Torrey Craig: 6.9 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.2 APG (450/.323/.706)
Resuming his glue guy role from last year midway through this season after coming over to Phoenix prior to the trade deadline, Torrey Craig looks excited to be back in The Valley.
With some modest 3-point shooting numbers, aggressive defense, and transition readiness, Phoenix benefits almost any time he takes the floor. He might not play too much in the postseason barring any injuries, but remains a nice insurance option.
Grade: B
Aaron Holiday: 6.8 PPG, 3.4 APG, 2.5 RPG (.411/.444/.939)
Also making his way to Phoenix midseason, the Suns relied heavily on Aaron Holiday when Booker, Paul, and Payne missed time. Although a small sample size, his 3-point shooting numbers look unreal, and his assist tally has him just a few ticks away from averaging what would be a career-high with Phoenix .
Grade: B+
Bismack Biyombo: 5.8 PPG, 4.6 RPG (.593/.000/.535)
The Suns added Bismack Biyombo as a replacement player during their COVID-19 outbreak, but he quickly showed his readiness to play under a full time contract.
During that stint, he easily developed chemistry with Chris Paul as a pick-and-roll partner. He also fought hard on the boards, earning a double-double almost anytime he received big minutes. He occasionally hoisted up one or two bad shots a game, but still knew his role and filled it well.
Grade: B+
Elfrid Payton: 3.0 PPG, 2.0 APG, 1.8 RPG (.383/.222/.375)
While the effort was there for Elfrid Payton this year, he never found a way to gel with this Phoenix team, falling out of the rotation around mid February. His shooting percentages make you want to look away, he turned it over frequently, and averaged his fewest points per game in a season by a long shot. On a one year deal, hopefully he can turn his career around elsewhere next season.
Grade: F
Ish Wainright: 2.4 PPG, 1.2 RPG (.394/.322/.585)
Playing only garbage time minutes, Ish Wainright’s season feels tough to judge. He did do well with his limited run though, well enough to at least earn a full-time deal and become eligible for Phoenix’s playoff roster.
As a small ball big, he allows Phoenix to stretch teams out on offense whenever he takes the floor, which is a nice tool to have at your disposal in today’s NBA. His decent 3-point percentage was key in that.
Grade: B-
Gabriel Lundberg: 3.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, 2.8 APG (.263/.375/.000)
Having played only four games for Phoenix, Gabriel Lundberg’s “season” with the Suns feels even more difficult to grade. He did already drop six assists though, appearing in rhythm already with the Suns, which is impressive again due to his limited time with the team.
Signed to a two-way deal, he cannot participate in the playoffs. However, he still played hard all the same as Phoenix coasted to their regular season finish. He also became the first Danish basketball player to sign an NBA contract this year, which is an accomplishment in its own right.
Grade: C+