What Duane Washington Jr. can bring to the Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns have addressed their point-guard needs to some extent, signing free agent guard Duane Washington Jr. to a two-way contract.
The deal, reported by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski on Tuesday, will see the 22-year-old join the Suns having been waived by the Indiana Pacers just last month.
Free agent G Duane Washington Jr., has agreed on a two-way contract with the Phoenix Suns, his agent Shayaun Saee of @OneLegacySports tells ESPN. Washington, 22, averaged 9.9 points for the Pacers in 48 games last season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 3, 2022
After going undrafted last year, Washington initially signed a two-way deal with the Pacers before being upgraded to a regular contract in early April. However, with the addition of several players from the Malcolm Brogdon trade with the Boston Celtics, Indiana was required to open up more spots on a bulging roster.
The Pacers’ loss is the Suns’ gain, with Washington have shown some impressive signs in his 48 games with Indiana last season. The 6’3″ Ohio State product is capable of playing both guard positions, with his three-point shooting being the feature of his developing game.
Over 50% of his shots were from deep last season, shooting an incredibly solid 37.7% on 4.5 three-point attempts per game. This included a game against the Washington Wizards in January where he scored a team-high 21 points, all of which came through his seven makes from beyond the arc.
While he can handle the ball, expect the Suns to utilise his shooting prowess in a more off-ball role. He shot an outstanding 47.9% on corner threes last season, potentially aiding the Suns and their need to shoot more from deep next season.
Washington can be a willing passer in the Suns system. While his assist-to-turnover rate of 1.49 is by no means elite, it’s certainly a base to grow on as he develops moving forward. Much of the same can be said for his defense – while there are limitations given his size, his near 6’8″ wingspan and solid athleticism could turn him into a competent defender at NBA level.
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Although he may not be super impactful for a championship contending team like the Suns next season, Washington is a perfect player on a two-way contract given his elite three-point shooting and further potential growth in other aspects.