Phoenix Suns: How the team can solve their point guard issue

The Phoenix Suns have talent all over their roster, but have a glaring need at the point guard position. We explore how they can solve it

There are moments in life when desperation to achieve a goal leads an organization to make a bad decision. This is the story of the Phoenix Suns who are currently looking for their point guard of the future.

Unfortunately, a couple of the point guards they are interested in acquiring would have a hard time succeeding in their system. According to the LA Times, the team had interest in trading for Lonzo Ball about a month ago:

"After learning of the Lakers’ offers to the Pelicans, Lonzo Ball’s camp maintains that New Orleans isn’t the desired destination. Phoenix makes the most basketball sense if Ball were to be traded and according to two sources there is mutual interest."

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However, the team has expressed interest in possibly drafting Ja Morant over the last couple weeks. According to Jonathan Givony of Draft Express, team owner Robert Sarver was in attendance to watch Morant play earlier this month:

"Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver just sat down at the OVC tournament with Arizona Cardinals legend Larry Fitzgerald. Obviously here to take a closer look at Ja Morant, who could be right in the Suns wheelhouse depending on where their pick lands."

Sadly, Phoenix Suns head coach Igor Kokoškov has installed a system that relies on ball movement to generate offense. Consequently, his players spend a significant amount of time off the ball in the role of spot up shooter and/or bystander.

One example of this was during a road game against the New Orleans Pelicans when Devin Booker dribbled the basketball to the 3-point line. Once this happened, he immediately passed the ball to De’Anthony Melton who was standing on the left wing with his back to the basket.

Melton proceeded to throw a behind the head pass to Dragan Bender who was cutting towards the basket. Dragan Bender would end the possession by missing a wide open layup.

Igor’s offensive system would accentuate a significant weakness for Lonzo Ball or Ja Morant as they are below average 3-point shooters. Lonzo is shooting 32.45 percent on spot-up 3-point attempts (33.1 + 31.8)/2 in two NBA seasons.

On the other hand, Morant has shot 32.5 percent from behind the arc (making 1.2 3’s in 3.8 attempts per game) in nearly two seasons at Murray State. As a consequence, teams will leave them unguarded until they improve their outside shot.

Therefore, the team should look for players who are capable of thriving in an off the ball as a spot up shooter. Phoenix is scheduled to have anywhere between $19.8 million and $23.7 million in cap space depending on where their draft pick falls in the top 10.

Although the Suns are projected to have between $19.8 and $23.7 million in cap space, they could open up a restricted free agent max slot by relinquishing the $9.8 million cap hold on Kelly Obure.

This would allow them to offer restricted free agent point guard D’Angelo Russell a max offer sheet ($27.2 million in the first year) . D’Angelo has a career shooting percentage of 36.8 percent on catch and shoot 3’s (36.6 + 36.5 +34.6 +39.6)/ 4.

If the Brooklyn Nets match the offer sheet, they should target Mike Conley via trade as their plan b because of his ability to succeed in the spot-up shooter role. Conley is shooting 38.45 percent (37.6 + 40.1 +36.4+45.6+33.3+37.7)/6 on catch and shoot 3’s over the last 5-plus seasons.

A hypothetical trade would have the organization giving up Josh Jackson and their 2020 first round pick in exchange for Conley.

However, if plan a and b don’t come to fruition, they should try to sign Patrick Beverley as he has shot 39.6 percent on catch and shoot 3’s {(38.5+38+41.8+39.3+41.5+38.5)/6} over the past 5-plus seasons.