a real talent for hitting soaring bigs like Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and now Deandre Ayton with timely lobs, watch especially for Chris Paul to connect with him for ferocious throw downs.

JaVale McGee’s experience can help out Ayton

Even though he carried the reputation of a clown for much of his career, McGee still carries over a decade of NBA experience from a center ‘s perspective with him to Phoenix.

Chris Paul already helped nurture and develop Deandre Ayton better than anyone could have imagined last year, but as a point guard, he knows only so much about playing center. But McGee does, making him a welcome voice for Ayton to have whispering in his ear.

Before McGee, the closest thing to a mentor Ayton ever found at his position was Tyson Chandler, but that only last seven games. The only other bigs to play behind him with extensive experience include Quincy Acy and Aron Baynes—who were both already worse than Ayton even when he first came into the league as a rookie.

Although McGee somewhat falls into the this class as well with Ayton’s game several tiers above his at this point, McGee was once seen as a top five NBA big man earlier during his career. At the very least, he can help Ayton navigate his way through his increasing stardom.

Jalen Smith stuck with Phoenix’s G-League team almost the entire season last year, but most expect his role to increase next season if not moved this summer. The same goes for him in regard to McGee’s mentorship, hopefully encouraging him to finally find his footing as an NBA player.

JaVale McGee provides another body down low for the Phoenix Suns

With Dario Saric out indefinitely after tearing his ACL during the NBA Finals, the Suns struggled down low, almost looking unwatchable at times while Giannis Antetokounmpo bullied them without hesitation. Ayton stumbled into foul trouble far too often, and with Frank Kaminsky as the team’s only other available center, they naturally fell apart.

But with McGee, they now possess a playable second-tier option should Ayton run into trouble ever again. The Suns will surely let Kaminsky walk as a free-agent, perhaps prompting them to go fishing for one more big man, but this swap between him and McGee still provides them with real insurance behind Ayton, which must feel relieving.

Considering how difficult Ayton’s foul troubles made things for the Suns during the Finals, it feels all to expected for Phoenix’s opposing teams to attack them in a similar manner. For this reason, the Suns absolutely need McGee to stop their opponents from slicing into them under this singular game plan like a hot knife through butter.

This time though, if anyone tries to take Ayton out of the game, McGee will still stand in their way. A two-headed monster between the pair now exists in the desert, good luck everyone else.