Phoenix Suns: Chris Paul’s former teammate available and producing at Eurobasket

With 14 players currently contracted to their roster, the Phoenix Suns can still make one more free agent move prior to the 2022-23 season. The issue of point-guard depth remains a hole and one the franchise should look to fill in the coming weeks.

Chris Paul’s former teammate, Dennis Schroder, is still available for the Phoenix Suns, having currently led Germany to a 3-0 record at Eurobasket.

Dennis Schroder has become a maligned NBA player in recent years. Quite incredibly, after finishing as a runner up for Sixth Man of the Year in 2020, he’s so far unsigned heading into next season.

The 28-year-old was an integral piece to the Thunder’s surprising run in 2019-20, averaging 18.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4 assists on 46.9% from the field and 38.5% from three-point range.

Like Paul, Schroder was moved that offseason, finding himself in a new role next to LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers. He infamously declined a large contract extension early that season, taking his chances in a plan that ultimately backfired horrifically.

He was forced to sign a one-year, $5.9 million deal with the Boston Celtics, only to be moved mid-season to the rebuilding Houston Rockets. Schroder still produced reasonable numbers, but his scoring inefficiencies, lack of defense and locker room presence have all been major question marks.

Schroder is putting his best foot forward at present, leading Germany to an unbeaten start at Eurobasket. While scoring efficiency has still been an issue, Schroder has been a key pillar to the German dominance, alongside exciting Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner.

He recorded 11 points and five assists in a low-scoring game against France, had 18 points and nine assists against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then put up 25 points, five rebounds and eight assists in the their extraordinary double overtime win against Lithuania.

Who knows, perhaps playing alongside Paul again could reinvigorate his NBA career. At this point, as the 15th man on the roster and given the Suns need for a point-guard, it’s a worthwhile risk to take simply for the potential upside.