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Phoenix Suns Should Bring Back Mirza Teletovic

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mirza Teletovic (35) celebrates after making the game winning shot in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Mirza Teletovic (35) celebrates after making the game winning shot in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Timberwolves 107-104. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 29, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Mirza Teletovic (35) and point guard Eric Bledsoe (2) against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Suns beat the Raptors 107-102. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Teletovic’s Fit With The Suns

To spare you the suspense, absolutely.

As of right now, the Suns don’t have a single true power forward on the books for the 2016-17 season. With Keef gone and Teletovic and Jon Leuer both set to join unrestricted free agency this summer, the Suns would either need to acquire a power forward in the draft/free agency, or start P.J. Tucker/Chase Budinger out of position.

If you’re not convinced by the idea of starting a rookie, starting someone out of position, or the front office’s ability to go out and get a starting-caliber power forward in free agency this summer, no one would blame you. The Suns will still need a real starting power forward, but bringing back Teletovic feels like it’d be in Phoenix’s best interest.

With a healthy Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and T.J. Warren returning next season, the Suns will still have their eyes set on making the playoffs for the first time since 2010.

They have the flexibility to make trades or free agency signings this summer and are armed with draft picks, cap space and a few desirable players they could move. Because of this, general manager Ryan McDonough could either strip the roster down for a full rebuild centered on youth, or he could try to acquire a game-changing player in an attempt to make this team more competitive in the here and now.

In either case, Teletovic would be able to fill a role. On a more competitive team, his bench shooting is an obvious asset. On a team more focused on youth and rebuilding, he’d at least provide the same kind of entertainment that comes with his complete lack of conscience over shot selection.

Next: The Verdict

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