The Phoenix Suns recently signed 18-year NBA veteran Jamal Crawford to help fortify an inexperienced backcourt. In order to clear the space for Crawford, the team has decided to waive 2017 second-round pick Davon Reed, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.
Reed played 21 uninspiring games for the Suns last season. He averaged 3.0 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 0.6 assists in around 12 minutes per game. Unfortunately, Reed didn't show enough to force the Suns to keep him around. Phoenix's front office pursued potential trades for Reed, but clearly, found no luck on the trade front.
It may seem curious that Phoenix would part ways with a 23-year-old in favor of a 38-year-old, but this is just more evidence of the Suns' dire backcourt situation. The team doesn't have a viable option at point guard, and it's likely that star Devin Booker will see significant minutes as a primary ballhandler.
Consequently, the Suns need all the help they can get to solidify the backcourt unit that surrounds Booker. Crawford is not the same player who took home three Sixth Man of the Year awards, but there's something to be said for the experience Crawford brings to the team.
At this point in his career, Crawford is a 15-to-20-minute per night kind of player. He can give good minutes off the bench and can still be an effective scorer. Perhaps he can help anchor the team's second unit until some of the younger players on the roster develop into more reliable options.
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