The Suns at the trade deadline had one goal in mind: to avoid the luxury tax line. This was a movement set by many teams in the league, and the Suns were able to do so. Little did everyone know, though, that by making this move, the team would also regain a valuable piece.
As we all know, the
Suns traded Nigel Hayes-Davis and Nick Richards to the Milwaukee Bucks for Cole Anthony and Amir Coffey. Anthony never actually came to Phoenix and was then eventually waived for standout two-way player Jamaree Bouyea. Yet, Amir Coffey was said to be a throw-in, someone who had fallen out of the Bucks’ rotation and someone many Suns fans did not think would make an impact.
Well, so far for the Suns, he has suited up in nine games, and even if he is not a hot commodity on the stat sheet post-game, his impact has definitely helped this Suns squad. As we all know, this team has not caught a break against the injury bug this season. Time and time again, we see the squad get fully healthy, only for someone to get hurt in that game.
Right now, for the Suns, Dillon Brooks, Jordan Goodwin, and Mark Williams are out, giving Coffey more of an opportunity to show what he can bring to this team. Just in his small sample size, he has shown to be more valuable in Ott’s system than in River’s over in Milwaukee. As I stated, it’s only been nine games, but in 16 minutes per game, he averages 5.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, with 47/38/69 shooting splits.
Compare that to his time in Milwaukee: in just a third of the games, he is getting double or more minutes, points, rebounds, and assists while shooting +10% from three (8, 2.5, 0.9, 0.4). That should tell you multiple things.
One Coffey is still a valuable player in the right system.
Two that the Bucks still (due to Doc’s influence) fail to bring the best out of certain players.
He fits the system Jordan Ott wants, with his ability to shoot the three-point shot, alongside the hustle and dirty work this team envisages.
So far, all of that has been true, and recent performances support it. In the game against the Chicago Bulls, he had his best performance for the Suns. In 17 minutes, he posted a season-high 12 points with 4 rebounds, missing only one shot and making both of his threes. Once again, the stat line does not scream difference maker, but Coffey most certainly was.
In a game where the Suns shot 28% from three and had only two other players make multiple three-pointers (Grayson Allen and Devin Booker), his three-point shot was especially needed, given that he made them.
His first came with the Suns down seven in the fourth with just under three minutes to go. His hitting this three in clutch time when the team needed it most made it a four-point game.
His second three also came in another key moment, down six with under a minute left. Hitting another big three with just 45 seconds left made it a one-possession game.
Even if they lost, this game would not have been as close if Coffey had not given his best effort and almost helped them climb back in, his clutch gene kicking in. Once again, this is something many did not factor in when the Suns acquired him: that he would be helping the Suns almost pull out a win.
Not only does he have a good three-point shot, but he also hustles and rebounds effectively. As I mentioned, he had 4 rebounds in this game vs the Bulls, and 3 of them were offensive rebounds. Two of those actually ended up in the same possession, and Coffey was then rewarded a trio to the free-throw line for his hard work.
This is just another valuable aspect for a team that is in the top four in OREB per game at 13.2.
Coffey deserves his credit, even if he is not going to be dropping 25 or having a game with 15+ rebounds. His effort and determination to keep pushing through after not working out in Milwaukee are inspiring. I am very excited for his addition to this team, and can’t wait to continue seeing him improve within this system as his playing time increases.
This continues to push the narrative of the shift in culture, identity, and Phoenix that was brought this season. Something many clowned this offseason, but one that has clearly shown to be a core part of this team’s success, top to bottom.
