Not long ago, restricted free agent Alex Len was the Suns’ center of the future.
But Phoenix’s first order of business this summer (beyond a two-way contract for Mike James) wasn’t the former No. 5 pick.
It was undrafted Alan Williams.
Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports:
Restricted free agent Alan Williams has agreed to a three-year, $17M deal to stay with the Phoenix Suns, league sources tell The Vertical.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 10, 2017
The 6-foot-8 Williams is relatively undersized and unathletic. But through excellent determination and positioning, he’s a darned good rebounder. He can finish inside and even protects the rim a bit.
His physical limitations might prevent him from assuming more than a reserve role, but this is a fine price for someone so effective in his role. And there’s always a chance the 24-year-old would hold up against better opposition or in more minutes. He has gotten in better shape since turning pro.
The Suns, who have Tyson Chandler locked up as their most expensive center, must figure out how to handle Len. They’re headed toward a logjam.
But they’re better off with Williams in it than playing elsewhere.