Phoenix Suns Missed Free Agent Signings: Kent Bazemore
Like Williams, Kent Bazemore represents a vet who could have provided more leadership for the young Suns. Experience comes in hand down the postseason stretch, where Phoenix once again plans to venture into.
But Bazemore’s high energy and toughness come as the biggest reasons behind his placement on this list. He does whatever you ask of him, and does it at 100 percent. He never backs down—which you cannot say about Payton.
At the same time, “tough” and “energetic” is what the Suns have become. He strikes as an ideal fit culture wise, similarly to how Torrey Craig meshed with the team last year.
Bazemore also hits better than Payton from beyond the arc. Payton stands as a career 28.9 percent shooter from deep, whereas Bazemore just finished a season with the Golden State Warriors where he shot 40.8 from range.
This guy checks off three of the things the Suns built their team around: toughness, energy and 3-point shooting.