Should Suns Bring Back Bismack Biyombo?

PHOENIX -- The Phoenix Suns have looked fairly promising in their opening three-game stretch of preseason play. The star trio of Devin Booker, Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal have looked strong in their respective looks while various depth pieces have proven themselves to be of value moving forward.

There's been plenty of talk surrounding Phoenix's center position since the Suns bowed out of postseason play last season. Trade rumors surrounding Deandre Ayton once again got hot - before they cooled down - until speculation came to fruition and he was ultimately moved to the Portland Trail Blazers.

As a result, Jusuf Nurkic fills the five spot in Phoenix's lineup, though there's been discussion about the depth behind the newcomer.

With two more games until the regular season is here, Bleacher Report says adding Bismack Biyombo back to the roster would be a wise move:

Should Suns Bring Back Bismack Biyombo?

Adam Fromal: "Bismack Biyombo returning to the Phoenix Suns might have been a nonstarter earlier in the offseason, but the calculus has shifted following Deandre Ayton's departure in the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade.

"Jusuf Nurkić, who joined the Suns in the three-team swap, is a strong fit alongside Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and Kevin Durant, but health hasn't exactly been his calling card in the NBA.

"Having a trusted backup at center is now vitally important, and Phoenix is heading into the season with Drew Eubanks, Bol Bol, Chimezie Metu and Udoka Azubuike populating its depth chart.

"For all his limitations, Biyombo is at least a sturdy rebounder who doesn't overextend himself on offense and consistently plays high-quality defense. In fact, he posted the best defensive box plus/minus of his career with Phoenix in 2022-23 and then got even better over eight playoff games.

"The Suns could do far worse than bringing back a low-upside big man who already understands the team philosophy."

For what it's worth, Biyombo was also a tremendous rim protector:

Here's a look at the best low minute defenders from last season.

Bismack Biyombo is still a free agent fyi

⬆️Better defensive impact

➡️Generating more turnovers

🗃️2023 regular season / 400-1000 total min played pic.twitter.com/uab8vI9hr9
— BBall Index (@The_BBall_Index) October 5, 2023

However, he is fairly limited on the offensive side of the court. What made Biyombo's presence in Phoenix work was the ability to swap an offensive big man - such as Ayton - for Biyombo's defense when needed.

He played in 61 games for Phoenix last season and would come rather cheap, which obviously needs to be a priority if the Suns are looking to add a new body. The Suns also still must trim two roster spots after the Ayton trade.

Biyombo certainly would be welcomed back by fans with open arms, and given other options on Phoenix's roster, his presence in the push for an immediate championship wouldn't exactly be a downgrade.