Phoenix Suns: 3 reasons signing Trevor Ariza was a good move
The Phoenix Suns’ marquee move in 2018 NBA free agency was a head-scratcher on the surface, but here’s why Trevor Ariza is a good move for this young team.
Heading into the offseason, the Phoenix Suns had two glaring positions of need: at the point guard spot, and at center. In the small-ball NBA, having a ton of switchable wings is paramount, but having a star floor general to orchestrate the offense and a unicorn 5 capable of spreading the floor and defending both the rim and the perimeter make for luxuries only the best teams enjoy.
In the 2018 NBA Draft, the Suns addressed their need for a starting center by drafting Deandre Ayton, a seven-footer with shooting range but question marks on the defensive end. They also padded their wing depth by trading up for Mikal Bridges and took a flier on a possible point guard of the future in the second round with Elie Okobo.
The center spot was taken care of with the franchise’s first No. 1 overall pick, but with Okobo being so young and Brandon Knight‘s time in Phoenix marred by injuries and underwhelming play, finding a point guard figured to be the team’s top priority entering free agency.
It was surprising, then, to see Phoenix’s first — and only — signing in free agency turn out to be Trevor Ariza, who agreed to a one-year, $15 million deal with the team.
At first, it was easy to question the move. Having veterans who can actually help on the court was a welcome change (no offense, Tyson Chandler and Jared Dudley), but how would first-year head coach Igor Kokoskov find playing time for everyone in the wing rotation?
Even in the modern NBA, having Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, T.J. Warren, Mikal Bridges, Troy Daniels, Trevor Ariza and Davon Reed (plus George King on a two-way contract) felt like a bit of a logjam.
Trevor Ariza for 15mil when you have Mikal Bridges and Josh Jackson? pic.twitter.com/3o9aAVzpua
— 🍿 (@The_6ix_man) July 1, 2018
However, given where this young team is at, and its intentions to be competitive in an absolutely brutal Western Conference, even Ariza on a one-year rental is a solid investment, both for the short-term and the long-term.
Here’s a look at three reasons Trevor Ariza was a good addition for the Phoenix Suns.