2. Small Forward
The reasons for wanting a small forward are obvious - the Suns haven't had one they could truly rely on since trading away Mikal Bridges in the Durant deal. It says a lot that Toumani Camara - the organization's second round selection last summer - looked like exactly the kind of player this roster needed throughout their strange season.
Only Camara never played for the Suns - outside of some nice Summer League showings - instead going to the Portland Trail Blazers in the Deandre Ayton for Jusuf Nurkic, Grayson Allen and some stuff deal. It took some time but once there, Camara created a nice little role for himself with the rebuilding Trail Blazers.
Fuck it there's Toumani Camara highlights 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/tRDfOWd7NO
— ✨️ (@Lillardgoatv2) May 13, 2024
The reason for getting a player like Bridges or even Camara is simple, to make the Suns a tougher defensive proposition next season. Durant was excellent on both ends of the court - but when the team needs to shut down another high level wing scorer - they just don't have the personnel to do that for long stretches.
Keita Bates-Diop was meant to do just that, but he was gone by the trade deadline. Josh Okogie is a fine player, but when he is playing there are limits to how good this group can be. Unlike a point guard, teaching a player to play hard and chase opponents around the court is easier to do, even if it requires a special type of person to pull off properly.