The Phoenix Suns see value in Duop Reath as a stretch big.
“Duop is a different piece we didn’t have, but we’re going to change it to his strengths,” Suns coach Jordan Ott said. “But at the same time, we’re going to ask him to crash. We’re going to ask him to pressure the basketball. We’re going to ask him to do some of the things that we still want to do as a team.”
The 6-foot-9, 245-pound Reath knocked down two 3s from up top on eight attempts in scoring eight points against the San Antonio Spurs in preseason action Oct. 14 at Frost Bank Center. The Suns lost, 123-103.
Reath joined the Suns as a training camp invite, but Ott’s comments suggest the team is looking to have him on the final roster. They are currently without starting big Mark Williams,
who will miss much of the season with a left shoulder injury.
Phoenix likes having three bigs. Reath appears in position to be that third one with the ability to shoot it from 3.
“It’s definitely something we can use, but at the same time, we’ve got Man-Man (Khaman) Maluach now. He’s trying to stretch the floor a little bit, too,'' Reath said. "There are similarities as well. Again, just staying ready for whatever Coach (Ott) needs that. Be ready to go.”
Maluach showed his ability to knock down 3s during Summer League in Las Vegas. He knocked one down in last week’s preseason win over the Spurs in Phoenix as well.
Oso Ighodaro and Maluach are competing for the Suns’ starting position. It appears the Suns are looking to have Ighodaro start, as he brings passing, screening, athleticism and defense, but does most of his scoring in the paint
Maluach is a rim protector, lob threat and has more range in his jumper, but Reath has established himself as big who can shoot it from deep.
Phoenix has 15 players on standard deals with Haywood Highsmith being the last player to sign one. He agreed to a one-year deal for $3 million this summer after the Suns waived him.
The Suns will have to waive one of those players to put Reath on a standard deal or they could make him a two-way player.
“I leave that,” said Reath, as he paused. “I’m just worried about going out on the floor, trying to play my best every single night.”
Entering his fourth NBA season, Reath, who rocks the headband in games, is in his final year of being eligible for a two-way contract.
“I'm just looking to bring consistency,” Reath said. “Somebody's that’s going be able to come in every day and just work. Other guys just be able to see, see that on day-to-day. It's good to have somebody that's consistent with that, as well.”
Reath was on a two-way with the Portland Trail Blazers in 2023-24 before agreeing to a three-year, $6.2-million deal with them in February 2024.
Phoenix currently has the maximum number of three two-way players an NBA team can have in guards Pat Spencer, Koby Brea and big CJ Huntley.
The Suns could take Huntley off a two-way as they did last season, have him play for their G League team, the Valley Suns and place Reath on a two-way.
Huntley is in his second NBA season.
Have opinions about the current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-810-5518. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter, at @DuaneRankin.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix Suns’ third big brings 3-point shooting to position
