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Free agent Tariq Owens has signed with the Phoenix Suns, according to NBA reporter Keith Smith. The one-year deal is reportedly an Exhibit 10 contract, which allows the Suns the option to convert it to a two-way contract.
Owens went undrafted out of Texas Tech. The 6-foot-10 big man averaged 8.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks in 25.3 minutes per game as a senior, helping the upstart Red Raiders to the national championship game, where they fell to Virginia. His efficiency was especially impressive last season in terms of both shooting and overall production. Owens shot a career-high 61.1 percent from the field in 2018-19, and also set a new career-best in points despite playing five fewer minutes per game than his junior season.
The Odenton, MD native began his career at Tennessee, playing sparingly as a freshman before transferring to St. John's. He spent two seasons at St. John's, earning the opportunity for a fifth year of eligibility at Texas Tech, without sitting out a season, by earning his degree.
Owens signed with the Suns shortly after the draft. He planned to play at Las Vegas Summer League, but suffered an ankle injury during in preparation for play, missing the entire event.
Phoenix is coming off another season in the NBA cellar. There's more room for optimism heading into next season than normal, though, due to the presence of star guard Devin Booker and rising sophomore center DeAndre Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in last year's draft. The Suns made a change on the sidelines, too, hiring Philadelphia 76ers assistant Monty Williams, one of the most sought after coaches on the market.
