Veteran Backup Center Signs with the Suns
Mason Plumlee has agreed to join the Phoenix Suns on a one-year contract for next season, adding depth to their roster. The six foot and 11-inch veteran, known for his strong rebounding and defensive presence, will link up with his new side after an impressive season with the Los Angeles Clippers. This procurement plans to strengthen its frontcourt while also providing leadership to a young squad. The Brooklyn Nets originally drafted Mason Plumlee in the first round of the 2013 NBA Draft, where he played college ball at Duke.
Plumlee has been dependable and consistent throughout his decade-long professional stint due to his excellent basketball IQ and work ethic. His career path involved teams such as the Nets, Portland Trail Blazers, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets, and LA Clippers, making him a versatile big man who can contribute at both ends of the court. In fact, for last season’s matches with the Clippers, Plumlee averaged 7.5 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.5 wins per game. The importance of having a center who can distribute like him and screen effectively makes him an asset in any team’s system. Further, he offers playoff experience that many sides desire since he helps bridge inexperience together inside a team’s locker room when it is needed most.
With this signing, the Suns aim to utilize Plumlee's skills to support their core of young talents. Plumlee's defensive acumen and rebounding will be crucial in helping improve interior defense, which has been a concern in previous seasons. This move represents another opportunity for Plumlee to showcase his talents and contribute to a team's success. As he joins the Suns, he brings the lessons learned from playing under various coaches and systems, which could prove beneficial in mentoring younger players. Adding Plumlee could be a strategic move for the Suns as they look to make strides in the competitive NBA landscape. His presence in the locker room and on the court is expected to impact the team's dynamics and performance positively.