On Facebook
On Flipboard
On Twitter
The Phoenix Suns now have another young, talented player that can grow alongside the talented corps in David Roddy.
The former member of the Memphis Grizzlies was part of the Royce O'Neale trade on Thursday, arriving in Phoenix as a player who has struggled through his first 1.5 seasons in the NBA.
The 23rd pick in the 2022 NBA Draft should be considered a work in progress, but also should be considered far from a bust at this stage.
While the Colorado State product has struggled with efficiency early on, the stint in college showed just who he can possibly be.
The 6'4" forward shot 57% from the floor and nearly 44% from three in his junior season for the Rams, which lead to being a first-round pick.
The efficiency hasn't carried over to the league - but there are several other positives that have been flashed to make Roddy a worthy rotational piece that has team control, while also having the potential to develop into more.
Roddy is a big body that willingly plays physical defense. He is also a plus athlete that does the majority of damage off of dribble drives - he can also use both hands on drives.
Things that Roddy needs to work on to become a potential playoff rotation player include working on improving the tunnel-vision tendency, becoming a more efficient finisher, and working on an inconsistent jump shot.
Thankfully, the Suns can likely be a situation in which Roddy can shore these concerns up in.
Suns' big man sensation Bol Bol had similar tunnel-vision concerns coming into the season. Now, Bol rarely ever breaks the structure of the team's offense and has been a wonderful spark plug in spurts.
Roddy also should have cleaner lanes to drive and cut to the hoop in Phoenix compared to Memphis, while also exhibiting mechanics on his jump shot that could be slightly malleable.
While Roddy may never be a great jump shooter, he could become consistent enough to be someone that shouldn't be left alone at the arc.
Roddy might not be a factor in the Suns' 2024 playoff rotation, but he was certainly a player that was worth taking a flier on.
More must-reads:
- The curious case of Lakers GM Rob Pelinka: Can he build another title team?
- Must-see matchups for what could be Chris Paul's final season
- The 'Most NBA games played' quiz
Breaking News
Trending News
TODAY'S BEST
New York Knicks Expected to Get Decision From Former No. 1 Overall Pick Within Next Week
The New York Knicks had one goal in mind entering the 2025 NBA offseason and it is clear that the goal was to upgrade their depth. Of course, the Knicks are coming off an impressive season that saw them reach the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000. Despite this, New York elected to fire head coach Tom Thibodeau and they replaced him with Mike Brown this offseason. New York has also upgrade their bench through free agency as they signed two veteran players in Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele, both of whom should have a large role next season as the Knicks try to compete for a top seed in the East. With these two signings earlier this summer, the Knicks have only one roster spot open and a former No. 1 overall pick has been linked to them over the last couple of weeks. That player is Ben Simmons and the 29-year-old guard may be nearing a decision after a report was released on Wednesday. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Simmons is expected to make a decision on where he will play next season within the next week. “I’m told he’s probably going to make a choice in the next week. (Sacramento) Kings, (Phoenix) Suns, Knicks and (Boston) Celtics have all been connected to him,” Windhorst said. Of course, Simmons is no longer the All-Star caliber player that he once was but he proved last season with the Los Angeles Clippers that he could still be a key role player for a contending team. Simmons would be a solid fit off the bench for the Knicks due to his playmaking and defensive skills along with the fact that he could play either the point guard or either forward position for them. Despite this, New York would be taking a major gamble on Simmons due to his injury history but if he can stay healthy for next season, he could play a key role in helping the Knicks land a top seed.
