After struggling with the lack of a natural facilitator last season, the Phoenix Suns have now added four point guards in the offseason, introducing a new dilemma. Last year, shooting guards had to step into the point guard role, despite former head coach Frank Vogel’s requests for a true lead guard, which the front office ignored.
This offseason, the Suns signed four point guards to address this issue, though the decision to bring in so many players for the same position seems chaotic. Why bring in four players who will compete for the same minutes?
Despite this, the front office’s moves show they’re finally addressing the team’s and coaches’ needs after a disappointing 2023-24 season. While the Suns won 49 games, improving on the previous season, they failed to resolve their issues during the regular season and were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2024 Playoffs.
Among the new additions, Collin Gillespie was the first to join on a two-way contract, a quieter signing that may see him with limited playing time. Monte Morris, a more established floor general, is expected to make a significant impact under Mike Budenholzer’s system and boost the Suns’ championship prospects.
Tyus Jones, another key signing, is likely to become the starting point guard, bringing experience from his time as a full-time starter with the Washington Wizards. The last addition, TyTy Washington Jr., was a surprise, given the team’s recent flurry of point guard signings. Washington, who played minimally with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, will now compete for minutes with Gillespie.
Welcome the newest playmaker to the Valley, Monte Morris! 🏜️ pic.twitter.com/A48uPT8WFf
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) July 5, 2024
With Morris and Jones likely to secure most of the playing time, Gillespie and Washington, who are less experienced, will battle for the remaining minutes. Gillespie, who finished his rookie season with the Denver Nuggets, is confident in his ability to provide stability and shooting. Meanwhile, Washington, with two years in the league, has had a less notable performance recently but offers additional experience.
The Suns’ point guard dilemma seems to have been addressed, though they may have overcompensated. Morris and Jones are expected to be the main contributors, while Gillespie and Washington will compete for their share of minutes.
