Is Frank Kaminsky the right fit, or should the Suns wait for a better option?

What will the Phoenix Suns do with Frank Kaminsky? What should they do?

The Phoenix Suns have technically finalized their roster as they gear up for the start of the 2024-25 season. Each NBA team is permitted to carry 15 players along with three two-way contracts, bringing the total to 18. While the Suns appear to be set and ready for the challenges ahead, the dynamics of the roster can still evolve.

But is it set? Should it be set?

In a league where injuries and performance fluctuations can dramatically alter a team’s trajectory, the Suns’ ability to navigate these variables will be crucial. With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, they seem well-equipped to adapt as the season unfolds.

What does the cap sheet look like? You know I gotta a graphic for that!

The latest addition to the Suns’ roster was Frank Kaminsky, who is currently on a training camp and Exhibit 10 contract. This type of contract gives the Suns flexibility in managing their roster, enabling them to evaluate talent during training camp and the preseason without making long-term commitments.

So yeah, technically the roster is set, but no final decision has been made on Frank.

Prior to his arrival, the Phoenix had an open slot. That open slot provided the flexibility that might not be needed until the right opportunity presented itself. Was Frank Kaminsky that right opportunity?

With three two-way players, it isn’t a matter of depth on this roster. With them on the team, that’s 17 total players. That final roster spot should be a matter of fit.

Is Frank Kaminsky the right fit for the Phoenix Suns? Should he be the one they sign for their final roster spot, or would it be wiser to wait?

The Case Against Frank Kaminsky

When examining the Suns’ roster construction, one thing is clear: they don’t need any more guards. A team that once struggled with playmaking at the guard position now boasts a solid lineup. With Tyus Jones, Monte Morris, Collin Gillespie, and TyTy Washington Jr. on board, Phoenix has secured its playmakers. Additionally, the shooting guard depth chart is well-stocked with Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, Damion Lee, Josh Okogie, and Grayson Allen. Overall, the Suns are well-equipped in this area.

Why am I saying this? Why am I talkin’ guards when we’re talkin’ Frank? Because I’m making the case that the final roster spot shouldn’t be filled by a guard. What do we need?

Well, we could sure use a rim running big. Someone who possesses athleticism. Maybe a lockdown wing defender, seeing as Ryan Dunn has morphed into the second coming of Mikal Bridges combined with Steph Curry’s shooting ability.

Frank Kaminsky is a lot of things. A big rim running big is not one of them. Slow of foot, he doesn’t provide any athleticism to the roster.

With players like Jalen McDaniels hitting the market after being dealt from the Sacramento Kings to the San Antonio Spurs — who plan on waiving him — the case could be made that that is someone we should be pursuing. Gerald Bourguet of PHNX dispelled that rumor, which can be disappointing if that’s what you think this roster needs.

Which adds another layer against Frank.

Signing him means you do not keep that roster spot open if and when the opportunity arises. Maybe the Suns like one of the two-way guys and wants to keep him long term. Perhaps the Suns could leverage the Okogie contract when the time is right to bring in two players to Phoenix in exchange for JO, potentially reducing their payroll while strengthening their positional needs.

But with it filled, those scenarios do not exist.

The Case for Frank Kaminsky

I’ll start with the fact that we love Frank in the Valley. And he loves being here. “I’m back where I wanted to be all along,” Frank said on Suns Media Day.

He was part of the 2021 NBA Finals team that will always be cherished for their surprising run. And the dude can chug a beer.

When considering how Frank Kaminsky fits into the system that Budenholzer is implementing, which values the three-point shot, he makes sense for the Suns. While he may not have elite athleticism, he has the ability to stretch the floor and consistently knock down shots. Kaminsky boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of 34.9% on 3.0 attempts per game.

If the goal is to play at a fast pace and spread out opposing defenses in transition, Frank Kaminsky could be a key player coming off of the bench as needed. He has a track record of fulfilling that role effectively.

“Having an open spot can add to our flexibility,” Mike Budenholzer recently noted, “and then there’s a player like Frank who can help you maybe win games and help us in a lot of different ways.”

While Frank Kaminsky might not be a rim runner, his size and experience could provide valuable depth for the Suns. Phoenix isn’t a particularly big team, with Jusuf Nurkic, Mason Plumlee, and Oso Ighodaro currently filling the center rotation. Ighodaro, a rookie listed at 6’10”, tends to play smaller, which may be an issue as the third big in the rotation.

Considering the size and strength of the Western Conference — where teams like Memphis (Zach Edey) and Portland (Donovan Clingan) have added major size in the draft — the Suns need all the help they can get.

Keeping Kaminsky would ensure the Suns have another sizeable option who fits Budenholzer’s system, while also adding a familiar face that’s sure to get some cheers from Phoenix fans when he checks in.

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At the end of the day, we’re talking about the last spot on the roster. The goal isn’t necessarily for this individual to swing games in terms of wins and losses, but rather to provide support when needed and complement the coaching staff’s vision for the team. Could Frank be that guy? Should Frank be that guy? I’m interested to hear what you think.