The Phoenix Suns have reported interest in pursuing Thaddeus Young, Al-Farouq Aminu, Frank Kaminsky and Mike Scott as potential candidates at power forward, according to John Gambadoro of 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports.
Young averaged a strong 12.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game last year for the Indiana Pacers, shooting an efficient 52.7% from the field last season while converting on 34.9% of his 1.8 3-point attempts per game. His game visibly picked up after franchise star Victor Oladipo went down with an injury, yet it is his defensive versatility that the Suns will find most attractive, as he's been a capable, but rather mediocre shooter from distance his entire career.
Aminu has been a mainstay for the Portland Trail Blazers for the last four seasons. Much like Young, a capable, but not quite reliable 3-point shooter. “Chief” is long, athletic, and can guard multiple positions, making for an upgrade defensively. He averaged 9.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season, yet his defense (0.8 steals and 0.4 blocks per game) took a massive nosedive last season.
Kaminsky is the lone restricted free agent of the four players the Suns are considering, yet the Charlotte Hornets are unlikely to fight too hard to keep him, as GM Mitch Kupchak is determined to cut costs and escape the luxury tax next season. A true stretch big and a legitimate 7-footer, the former Wisconsin product averaged 9.8 points and 4.0 rebounds per game on 41.9% shooting from the field and 34.9% from deep.
Scott played a vital role as a stretch-four for the Washington Wizards, L.A. Clippers and most-recently the Philadelphia 76ers. He is a 36.4% career-shooter from deep, but doesn't offer much more than marksmanship besides the occasional offensive board.
The Suns recently traded for Dario Saric in the T.J. Warren deal and are unlikely to keep their homegrown product Dragan Bender, as he's been slow to show noticeable improvement throughout the years.
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