5 shooting guards the Phoenix Suns could still sign
1. Tony Allen
It is truly baffling that Tony Allen remains unsigned at this stage in free agency. Though it’s understandable why the Memphis Grizzlies would choose to let him, Vince Carter and even Zach Randolph walk in free agency, the fact that no one’s scooped up the Grindfather yet is confounding.
However, with so many teams lacking cap space and none of the contenders landing him on a cheap deal, it’s entirely possible the Suns could snag one of the summer’s best remaining free agents for a minimum contract.
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At 35 years old, this signing wouldn’t be about anything Allen brings to the court, though he’d obviously provide his multi-positional defense, intensity and complete lack of a jump shot in limited minutes.
Rather, this signing would be about adding a six-time NBA All-Defensive selection to mentor Devin Booker, Davon Reed and especially Josh Jackson. Just think about Jackson’s defensive potential and competitive fire being crafted under the watch of a notorious competitor and hard-nosed defender like Allen.
Allen can’t shoot and the Suns might prefer to just roll with the younger guys to back up Booker by committee, but the Grindfather still averaged 9.1 points per game last year on 46.1 percent shooting. He wouldn’t take shots away from the younger guys, he’d be a great locker room influence and his defensive intensity would be infectious on a team that needs help on that end.
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If Phoenix could talk Tony Allen into taking on that kind of veteran leadership role and sign him to a cheap, short-term deal, it’s probably the smartest move the Suns could make at this stage in free agency.