One way or another, a blockbuster free agency period looked like something on the menu for the Phoenix Suns to open up this summer. However, that never came to pass, as their biggest trade chip, Deandre Ayton, signed his long awaited extension. Kevin Durant’s choice to remain with the Brooklyn Nets did not help either.
Still, James Jones understands that last year’s early demise occurred due to personnel issues.
The postseason was not kind to Phoenix—a team that relied on its starting backcourt to create almost all of its offense. Realizing this, Jones went out of his way to add some much needed depth off the bench in Damion Lee, Duane Washington Jr., and Josh Okogie.
Damion Lee is an NBA champion, capable shooter, and willing defender. Duane Washington Jr. was an undrafted player who worked himself into the Indiana Pacers’ rotation, later proving himself as a legit threat from deep. Josh Okogie could write a book on defense and his tenacity speaks for itself as well.
However, we got all three of these players for next to nothing. These gentlemen were available because they all lack critical skills that separate fringe NBA players from the role players integral to a championship team.
Although most players have at least one or two minor flaws, each of these new talents all possess one or two glaring achilles heels. To get ahead of the curve, the Suns will need to familiarize themselves with the following pitfalls of each player before their opponents can do the same and exploit them.