Phoenix Suns: 10 stars you forgot played for the Suns
By Jono Perilli
#10: Ryan Anderson (2018)
There was a point in time where Ryan Anderson was a hot commodity in the NBA. Back in the 2011-12 season, in which Anderson was a starter for the Orlando Magic. Anderson’s fantastic season earned him the Most Improved Award. He’d continue his hot career to the New Orleans Pelicans, however, he struggled with lingering injuries and sports hernia. He’d sign an absolute whopper of a contract to the Houston Rockets, earning a salary of 18.7 million per season, which would eventually rise. That money was wasted, as Anderson’s stint in Houston was poor and in itself forgettable.
However, on August 31, 2018, Anderson was dealt to the Phoenix Suns apart of a trade involving the Suns losing Brandon Knight and Marquese Chriss. However, they gained Anderson and second-round rookie, De’Anthony Melton.
But Anderson’s time was short-lived.
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Throughout only fifteen games, eight in which he was starting, Anderson averaged 3.7 points per game and 3.0 rebounds per game all on 18.5 minutes a game.
It’s not necessarily his fault that he played like this, especially since he was carrying a massive contract that teams didn’t want to go near. His talents were suited for a contending team that needed that shooting spark off the bench, not a tanking, young team. He was eventually traded to the Miami Heat for Wayne Ellington and Tyler Johnson, the trade revolved around the two massive contracts of Johnson and Anderson.
Almost every fan forgets Anderson’s stint in Phoenix, and rightfully so. In his prime, Anderson would’ve been a great fit for the Suns, but when you’re battling injuries and a huge contract, it’s easy to pass on one of the most impressive stretch fours in the NBA.