Objectively, the Suns didn't make the biggest splashes in free agency this year. But that isn't necessarily a negative.
With the team building for the future around its core group of lottery talent, Phoenix sought out veteran leadership and production in the open market without sacrificing its long-term goals.
For their efforts, the Suns received high marks across the board in signing Jared Dudley and Leandro Barbosa. There still might be more moves to come before training camp, but here are five examples of how the media reacted to the Suns' first two additions of the summer.
CBS Sports Staff: "Dudley was a fan favorite the first time he was in Phoenix, and he's a (slightly) different player now. In his first tenure, he played shooting guard and small forward. Now he's a stretch 4. This was a smart signing for good value, and it followed a great draft night."
Jeremy Woo: "Dudley, known as one of the NBA’s better locker-room guys, returns home after spending five seasons in Phoenix early in his career. Back then, he was a serviceable three-point shooting swingman, and he’s since reinvented himself as a useful stretch forward. For the Suns, who are retooling with lottery talent and looking to steady their ship for the long-term, having Dudley in their rotation and around their young players is a win on multiple levels. He’s not shifting the win column much by himself, but should slide into Mirza Teletovic’s role and be a useful part of this rebuild."
Tim Bontemps: "Dudley, one of the best locker room figures in the entire league, now gets to go back to Phoenix, where he began his career, and mentor a young Suns locker room featuring nine players under 25. Dudley was one of the best three-point shooters in the NBA last year, and is capable of playing at both forward spots – the kind of player every team in the NBA is looking for these days. Dudley is a perfect fit with the Suns. Not only is a he a combo forward, but he’s the kind of veteran presence a young team – and, let’s not forget, a young coach in Earl Watson – needs to show guys how to do their jobs the right way. On top of it, the Suns brought Dudley back on a very affordable contract."
Andrew Lynch: "It's hard to envision a better offseason for the Suns. Adding two lottery picks with upside gives Phoenix hope for the future; meanwhile, the Suns reached back to their past to bring home veterans Barbosa and Dudley, who will serve as great mentors for the young players."
Scott Polacek: "The Suns are not going to get the same Barbosa who was an offensive force and Sixth Man of the Year in his prime, but Phoenix still added an experienced veteran and proven winner. Barbosa has 119 career playoff games on his resume and knows what it's like to perform on a grand stage after reaching the Finals the last two seasons."