6 Underrated talents Suns could acquire to boost their title odds
By Tyler Watts
1. Larry Nance Jr.
The Suns’ big-man depth will be tested at some point this season. Jusuf Nurkic had a fantastic opener, but he has played in just 153 games over the last four seasons combined. Drew Eubanks is a fine backup big man but has never played more than 20.3 minutes per game for a full season. Behind him, Phoenix would be relying on Chimezie Metu or Bol Bol, who did not get off the bench in the season opener.
The Pelicans will look to duck under the luxury tax line before the trade deadline. They are currently $2.9 million over and would love to trade Kira Lewis Jr. and his $5.7 million expiring contract. There have been no takers, which could force New Orleans to get creative.
Larry Nance Jr. is a versatile big man, who could help at multiple positions. He is just 6’7 but is a steady rebounder, playmaker, defender, and finisher. Phoenix could use him at the four or the five and would have more options to match up in the postseason.
The Phoenix Suns are going to be impossible to stop this year, and Frank Vogel is known for his defense. They need just one or two more pieces to put them among the title favorites. Can they find the answers with just second-round picks to trade? Stay tuned to find out.