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Phoenix Suns: 10 stars you forgot played for the Suns

By Jono Perilli

PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 09: Michael Redd #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center on February 9, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets defeated the Suns 96-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - FEBRUARY 09: Michael Redd #22 of the Phoenix Suns during the NBA game against the Houston Rockets at US Airways Center on February 9, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Rockets defeated the Suns 96-89. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

#8: Xavier McDaniel (1990-91)

Xavier McDaniel is almost synonymous with the Seattle Supersonics, which is rightfully so. McDaniel did have his best years in Seattle, reaching the NBA Finals in 1987, before getting swept by the dominant Los Angeles Lakers team that featured Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. His career in Seattle was so successful that, he earned an All-Star nod in the 1987-88 season. He’d continue his dominant career in Seattle up until mid-way through the 1990-91 NBA season, where McDaniel would leave for Phoenix.

Phoenix was the perfect place for McDaniel, who was looking to dominate like he did in his college of Wichita State.

In a trade that revolved around the Phoenix Suns receiving Xavier McDaniel for Eddie Johnson. The Suns gave away one of their most premier players for a prime McDaniel, who was tearing up for Seattle, averaging 21.8 points per game through 15 games. It was safe to say that the Suns were gaining a key piece to pair with Tom Chambers, Jeff Hornacek and Kevin Johnson, a team that on paper was one of the favorites for the NBA championship. But this wouldn’t translate to reality, with the team getting eliminated in the first round against the Utah Jazz.

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Xavier McDaniel would average 15.8 points per game and 7.2 rebounds per night in his 66 games in Phoenix.

Immediately after that season, McDaniel would be traded to New York Knicks, and would eventually float around to the Boston Celtics. McDaniel would then join the Greek team, Iraklis Thessaloniki. He would then return to the NBA, joining the New Jersey Nets, where he’d retire.

McDaniel’s short stint in Phoenix isn’t talked about as much as his successful and prominent career in Seattle, but it was at least great to watch, unlike some other stints in Phoenix. Though he’d never be the same after his dominance in Seattle, Xavier McDaniel was still a key piece in Phoenix.

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