The Phoenix Suns are shaking things up and have officially signed free agents Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee. This announcement came through on Friday, marking an exciting development for the team. Both players bring a wealth of experience to the Suns, with Morris stepping into his seventh NBA season and Plumlee his 12th.
Now, the details of their contracts remain under wraps, adhering to the team's policy. It's worth noting, however, that the Suns are somewhat limited in their financial maneuvering. Due to their payroll surpassing the league's second luxury tax threshold for the upcoming season, they can only extend veteran minimum contracts to free agents. Despite this, the addition of Morris and Plumlee addresses some crucial needs for the team.
Monte Morris: Filling the Point Guard Void
Last season, the Suns had a bit of a revolving door at the point guard position. They relied heavily on a committee approach, with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal often stepping up to initiate the offense. Additionally, Grayson Allen and Eric Gordon occasionally filled in. However, with Gordon heading to Philadelphia in free agency, the Suns needed to solidify this role, and Morris seems like a promising solution.
Standing at 6-foot-2, Morris boasts career averages of 10 points, 3.8 assists, and a solid 39% from beyond the arc. Although last season with the Timberwolves was a bit rocky for him due to injuries, his potential is undeniable. During his stint in Minnesota, he managed 5.1 points and 2.3 assists in just 15 minutes per game over 27 appearances. Despite the setbacks, his early career performances with Denver, Washington, and Detroit highlight his capability to make significant contributions.
Mason Plumlee: Bolstering the Big Man Brigade
On the other side of things, Mason Plumlee is a 6-foot-10 powerhouse, adept at playing both the four and five positions. His career stats are nothing short of impressive, with averages of 8.4 points on 59.4% shooting, 6.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Given that last season's backup center Drew Eubanks has left for Utah, Plumlee is expected to play a key backup role to starting center Jusuf Nurkic.
Plumlee's journey through the NBA has seen him don the jerseys of several teams. Last season, while with the Los Angeles Clippers, he averaged 5.3 points on 56.9% shooting, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. These numbers dipped due to an MCL injury in November, resulting in him playing 14.7 minutes a game through 46 games, including 11 starts.
A Duke Legacy
An interesting tidbit about Plumlee is that he's the oldest active Duke product in the NBA. His connection to the Suns also has a familial twist—his older brother, Miles Plumlee, also a Duke alum, played for the Suns from 2013 to 2015. Mason’s career has also included stints with Charlotte, Detroit, Denver, Portland, and Brooklyn, making him a well-traveled and seasoned veteran in the league.
What's Next for the Suns?
With Morris and Plumlee on board, the Suns are poised to address some of their critical needs as they head into the new season. The point guard position now has more depth, and the backup center spot is reinforced. These additions are expected to bolster the team's performance, particularly in managing the wear and tear of a grueling NBA season.
The Suns' strategy of bringing in experienced players on veteran minimum contracts could be a shrewd move, given their financial constraints. While it's a gamble, the potential payoff could be substantial if Morris and Plumlee can stay healthy and perform to their capabilities.
In summary, the Phoenix Suns' acquisition of Monte Morris and Mason Plumlee signifies a strategic effort to enhance their roster depth and address key positional needs. Morris brings a steady hand and experience to the point guard position, while Plumlee offers robust support as a big man. Both players have faced challenges, particularly with injuries, but their career performances suggest they have the potential to make meaningful contributions to the Suns' quest for success in the upcoming season.
These signings, coupled with the existing talent on the Suns' roster, make for an intriguing season ahead. Fans will be eagerly watching to see how these new additions integrate into the team and contribute to their overall performance.
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