3 Phoenix Suns Free Agent Targets Still Up For Grabs in 2022 Offseason

Phoenix Suns Lingering Free Agent Target: LaMarcus Aldridge

At this point in his career, LaMarcus Aldridge can take you to the highest of highs on offense, but the lowest of lows on defense. His shot remains smooth as ever to hit jumpers off the pick-and-pop. His strength and touch allow him to still finish inside with ease as well.

However, his slow feet on defense make him a liability if left out on the court for long stretches and against screen-heavy offenses that might force a switch around the perimeter. The Brooklyn Nets noticed this last year, and as they struggled to contain the versatile Boston Celtics on defense in the postseason, they stashed him on their bench.

Needless to say, Aldridge is a lethal weapon under the right circumstance, but an achilles heal when mismanaged. With how Phoenix’s roster is currently constructed though, they likely get the best out of him.

Before anything else, Phoenix’s bigs Deandre Ayton, Bismack Biyombo, and even possibly Dario Saric will likely come before him in the rotation, keeping him off the floor for those long stretches where his slow feet hurt him. This was not the case for him with the Nets last year who relied on him heavily due to their injuries at the center spot.

However, for a few stretches each game, likely when an opposing team throws out their less dynamic scorers, Aldridge can come in and give Phoenix a major scoring boost. Especially if he works with a fellow veteran in Chris Paul, his game should translate well.

Needing to bounce between defending a pick-and-roll offense to a pick-and-pop offense would be a nightmare for opposing teams. Aldridge gives them that, another veteran presence, and another title hungry guy. He resembles a perfect low risk, high reward piece to stash on their bench.