The Phoenix Suns have lacked a genuine point guard since acquiring Bradley Beal last summer. Without a tried-and-tested playmaker, Frank Vogel was forced to rely on the playmaking of Devin Booker and Beal throughout the season. The results were mixed and ultimately cost the Suns in the playoffs.
However, Phoenix has now resolved that issue by acquiring Tyus Jones. The veteran guard agreed to a one-year deal worth $3.3M on Saturday, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
Jones is one of the most reliable rotation guards in the NBA. Last season, he played in 66 games for the Washington Wizards, averaging 12 points, 2.7 rebounds and 7.3 assists per night while shooting 48.9% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range.
Mike Budenholzer will likely slide Jones straight into his starting unit. By removing the majority of on-ball creation from the shoulders of Booker and Beal, they can both work off-ball, providing additional spacing and working as interested screeners. That slight tweak to the rotation could be what unlocks Phoenix’s unquestionable firepower.
However, the Suns still boast a questionable defense and must prove they can shut down other high-level teams. Otherwise, it will still be difficult to respect them as a legitimate contender. After all, an elite offense is only as good as the defense it’s built on.
Nevertheless, the addition of Jones gives Phoenix a high-level creator who can slot into the rotation and plug a genuine gap. It’s a good piece of business by the Suns and gets them closer to the top end of the Western Conference. For Jones, a big season could lead to a significant payday next summer. It’s the type of deal where everyone wins.