Notes from Cowboys' second training camp practice: Schottenheimer threatens to kick out players, Pickens injury scare
Dallas Cowboys' training camp practice No. 2 is in the books so let's cut to the chase on this one and get right into the biggest moments. From head coach Brian Schottenheimer cutting a fight short and threatening to kick out players to a tough injury scare, there's a lot to get to. A lot of Kenneth Murray with the starting lineup In many of the clips coming from Oxnard, California, free agent signing Kenneth Murray keeps popping up with the first-team defense. He certainly looks like a potential starter at linebacker, where Jack Sanborn and Marist Liufau are also competing for starting roles. Though Sanborn has been talked about as the middle linebacker, Brian Schottenheimer said Murray has also worn the green dot denoting a player with comms with the coaching staff. "What I’m finding, now that I’m getting to know (Murray. . .) is the leadership he possesses," Schottenheimer said Wednesday. "He’s a grown-ass man out there. He takes charge. He makes a lot of the checks, he’s very smart, and he’s wearing the green dot for us in a lot of the things we’re doing." Brian Schottenheimer threatens to kick out players from practice Safety Markquese Bell, cornerback Troy Pride, and tight end Tyler Neville got into a scrap early during team periods, and the Cowboys head coach took the opportunity to send a message to his players. According to ESPN's Todd Archer, "Brian Schottenheimer called the team together and read them the riot act, threatening to kick player out of practice with the next fight." In the clip below from Nick Harris (Forth Worth Star-Telegram), Schottenheimer is heard saying: "I don't know what happened, I don't give a (expletive)." George Pickens' injury scare George Pickens went down as he attempted to catch a target during practice. Reports from Oxnard indicated it was a cramp. Fortunately, Pickens appeared fine after practice as he finished the day on the catching machines and jogged off the field. Joe Milton's 'touch pass' to Brevyn Spann-Ford Everyone knows about Joe Milton's bazooka arm but what to stay around the NFL for a long while, he'll have to show better accuracy and touch than what he showed with the Tennessee Vols. Though he needs to do it many more times, one play turned heads at camp: A play-action shot to TE Brevyn Spann-Ford that flew over linebacker Buddy Johnson. Later in practice, Milton fired a deep shot that missed WR Jonathan Mingo. The arm talent is there—and it's one of the best in the league—he just needs the touch to come consistently.
Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani ties franchise record with HR vs. Twins
MLB's midseason break was kind to Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter and starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani. On Wednesday, the three-time MVP tied a Dodgers franchise record with a home run in his fifth consecutive game, taking Minnesota Twins right-handed starting pitcher Chris Paddack 441 feet to centerfield on an 0-2 79 mph curveball in the bottom of the first inning. Ohtani entered the All-Star break with 32 home runs but had just two in his 12 previous games before beginning his current streak. He's appeared in 101 of L.A.'s 103 games, putting him on pace for 159 games this season. If Ohtani continues at his home run trajectory, he'll set a personal record for single-season home runs, breaking the record he established last season, his first with the Dodgers. Per ESPN Bet, Ohtani (-1800) is an overwhelming favorite to be named NL MVP for the second consecutive season. With every home run hit, his odds of receiving a fourth overall MVP award likely increase. Also helping Ohtani's case is his return to the mound after not pitching a season ago while rehabbing from 2023 surgery. The Dodgers have slowly eased him back, with Ohtani throwing 12 innings in six starts, allowing nine hits and two earned runs with 13 strikeouts. Per Baseball Savant, he ranks in the top six percent in average fastball velocity (97.8 mph), a promising sign as he continues his progression. While the Dodgers keep him on a pitch count, Ohtani didn't need much warming up at the plate following the in-season break to find his swing. Some might argue he's already in postseason form.
Chicago Blackhawks reportedly set to trade 25-year-old goaltender to Stars rival, Edmonton Oilers
Deion Sanders says he's not 'all the way recovered' amid health issue
It seems like it might be a little longer before Deion Sanders can join the rest of his Colorado coaching staff. In a video recently posted by his son, Deion Sanders Jr, the NFL legend admitted that he's not yet fully recovered from his undisclosed health issue. “You know I’m still going through something,” the head coach said. “I ain’t all the way recovered.” Almost two weeks ago, Sanders took the stage at Big 12 media day, but he didn't want to address his health issues. “I’m not here to talk about my health,” Sanders said. “I’m here to talk about my team.” According to the Athletic, Sanders, who's recovering in his home in Texas, has been in close contact with his coaching staff. Colorado athletic director Rick George also said that Sanders would "probably" report to campus within the next two weeks, per the Athletic. The former Super Bowl winner has a long history of health concerns. He had two toes amputated in 2021 because of blood clots, and he went under the knife again in 2023 after reportedly dealing with some excruciating pain. The Buffaloes are transitioning into the post-Shedeur Sanders/Travis Hunter era and looking to build from last year's 9-4 record and big win at the Alamo Bowl.
Customize Your Newsletter
+
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!
PRIVACY POLICY EDITORIAL POLICY CONTACT US
ABOUT YARDBARKER TERMS OF SERVICE
Use of this website (including any and all parts and
components) constitutes your acceptance of these
Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
This site is for entertainment purposes only.
There is no gambling offered on this site.
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-Gambler.
