Free agents the Phoenix Suns can target with the veteran minimum
By Matt Escobar
Free agents the Phoenix Suns can target with the veteran minimum.
1. R.J. Hampton
The Detroit Pistons released R.J. Hampton a day after selecting two guards in the NBA Draft in Amen Thompson and Marcus Sasser. He’s struggled to find his place in the league since coming over from New Zealand, but there’s still a lot to like with Hampton, mainly his athleticism and size at the guard position.
One of the reasons Hampton’s had trouble sticking is because he’s been thrust into bad situations without a clearly defined role. This was true during his time with the Orlando Magic, when he came across in the deal that sent Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets and helped that team win a championship.
Hampton joined a young and quickly improving squad, falling behind Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs in the rotation. What chances he did get were limited, but it would be also fair to say he didn’t exactly grasp these opportunities with both hands. Magic fans weren’t exactly disappointed to see him leave.
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But if the Suns can turn Hampton into a slasher who focuses on defense, he’d slot in nicely. Hampton is also a career 34 percent shooter from deep, which like Jones Jr’s number, is definitely passable on this Suns team. The open looks both would get would be on a level they’d never experienced before.
Hampton is more of a gamble than the other names here but also has a much higher ceiling than the others. If the Suns can harness his talent, they could get a contributor for years to come who would solve some of their backup backcourt issues.