Alright, we suffered enough. We spent the past few editions looking at unrestricted free agents at the point guard, shooting guard, and small forward positions. There wasn’t much meat on the bone there, especially when you factor in how the Phoenix Suns roster is currently constructed, where the deficiencies are, and where the opportunities actually exist.
In case you missed any of those breakdowns and want to circle back through the unrestricted free agent pool, here you go.
Now we get to the fun
part. The power forward position.
This list carries some genuinely interesting names. It’s also one of the larger position groups and an area of real need for Phoenix. There’s no denying this team lacked size last season. In true Suns fashion, they leaned heavily into perimeter play and three point shooting. I understand the philosophy. Basketball is still won and lost in the paint.
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the power forwards.
I’ll start by saying I believe the proper move for the Phoenix Suns next season is starting Rasheer Fleming at power forward. Yes, he’s young. He’s also not that young. He was a three-year starter in college and will be 22years old when the season begins. If you want to develop players, you have to give them opportunities. He has the size, the length, and the three-point shooting ability to be impactful on both ends of the floor.
Starting with that premise, I look at the list above through the lens of depth. Who could the Suns realistically bring in as a backup power forward if the roster spot exists? I don’t expect massive turnover this offseason. Most NBA teams turn over around 40% of the roster year to year. Phoenix is leaning into continuity and development, which should lower that number significantly. 40% would mean 6 players changing out. My guess is it’ll maybe two. Amir Coffey potentially not returning and whatever happens with Mark Williams. That’s probably the extent of it.
So you pick your spots carefully.
I’d be interested in taking a flier on Marvin Bagley III in Phoenix. Veteran minimum type player. Still relatively young at 27. He could provide some energy and scoring punch off the bench when needed.
You could also look at Jeremy Sochan, who everyone convinced themselves was the buyout savior that would change the season for the Suns. I said it then and I’ll say it now, he’s basically a Ryan Dunn archetype. Still, if you’re looking for a player who fits the mold and fills a pure depth role, I wouldn’t hate it.
Dean Wade has gotten a lot of attention lately after being linked to Phoenix. I could absolutely see the fit if the Suns move off Royce O’Neale. You could probably bring Wade in on a similar contract, and he essentially becomes your Royce replacement off the bench, only three inches taller. He’s not some elite defender, still, he can hit the three and takes up space.
So what do you think? When you look at this list, who stands out to you?
Let us know in the comments below.
