The Phoenix Suns have already had a great offseason, but they’re clearly not satisfied. In a surprising move last week, they released Nassir Little along with E.J. Liddell, opening up a final roster spot. There are still some solid free agents left, but the Suns don’t necessarily need to sign one to fill out their roster.
Instead, they can convert one of their two-way players to a standard contract. It’s an enticing option since the Suns excelled on the two-way market this year, landing several quality players. Even if they do end up signing a free agent instead, these two-ways will undoubtedly get a chance to make an impact at some point.
3. Collin Gillespie
Gillespie didn’t play for the Suns in Summer League, but the Villanova alum put himself on the map last year with an unreal G-League season. In eight games with the Denver Nuggets’ affiliate, the point guard averaged a near triple double: 21.1/8.9/10.5. He also shot 39% from deep and chipped in 2 steals per game.
It was an all-around impressive season, but one that won’t be enough to land him a standard spot on the Suns to open the year.
In direct contrast to last season, the last thing the Suns need right now is another true point guard on the team, especially an undersized one like the 6’1 Gillespie.
His rebounding and scoring numbers likely won’t be translatable due to his height, and there aren’t many lineups the Suns could put out there that would hide him on defense.
However, Gillespie can provide the Suns with valuable insurance if either Tyus Jones or Monté Morris deal with long-term injuries. He’ll be able to step in and immediately deliver solid playmaking.
2. Ty Ty Washington Jr.
Like Gillespie, Ty Ty Washington Jr. put up insane stats in the G-league last season, averaging 21.3/4.2/8.3 while hitting 42% of his 3s. But unlike Gillespie, Washington Jr. profiles more as a combo guard at the NBA level.
This was evidenced by his Summer League performance with the Milwaukee Bucks, when he was used more as a scorer and floor spacer with less playmaking duties.
That type of player fits better with the Suns, who desperately need a shot creator on their bench.
Washington Jr.’s 3-point ability would also make him exceedingly valuable for a Suns team that has had trouble adding shooters this offseason. At 6’3 with a 6’8 wingspan, he’ll stand a much better chance on defense than Gillespie as well.
It’s still unlikely the Suns go with a guard to fill in this last spot so, like Gillespie, Washington Jr. will stay on a two-way as insurance, this time for the various combo guards the Suns possess.
1. Jalen Bridges
Of the Suns’ three two-way players, Bridges is the most logical option to replace Little since he’s also a wing. The Suns were already shallow at that position before these roster moves, and have become even more so now.
While the rest of the league has been stacking up bigger wings, the Suns only have Kevin Durant and Ryan Dunn who fit that mold. At 6’8 with a 6’10 wingspan, Bridges would join them if his contract is converted.
Bridges may have went undrafted, but he was as impressive as any of the Suns’ rookies in Summer League. In 5 games, he averaged 10.8 points while shooting 40% on 7 attempts per game from deep.
His potential as a 3-and-D player gives him an easy pathway to playing time with this roster. His size will allow him to guard multiple positions, and his ability and willingness to shoot the 3 meshes extraordinarily well with the Suns’ stars.
When the Suns managed to land Bridges, it seemed like a guarantee that his contract would be converted at some point. His Summer League performance followed by the release of Little means that could happen much sooner than expected.
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