Opinion: Should Phoenix Suns continue with Jalen Smith or not?

published

5/1/2022 3:00 PM

Western Conference 2nd seed Phoenix Suns have declined the player option for Jalen smith. Should they reconsider their decision? Let us break down the deal and performance with the team

Jalen Smith was the 10th overall pick in the 2020 draft, as he was signed by the Suns for a 4-year rookie contract. The contract values US$ 19.3 million for 4 years. As per the Athletics report, Phoenix Suns have declined the third-year team option on Jalen Smith.

This will make him an unrestricted free agent next season, and teams looking for a talented young forward can now make move for him. He would have earned US$ 4.7 according to the contract had the franchise decided to keep him, else acquiring team need to match the value.

The Maryland college graduate had very little chance to shine with the Suns, as the team is stacked up at the forward position. He usually had some garbage minutes late in the game, averaging just below 6 minutes mark in 27 games played. He played in G-league for some game time, but could not break into the Sun’s rotation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EB2_w2M19MU

Jalen Smith against Boston Celtic 19 points 7 Rebounds

Should Phoenix retain Jalen Smith?

Jalen Smith has been a fringe player for the Phoenix franchise. He played 15 games for the Suns averaging around 7 points and 5 rebounds. These stats might be elusive as Smith only averages 13 minutes in those games.

He got his chance when the Phoenix team was without their big-3 Deandre Ayton, JaVale McGee, and Joe Crowder. He even played 3 games as a starter for the team where he managed just about 19 minutes of game time.

Smith averages a double-double in the last 4 games, scoring 16 points and grabbing 10.5 rebounds per game. He has put on 100% effort from his side to cement his place in the team. But the Suns with a “Win now” situation can have better production from their regular rotational players.

Having said this, the Suns’ decision to decline his player option could be an interesting one as they might lose their 10th pick for nothing, after just 2 seasons. And the team acquiring him will have to pay him around US$ 4.7 million for 1st year at least. This makes no sense for the Suns in terms of asset management.

As of now, Phoenix is seemed “ok” losing their 10th pick and will have Dario Saric available in the next season. This could further limit Smith’s game time next season. So the Suns’ decision could be a better situational solution for the player as he can move to a rebuilding team and showcase his talent. And the Suns will have flexibility in the roaster for next season.