Hey Suns fans, imagine watching your team battle through games without a reliable power forward – it's a glaring weakness that's been holding them back, especially against powerhouse frontcourts like the Cavaliers! But here's where it gets intriguing: could a quick 10-day contract pickup shake things up and offer some much-needed bench support? Let's explore this potential fix for the Suns' roster woes, breaking it down step by step so everyone can follow along, even if you're new to NBA strategies.
Throughout this season, one of the biggest knocks on the Suns' team makeup has been the absence of a true power forward who can anchor the frontcourt. Heading into the year, there was plenty of optimism that prospects like Nigel Hayes-Davis, a star from the Euro League, or rookie Rasheer Fleming might fill that spot. Unfortunately, that hasn't panned out. Nigel has mostly underwhelmed since returning to the NBA, struggling to make a consistent impact, while Rasheer hasn't quite shown he's ready for the league's intensity yet. Rasheer has made strides – he's earned occasional real playing time in games – but he's still developing and can't be relied upon as a core rotation player just yet. Nigel, on the other hand, has been mostly limited to 'garbage time' minutes, those late-game scraps where the outcome is already decided. The Suns have tried patching this gap by using wings or small forwards out of position, but as the recent matchup against the Cavaliers highlighted (check out the recap at https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-scores-results/95655/phoenix-suns-cavaliers-recap-calendar-year-finale-devin-booker-donovan-mitchell), that hack doesn't hold up against elite teams with massive front lines. It's a risky strategy that exposes vulnerabilities – and this is the part most people miss: without a dedicated big man, the Suns' offense and defense can crumble under pressure, leading to lopsided losses that fans are all too familiar with.
Fans have been buzzing about trading for a power forward to plug this hole (see the discussion at https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-analysis/95669/phoenix-suns-trade-targets-power-forward-upgrades-gillespie-allen-oneale-deadline), but that's easier said than done. The challenge lies in securing a player who aligns perfectly with the Suns' style and salary cap realities, without sacrificing valuable assets like young prospects or draft picks that could pay off down the road. It's a delicate balancing act – give up too much, and you might regret it later. But here's where it gets controversial: is trading the only path to improvement, or are we overlooking simpler, low-risk options that could yield surprises?
Enter the 10-day contract as a possible workaround. For beginners, these are short-term deals – literally lasting about 10 days, with a potential extension – that NBA teams use to test out players without long-term commitments. It's unlikely any newcomer would instantly transform the Suns' squad, but it could bring in someone to contribute off the bench at power forward. Think of it as a scouting mission on a budget. Who knows? General Manager Brian Gregory might unearth another diamond in the rough, just like he did with Jamaree Bouyea, who turned heads with his energy and shooting. These signings are all about adding depth, not overhauling the team, and they can provide a spark without the high stakes of a trade.
Drawing from Keith Smith's insightful piece on Spotrac, I've curated a list of four promising candidates who might fit the Suns' needs. Keith's article dives deeper into many more options, so I highly recommend checking it out for the full scope. I selected these four based on how well they match the Suns' search for a bench big who can defend, rebound, and perhaps stretch the floor a bit. Let's break them down one by one, including key stats to give you a snapshot of their skills – and why they could be worth a closer look.
First up is Alize Johnson, a 29-year-old small forward/power forward standing at 6’9” and weighing 212 pounds. His stats shine with 17.6 points per game, a solid 55% field goal percentage, 35% from three-point range, 10.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.2 steals. Drafted by Indiana in the second round (50th overall) of the 2018 NBA Draft, Alize bounced around the league on multiple 10-day stints and G League gigs before heading overseas to hone his game. Now back in the G League with the Iowa Wolves, he has 76 NBA games under his belt. As Keith notes, Johnson's recent 40-point, 12-rebound outburst – shooting 15-for-21 – showcases his potential dominance. He's no spring chicken compared to others on this list, but he could deliver solid bench minutes right away. If he were just a tad taller or a better shooter from deep, he'd likely have a long-term NBA gig already. Still, his overseas experience has polished his all-around game, making him a veteran option with real upside. For Suns fans, imagine him providing that extra interior presence without expecting him to carry the load.
Next, Jalen Slawson, a 26-year-old small forward/power forward at 6’7” and 215 pounds. His numbers are eye-popping: 21.7 points, 50% field goal percentage, 39% from three, 6.4 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.5 steals, and 2.7 blocks per game. The Sacramento Kings drafted him in the second round (54th pick) of the 2023 NBA Draft, and after a two-way contract season, he was let go. With only 12 NBA games on his resume, he's currently grinding in the G League for the Noblesville Boom. At his height, he might not seem like the ideal fit, but Keith's praise for his defense grabbed my attention – he could thrive in the Suns' scheme. Keith calls him the G League's top all-around player this season, dominating on both ends by guarding positions 1 through 5 equally well. His playmaking and shooting have been pleasant surprises, and if his jumper is legit (and his form suggests it is), he might deserve a two-way deal or even a standard contract soon. This could spark debate: is Slawson the hidden steal that Suns fans have been hoping for, or is his size a deal-breaker against NBA giants?
Then there's Skal Labissiere, a 29-year-old center/power forward at 6’10” and 235 pounds, boasting 19 points, 55% field goal percentage, 43% from three, 8.4 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks. Suns fans might recognize him as the 28th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, though he was traded to Sacramento on draft night for Marquese Chriss – a swap that didn't pan out for either team, leaving many scratching their heads. Skal has since floated between NBA 10-day deals and G League stints, racking up 152 NBA games, including 43 starts. He's now with the Capital City Go-Go in the G League. At 29, he's not a long-term project, but he could offer immediate bench value. Keith highlights his evolution: always a rim protector, he's now a floor-spacer with a 43% three-point clip on 5.1 attempts per game, plus improved rebounding thanks to added strength. He's shed his 'run-and-jump' days for something more refined, making him a solid depth option. But here's where it gets controversial: with his Suns draft connection, is signing him a nice nod to unfinished business, or just recycling a player who couldn't make it work elsewhere?
Finally, Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, a 25-year-old power forward at 6’9” and 240 pounds, with 18 points, 48% field goal percentage, and 14.5 rebounds per game. Drafted by New York (32nd pick) in the 2021 NBA Draft and traded to OKC the next day, JRE had a season with them before moving to Houston, where he was waived, then signed by New Orleans. This year, he's split time between the G League's Texas Legends and Indiana on hardship 10-day deals, amassing 214 NBA games, including 69 starts. Fun fact: he played two seasons with Collin Gillespie at Villanova, adding a personal connection for Suns fans. Keith describes him as one of the G League's best rebounders, thanks to smart positioning and strength. Despite limited G League play lately due to his NBA stints, he proves he belongs. If his outside shot improved or his athleticism popped more, he'd have a steady NBA role. For the Suns, he could be that dependable frontcourt help. And this is the part most people miss: sometimes, a player's experience and fundamentals outweigh flashy stats, making JRE a practical choice for immediate impact.
So, which of these four – if any – do you believe could step in and bolster the Suns' power forward situation, even just for a short stint? Is it worth the gamble on veterans like Johnson or Labissiere, or should they focus on younger talent like Slawson? Do you think 10-day deals are a smart strategy, or are they just bandaids on a bigger problem? Share your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear agreements, disagreements, or even your own controversial takes on how the Suns should address this roster gap!
