Heading into this offseason, the Phoenix Suns seemed to have their power forward position on lock. Channing Frye was no longer around to stretch the floor, but Markieff Morris had staked his claim at the four, and Phoenix had big bodies behind Morris for backup.
Fast forward to September, and the position is one of the biggest question marks facing the Suns, thanks to the current toxic nature of the relationship between Morris and the team. And with training camp starting next week, the Suns have few options to fill the gap if Morris is dealt or if he plays at less than 100 percent.
For Phoenix, a stretch-power forward is almost a necessity. Coach Jeff Hornacek has built an offense that revolves around point guards getting into the teeth of an opposing defense. And if the Suns' power forward can't shoot, the lanes to the rim narrow, and the offense stagnates.
In that enviroment, would adding Anthony Bennett, who's reportedly been bought out by the Minnesota Timberwolves, make sense? Bennett is theoretically a stretch-four, but he's shown zero actual NBA acumen at the position.
For Gerald Bourguet of Valley of the Suns, the answer comes down to the money. Bourguet writes that the Suns might have competition for Bennett if they were interested, as there are reports linking the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers to the former No. 1 pick:
"But if there’s even a remote possibility the Suns could lock down Bennett on a minimum contract, they shouldn’t hesitate. One more body at training camp never hurts and it’s not like Jon Leuer or Cory Jefferson are non-expendable as third string power forwards."
With so much uncertainty in the desert, it might make sense to throw everything at the wall and see what sticks. And that could mean a run at Bennett.
(h/t Valley of the Suns)
