Phoenix Suns: 3 goals for De’Anthony Melton’s rookie season
3. Win the starting job
The Suns’ options for the starting job are currently two second round rookies, former G League call-up Shaquille Harrison or Isaiah Canaan, who’s on a non-guaranteed contract. Phoenix will continue to search for a trade for a starting-caliber point guard, and there are several options they could pursue.
According to Arizona Sports 98.7‘s John Gambadoro, they have already tried — and failed — to trade for Damian Lillard, Terry Rozier and Kemba Walker. Patrick Beverley could be another target after the Los Angeles Clippers matched an offer for Tyrone Wallace, bumping their number of contracts up to 17 — two more than the maximum number of slots.
As much as the Suns will be active in searching for a more solid option at the 1 for the upcoming season, there’s no guarantee they’ll find any takers. If push comes to shove and other teams are asking for too much, Phoenix may have no choice but to wait until later in the season for the right deal.
When you’re an NBA GM on the hot seat and decide to roll into the next season with a PG rotation of Shaq Harrison, Elie Okobo, and De’Anthony Melton. pic.twitter.com/R2eJ6Cm3O0
— Max (@maxmcc11) August 31, 2018
If that’s the case, Melton has a legitimate chance. The Suns took Okobo when they could’ve taken Melton at No. 31, but if the former Trojan outplays the French rookie in training camp, his defensive mindset would be a great potential fit alongside Devin Booker in the backcourt.
There’s a better chance the Suns work out some sort of deal to bring in an established veteran who plays ahead of the unproven Melton-Okobo-Harrison-Canaan quartet, but at this point in the summer, earning the starting job to begin the 2018-19 campaign should be his first goal.