The 2023-24 season for the Phoenix Suns fell far short of expectations. Initially considered one of the favorites to win the championship, the Suns were surprisingly swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs.
This disappointing outcome has already led to significant organizational changes, with more expected as the team navigates the 2024 NBA free agency period.
Although the Suns don’t have many free agents this offseason, a couple of key players are up for re-signing. The team’s financial situation is tight, being deep into the second apron, which limits their options to replace players like Royce O’Neale and Bol Bol if they leave. It’s crucial for Phoenix to find a way to retain these players to avoid losing them without compensation.
**Royce O’Neale, Forward**
Re-signing Royce O’Neale should be a top priority for the Suns. The team invested heavily in acquiring him, trading three second-round picks to the Brooklyn Nets at the trade deadline, leaving them with only two second-rounders remaining. O’Neale proved his worth by performing well after joining Phoenix. Known for his three-and-D skills, he shot 37.6% from beyond the arc on 5.2 attempts per game over 30 regular-season games with the Suns, consistent with his career average of 38.1%. His defensive contributions were also significant, making him a valuable asset for the team moving forward.
Royce O’Neale has fit Phoenix like a glove
in Royces 55 non garbage time minutes so far, the Suns have a 40.9 Net rating and an 85.1 DRTG (yes I’m not kidding)
Opponents are shooting 14% when defended by him (per 2nd Spectrum), and he has 9 STL+BLK in just 3 games
Highlights⬇️ pic.twitter.com/sH65X5bKXm
— RB Insiders (RBSPN) (@RyB_311) February 15, 2024
The Phoenix Suns’ roster lacks depth in two-way players, with even their stars like Devin Booker and Bradley Beal leaning heavily towards offense. However, Royce O’Neale stands out as a rare exception, excelling on both ends of the court. His versatility provides crucial lineup flexibility for the Suns, making him indispensable to their success.
Center Bol Bol garnered significant attention in high school and upon entering the league, thanks to his towering 7-foot-3 frame and impressive agility. Despite initial setbacks due to injury and joining a seasoned Denver Nuggets squad, Bol’s true potential remained largely untapped until his stint with the Orlando Magic last season.
However, it was with the Phoenix Suns that Bol finally found his stride. The Suns took a gamble on his unique skill set, a move that paid off handsomely. Bol showcased his talents with career-best statistics, boasting remarkable percentages in field goals (61.6%), three-pointers (42.3%), and effective field goals (68.9%). Additionally, he demonstrated his prowess with averages of 17.1 points and 10.5 rebounds per 36 minutes, marking significant improvements in his NBA journey. Bol’s defensive contributions also reached new heights, further solidifying his value to the Suns’ roster.
Bol Bol is *working* on defense. pic.twitter.com/OSIzJvwakN
— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) March 3, 2024
Bol remains a work in progress, but his potential contribution to an NBA team, particularly the Suns, shouldn’t be overlooked. Phoenix lacks depth and versatility in the frontcourt beyond Durant. Bol’s ability to complement Durant and potentially relieve Jusuf Nurkic as the backup center adds valuable options to their lineup. Additionally, if he maintains his three-point shooting prowess, he’ll enhance floor spacing for their star players.
Given the Suns’ limited options for bolstering their depth in the offseason, retaining both O’Neale and Bol makes sense. Their solid two-way performances last season suggest they can continue to be assets for the team in the future. It would be prudent for Phoenix to retain them and expect similar contributions moving forward.
