What Duane Washington Jr. Brings to Phoenix Suns
On Tuesday, the Phoenix Suns signed guard Duane Washington Jr. to a two-way contract according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
The Suns have now added more depth behind Chris Paul and Devin Booker. Washington now joins new addition Damion Lee as fresh faces in a backcourt that already held Landry Shamet and Cameron Payne as secondary pieces.
Washington initially went undrafted last year before joining the Indiana Pacers on a two-way deal. He spent some time in the G League but did manage to appear in 48 games during the 2021-22 season. In that time, Washington averaged 9.9 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.8 assists.
His father Duane Washington Sr. (and uncle Derek Fisher) both spent time in the NBA.
The initial reaction has been received with applause from Suns fans on social media. You can add Booker to that list as well.
Washington isn't set to carry the Suns on his back to the NBA Finals, but he does bring a few things to Phoenix's backcourt that may provide useful through the stretch of the season.
What Duane Washington Jr. Brings to Phoenix Suns
Youth- The Suns utilized one of their two slots for two-way deals when they brought Washington on. Upon his arrival at 22-years-old, Washington effectively became the youngest player on the roster. Just above him is fellow newcomer Josh Okogie at 23 and Deandre Ayton at 24.
There's hope to eventually wire Washington in a capable contributor in Phoenix. The depth in the backcourt isn't promising for him at the moment, especially when searching for prominent options to help spell Paul.
Yet there's been encouraging signs to excite the organization, and with such a long road to go, the Suns have to like what Washington could mold himself into.
Three-point shooting- We're not talking Steph Curry or Ray Allen, but Washington did prove himself to be a capable option on the perimeter. His 37.7% conversion rate from downtown was third-best on Indiana last season.
Washington isn't just a player that spots up on the perimeter, as he's shown he can facilitate his own magic when needed.
Quick montage (courtesy of YouTube) of his perimeter shooting off the dribble:
Washington set a Pacers franchise record for most three made by a rookie in a single game (7) while becoming the 36th rookie in the league history to hit seven threes in a game, according to Wiki.
Phoenix's 11.6 three's made per game last year was tied for 20th in the league, and while the Suns certainly won't change their current approach, Washington may be able to raise those numbers if called upon.
Shot creation/attack the rim- There were times last postseason where it felt like anybody outside of Booker simply couldn't create their own opportunities.
Washington isn't lightning fast off the dribble. His athleticism isn't incomparable to anything presently in the NBA. However, he is good enough in both areas to get to the basket. What might be his greatest asset is his ability to attack space and finish around the rim.
Quick montage (courtesy of YouTube) of him driving to the lane.
There's a lot to like about Washington's initial resume in the league after one season.
With plenty of time to develop him, the Suns took a low-risk investment on a point guard that displayed a little bit of everything when he was on the court.
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