It has been over a week since NBA free agency commenced and the Phoenix Suns are still without a 15th player on their roster. This shouldn’t come as a surprise. James Jones is known for taking his time to fill roster spots, although he is generally more hesitant to fill two-way contracts. Oh, wait! That hasn’t been filled either.
The Suns are still a puzzle missing a piece, and while the list of available players isn’t exactly dripping with talent, it’s certainly lengthy. Until Phoenix fills that final roster spot, I’ll keep throwing out names for fun. Why not? It’s not like there’s anything more exciting to discuss. After all, speculating about roster moves is a sport in itself.
So first up on my list? You know him well. He’s Cameron Payne!
I’m normally not a proponent of reacquiring former members of the organization and giving them another kick of the tires. Although, by that logic, I should have been anti-Steve Nash when came back to Phoenix in 2004. But he was an All-Star and it was different times, my friends. But bringing Cameron Payne back is something I’m not opposed to.
Last year’s Suns were in dire need of a triple espresso shot straight to the arm. The team looked more like zombies just going through the motions. Enter Cameron Payne, and suddenly it feels like someone cranked up the energy dial to eleven. You can practically feel the buzz in the room and the arena when he’s on the court, like someone spiked the Gatorade with pure adrenaline.
Would I expect him to get plenty of time? No. Whoever we acquire with this final roster spot isn’t going to be a rotation guy. He’s going to be a depth guy. And Cameron Payne would be a quality depth guy.
He contributed to the Philadelphia 76ers last season and was a factor in the postseason. He has the experience, he has the skill, and he brings the energy. Anyone who injects some joy into this team — something sorely lacking last year — is welcomed in my book. We need some pregame hype and some dancing. And if you can provide some depth at the point guard position while you’re at it, well, consider me sold.
So why not bring him back? He, like 126 other free agents, is just sitting out there in free agency. It would be worth James Jones picking up his phone and dialing a number that is most certainly in his contacts. What have you got to lose?