With the NBA season beginning in five days, the Phoenix Suns are narrowing down who the final members of their regular-season roster will be, and it appears they’ve likely decided on who the last standard roster spot is going to, according to Arizona Sports insider John Gambadoro.
27-year-old Jamaree Bouyea is in line to stay on the roster after a strong end to last season and a noteworthy preseason. Even though the team can roster 15 players on standard deals, Gambadoro reports they will likely use the flexibility they have for a few of the two-way players they signed this offseason and stay at 14. This means the Suns will most likely cut Haywood Highsmith, who is currently on a non-guaranteed deal.
The 6’2” guard from the University of San Francisco had the best season of his NBA career last year, reaching career highs in points per game and games played. After the team waived Cole Anthony in March, Bouyea’s contract was converted from a two-way to a standard deal.
Known for his quickness, Suns fans saw Bouyea in spurts last season, with his playing time increasing as the season went on. His development into a full-time NBA player is one that team owner Mat Ishbia has lauded as an example of the team’s ability to develop players who’ve been with other teams and can fly under the public’s radar.
While no formal cuts have been made yet and no decisions have been formally announced, expect a slew of announcements on the final roster after tomorrow’s game against the Utah Jazz, their last game of the preseason.
The Suns’ season tips off next Wednesday, October 21st, at 7:00 pm Arizona time when they head to Portland to face the Trailblazers.
