4 Holes the Suns still need to fill after signing Tyus Jones

1. Rim protection

Jusuf Nurkic played 76 regular season games last season, which was the first time he played more than 56 since 2019. The 30-year-old has appeared in more than 70 contests just three times in his decade in the NBA. The Suns desperately need Nurkic on the floor as he is the team’s only rim protector.

Phoenix signed Mason Plumlee to back up Nurkic this season. The 34-year-old averaged less than one block per 36 minutes and is not known for his rim protection. Nurkic is far from elite, but he is the Suns' best and only option.

Adding Tyus Jones will take away some of Nurkic’s playmaking chances. It should free him up to rebound and anchor their defense.

The Suns would love a defensive upgrade at the five, but they need another option behind Nurkic. Plumlee is unlikely to get minutes in the playoffs, which leaves Kevin Durant as the backup center without any roster changes. That cannot happen for a title contending team.

The Phoenix Suns have work to do. Owner Mat Ishbia wants his team to be a championship contender. The Suns are not afraid to be bold, but just do not have the assets to make massive moves. Expect Phoenix to try everything possible to improve. They have clear holes, but filling them won’t be easy.