Much has been made of the Phoenix Suns inviting center Duop Reath to training camp, as it is exciting to think that he could help solve some of their worst lineup issues if he is signed by the franchise. It could also benefit newcomer Pat Spencer, as his path to minutes could become easier to come by.
Pat Spencer would have less competition if Reath joins
Assuming Reath takes the 15th roster spot in Phoenix, the organization will have to get rid of one of Jamaree Bouyea or Haywood Highsmith. No matter which player it is, Spencer would get more action whenever he is with the Suns due to his two-way contract.
Adding Reath to a depth chart featuring Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro, and being able to turn to an overqualified two-way point guard in Spencer instead of Bouyea or Haywood makes this roster stronger across the board.
The former Golden State Warrior won't be dislodging Collin Gillespie or Jordan Goodwin anytime soon, but he's a tenacious defender and plays with the kind of intensity that Head Coach Jordan Ott will love.
Getting him more reps as a result of signing Reath would work out brilliantly for him, and it could lead to a bigger role down the road. Both Gillespie and Bouyea began life in The Valley on two-way deals of their own, before graduating to the 15-man roster proper, so it's clear that Spencer will at least have an opportunity to prove he deserves the same.
Spencer will be a hit no matter what happens with Reath
Having one less teammate to worry about taking minutes from would be great for Spencer, but he will excel no matter what happens with Reath. At 30 years old, he knows this could be his last stand in the league, while the Suns have struggled to find a long-term floor general for years now.
It is unclear what they will do with Jalen Green. Trading him mid-season could open up yet even more avenues for Spencer to become a regular contributor in this rotation.
Bouyea has been excellent for the franchise, while we haven't quite gotten to see the best of Highsmith as a result of injury. One will have to go for Reath to join if the Suns truly want to keep him around for the long-haul, and Spencer is clearly the player who can profit most when this happens.
Add us as a preferred source on Google