3 centers the Phoenix Suns can trade for at the deadline
As the trade deadline approaches, the options for the Phoenix Suns continue to shrink. Most rumors have the Suns trading for a versatile wing this season, which isn't a terrible idea. However, the team can improve if they hunt for a better center off the bench. Phoenix isn't the worst team in interior defense, but improving from that area could increase their chances of having a deep playoff run.
The Suns have won eight of their last ten games and are ranked sixth in the standings. Their current momentum has allowed them to improve their record and gradually take over the fifth seed in the Western Conference standings. The team has All-Star guard Devin Boker to thank for. In his last five games, Booker has averaged 38 points, 5.6 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He's also shot efficiently during that span, making 59.2 percent of his field goals.
The past five games show that the team needs to improve their interior defense. The Suns were ranked 18th overall in opponents' points in the paint.
The team doesn't boast a legit rim protector this season. Their starting center, Jusuf Nurkic, is a decent defender. However, he isn't a feared interior defender. His backups have been inconsistent. Early in the season, the coaching staff favored Drew Eubanks. However, Chimezie Metu gradually took over his minutes as he's a more willing shooter than Eubanks. Now Vogel and his staff are leaning towards playing the former Portland Trail Blazers backup center more.
There isn't any consistency with what the coaching staff wants. The team's inconsistency is why trading for a legit rim protector could be their solution.
3. Mo Bamba
Mo Bamba offers more than interior defense. During his five-year stint with the Orlando Magic, Bamba has proven to be a 3-and-D center. Now, his talents are wasted with the Philadelphia 76ers, as he's only suited up for 25 games this season. The 25-year-old center is averaging 4.2 points and 3.1 rebounds for the Sixers.
Looking at his skillset, Bamba could solve the interior problems for the Suns. In his first four seasons in the league, the 7-foot-1 center averaged at least a block. He did that while shooting 35 percent from beyond the arc, which isn't easy.
As the Sixers haven't utilized him, a deal involving Bol Bol could work out for both teams. Philly still has Paul Reed, the team's reliable backup center. Bol had his 15 minutes of fame at the beginning of the year. Shipping him in exchange for Bamba will slightly upgrade their interior defense.