Suns reunite with NCAA legend

With the brand new NBA season quick approaching, the Phoenix Suns are reuniting with a acquainted face, veteran Frank Kaminsky. His company, Precedence Sports activities, confirmed that Kaminsky will take part within the Suns’ coaching camp.

Kaminsky performed final season with Serbian membership Partizan Belgrade however is now again with the Suns, aiming for an additional alternative at securing an NBA contract.

The 31-year previous was initially chosen because the ninth total decide within the 2015 NBA Draft following a stellar faculty profession at Wisconsin.

Kaminsky spent two and a half seasons with the Suns earlier than being waived in 2022. He was a part of the 2021 group that reached the NBA Finals, the place he performed a key position of their eventual loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Frank Kaminsky with the Suns

The 7-footer appeared in 95 video games for the Suns, averaging 8.2 factors, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Within the 2021-22 season, he was anticipated to tackle a bigger position, logging 20.1 minutes per sport, however a knee damage sidelined him after simply 9 video games, holding him out for a major stretch.

Earlier than his damage, Kaminsky posted a career-high 31 factors in a sport in opposition to the Portland Trailblazers. He was later waived in April 2022 and joined the Atlanta Hawks throughout the offseason.

On the commerce deadline, Kaminsky was traded to the Houston Rockets, the place he performed in solely 10 video games. Following that transient stint, he moved to the EuroLeague, becoming a member of Partizan Belgrade. In 57 appearances for the group, he averaged 8.9 factors, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per sport.

The Suns have one remaining roster spot, with 14 of 15 slots taken. Gamers on two-way contracts and Exhibit 10 offers will even be part of coaching camp, the place Kaminsky will vie for the final spot. His capability as a stretch huge could possibly be a key asset for brand new head coach Mike Budenholzer.

Final season, the Suns relied on Jusuf Nurkic and Drew Eubanks for heart depth, with Bol Bol and Kevin Durant additionally stepping in on the 5 when obligatory. After Eubanks left in free company, they introduced in Mason Plumlee to function Nurkic’s backup.

Having a three-point capturing heart is important in Budenholzer’s system, as demonstrated by Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis throughout his tenure with the Bucks, together with Al Horford whereas he was head coach in Atlanta.

One other three-point menace for Phoenix?

In his debut season with the Suns, Nurkic hit simply 24.4% of his three-point makes an attempt and has a profession common of 28%. Plumlee lacks a deep capturing menace, whereas Bol Bol’s proficiency from past the arc may make him a key participant this season.

This example might create a possibility for Kaminsky, who boasts a profession three-point capturing share of 34.9%.

Regardless of a small pattern measurement, Kaminsky demonstrated his capturing prowess by sinking 47.8% of his three-point makes an attempt in 26 video games with the Hawks throughout the 2022-23 season.

The Suns nonetheless want to find out their closing roster spot, however a powerful exhibiting in coaching camp may vastly improve Frank Kaminsky’s possibilities of making the group.

Mamadi Diakite and Moses Wooden have additionally joined Phoenix on coaching camp agreements. The Suns will kick off coaching camp on October 1 at their observe facility and start the 2024-25 common season on October 23 in opposition to the Los Angeles Clippers.