Suns News: Weeks 12 & 13 (1/6-1/19)

[Superbone]

Suns’ trade interest linked to Hornets big man Nick Richards

https://arizonasports.com/story/3570151 ... -interest/?

[TOO]

Yesssss, that dude is better than Ayton too. Gimme all the Duop stock.

I genuinely can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic. I’m at a 70 sarcasm, 20 serious and 10 you’re stoned again lol. Jk

It's a mystery to everyone.

[JeremyG]

James Edwards, Joe Klein (He's still on the menu?!)

Maciej Lampe

Which reminds me of Nick Vanos. RIP

Haracio Llamas…. How could we forget him?

Easily? :shrug:

Not me, my dad taught him at GCU, remember? I watched him play when I was a kid, back when about three dozen people would show up to GCU basketball games in an old little gymnasium.

[Superbone]

Maciej Lampe

Which reminds me of Nick Vanos. RIP

Haracio Llamas…. How could we forget him?

Easily? :shrug:

Not me, my dad taught him at GCU, remember? I watched him play when I was a kid, back when about three dozen people would show up to GCU basketball games in an old little gymnasium.

I do remember him as the first Mexican born player to make it in the NBA. He was a solid player.

[mjwang92]

Duop Reath? Come on, does this help? Or does it take minutes from Oso?

[ShelC]

He might take minutes from Plumlee. At this point tho, we do need another big body. Don't want to have to rely on KD as your 3rd big.

[TOO]

Reath is a 4, he can play with another big. This team doesn't even have a 4 on it.

[Cap]

Reath is a 4, he can play with another big. This team doesn't even have a 4 on it.

Oso is a 4. We play him at 5 out of necessity.

[TOO]

Reath is a 4, he can play with another big. This team doesn't even have a 4 on it.

Oso is a 4. We play him at 5 out of necessity.

You're a 10 in my book.

[Split T]

Reath is a 4, he can play with another big. This team doesn't even have a 4 on it.

Oso is a 4. We play him at 5 out of necessity.

He’s 4 sized, but he plays the 5 mostly because he can’t shoot. Reath can shoot so he’s a real 4. Oso is just an undersized 5

[Ring_Wanted]

Reath is a 4, he can play with another big. This team doesn't even have a 4 on it.

Oso is a 4. We play him at 5 out of necessity.

He’s 4 sized, but he plays the 5 mostly because he can’t shoot. Reath can shoot so he’s a real 4. Oso is just an undersized 5

Avdija+Reath for Nurkic works. Wanna discuss the '31 pick? Let's say they also take Beal for Jerami (expires one year later than Beal but "only" 30M) and other pieces like RWIII, plus Banton.

[ShelC]

Oso and Reath are both 5s. Reath can shoot, Oso can't. I'd love to add a legit big body like Richards but if the Hornets are going to hold out and play tough, I'd rather just go the cheaper route with Reath. We need another big, active body now-ish.

[specialsauce]

Reath can't get off the bench for the blazers. I'm not getting excited about him.

[ShelC]

What are Biz Biyombo and Javale McGee up to?

[Mori Chu]

Why would the Blazers trade to get Nurkic back, after they already have multiple other centers and just got rid of Nurk a year or two ago?

[Split T]

They would be trading for the 2031 pick, not Nurkic.

[O_Gardino]

I know most of us are joking with our picks for top Suns center, but I can't let the conversation go longer without an Alvan Adams shout out.

19/9/5, an All Star his rookie season when he was a major contributor to the Suns first finals run. He epitomizes Suns culture by being skilled and way to small for his position.

[AmareIsGod]

Identifying the “best” centers in Phoenix Suns history can be a bit subjective, especially because the franchise has often been known more for great guards and forwards. However, a few names consistently rise to the top based on individual performance, team impact, longevity, and historical importance. Below are three centers who stand out, along with the reasons why—and which one earns the top spot.

1) Alvan Adams (1975–1988)

Longevity & Loyalty: Adams spent his entire 13-year NBA career with the Suns, which in itself is rare. He played more seasons in a Phoenix uniform than any other player in team history until recently (he retired as the franchise leader in games played).

Statistical Impact: Adams was the 1976 NBA Rookie of the Year, averaging 19.0 points, 9.1 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.5 steals that season. Throughout his career, he displayed a versatile skill set for a big man—he could pass, shoot midrange, and handle the ball better than most centers of his era.

Team Success: In his rookie season, Adams helped lead the Suns to their first NBA Finals appearance (1976). He was a linchpin for Phoenix through multiple playoff runs during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Franchise Icon: Adams holds or held many Suns records (e.g., total rebounds, steals, games played). He is synonymous with the franchise’s early success and remains a revered figure in Phoenix.

Why he’s #1: No Phoenix center has combined Adams’s longevity, statistical contributions, and direct impact on the team’s success in quite the same way. He was a unique playmaking center who adapted as the NBA evolved, and he did it all wearing only one uniform.

2) Mark West (1988–1994, 1999–2000)

Defensive Anchor: West was never flashy on offense, but he was a highly effective rim protector and interior defender. Alongside Charles Barkley in the early 1990s, West provided the shot-blocking and rebounding presence in the paint.

High Efficiency: Though he didn’t take many shots, he frequently led the league (or was near the top) in field-goal percentage. His ability to finish strong around the rim made him a model of efficiency.

Key to Finals Run (1993): West was the starting center on the 1992–93 Suns team that went to the NBA Finals. His defensive presence and physicality were crucial in a squad that featured high-powered offensive stars like Barkley and Kevin Johnson.

3) Deandre Ayton (2018–2023)

Immediate Production: Selected first overall in 2018, Ayton brought a modern big-man skill set to Phoenix. Early in his career, he showed a consistent ability to average a double-double (points/rebounds).

Playoff/Finals Run (2021): A major reason Ayton ranks highly is his role in helping the Suns reach the NBA Finals in 2021. His defense, rebounding, and improved rim protection took a big step forward in that playoff run.

Upside & Evolution: While he’s still developing, Ayton’s mix of size, athleticism, and soft touch around the basket makes him one of the most talented centers the Suns have ever had, even if his tenure was shorter compared to some on this list.

Honorable Mentions

Neal Walk (1969–1974): The Suns’ first true franchise center, drafted second overall behind Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in 1969. Walk was a solid rebounder and scorer in the early 1970s.

Shaquille O’Neal (2008–2009): Hall-of-Fame name, but only wore a Suns jersey briefly. Despite an All-Star appearance in 2009, his Suns stint was too short to challenge the others in franchise impact.

Why Alvan Adams is #1

While each of these centers left their mark on the Suns in different ways, Alvan Adams stands alone for his blend of:

Franchise Identity: A “Suns lifer” who spent his entire career in Phoenix.
Statistical Versatility: Did everything from scoring to rebounding to facilitating.
Team Success: Integral to the 1976 Finals run and countless playoff appearances.
Longevity & Records: Held numerous franchise records upon retirement and remained a consistent contributor for over a decade.

No other Suns center matches Adams’s combination of production, loyalty, and overall influence on the team’s history. That’s what cements him at the top of the Phoenix Suns’ all-time center list.

[LazarusLong]

Solid list, AIG.
I would add Marcin Gortat in the Honorable Mention section.
He was a very good player on some so-so Suns teams.

Re: Walk-- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said Neal was one of the best offensive centers he played against.

Amar'e Stoudemire was listed as center for three full seasons (excluding the year he only played three games).

He should probably figure in the mix somewhere.
I might list him ahead of Ayton...

[specialsauce]

Well, Deandre made more than all of them combined so he's the best