Former Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley has some advice for the newest member of the Suns, Trevor Ariza. According to Dudley, Ariza's time with Phoenix will have its fair share of frustrating moments, as the team continues to go through unavoidable growing pains.
Dudley had two stints with the Suns, spending a total of six and a half years with the franchise. Safe to say, he was part of the developmental process the team had to undergo that put them in the position in which they are in right now. That being said, Dudley does know what he is talking about.
“I’m glad Booker developed into the player he is. I think Josh Jackson has it. I think it paid off: you get a number one pick in Deandre (Ayton). I think the future is bright,” Dudley said, while speaking to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN on his Woj Pod podcast. “I just think for a veteran player, Ariza coming in, he might see a little bit of that (lack of clear direction). I think that sometimes it might get frustrating of not seeing the direction. As a player, seeing the direction, you can embrace it. It was just tough to see at times.”
Dudley claims that Ariza's frustration will likely stem from the currently undetermined course the Suns will be taking in the very near future. Packed with bright, young talents, are they now ready to compete at the highest level and fight for a Playoffs spot in the highly-competitive Western Conference? Or will this season be used to showcase some of their movable pieces in the hopes of landing a proven superstar next summer, either via trade or through free agency?
For his part, Ariza also signed just a one-year, $15 million deal, which means that he might not be in it for the long haul. At 32 years old and with 14 seasons under his belt, this is a much-deserved payday for the Miami, Florida native. Now whether or not his time in Phoenix will be short-lived remains to be seen.
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