Valley of the Suns
Fansided

14 players the Phoenix Suns signed past their prime

By Luke Duffy

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 27: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on March 27, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 27: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns in action during the second half of a game against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Arena on March 27, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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Phoenix Suns’ head coach Danny Ainge. AFP PHOTO/Mike FIALA (Photo by Mike FIALA / AFP) (Photo by MIKE FIALA/AFP via Getty Images)
Phoenix Suns’ head coach Danny Ainge. AFP PHOTO/Mike FIALA (Photo by Mike FIALA / AFP) (Photo by MIKE FIALA/AFP via Getty Images) /

10. Danny Ainge

Danny Ainge is royalty to a certain vintage of Boston Celtics fans, although he did spend enough time with the Suns both as player and head coach to be remembered there as well. Ainge finished his career with the Suns, and unsurprisingly had the worst statistical run of his career while with the organization.

He did play 222 times for the team, and had another 44 postseason outings as well. This is the first player you can make the case that they shouldn’t actually be here, but if the criteria is signing a player past their prime, then as good as Ainge was at times, he was past his best. Use of the phrase “at times” is important here as well.

While with the Celtics, Ainge was an All-Star at age 28, putting up 15.7 points, 6.2 assists and converting 87.8 percent of his free-throws. He was also an absolute pain to play against. One of those guys you loved to have when they played for you, and loved to hate when he lined up on the opposite side.

There is no doubt Ainge did his job with the Suns, at a time when they they were contenders (Ainge started every game of the playoff run to the 1993 finals), but at 7.8 points and 83.1 percent from the charity stripe, he wasn’t quite the same player. He was an excellent role player for the Suns, but imagine how much better the team could have been if he was late Celtics good.

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