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What Royce O'Neale Brings to Suns

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Suns
By Kevin Hicks | Last updated 2/9/24

Royce O'Neale is officially a Phoenix Sun.

The Suns acquired the former Brooklyn Net wing prior to Thursday's trade deadline - for four now former Suns players and three second-round picks in what was a three-team deal.

The reception of the trade from nearly all fronts have been quite positive, with basketball figures ranging from Magic Johnson to former lead Warriors executive Bob Meyers praising the deal.

Bleacher Report also gave the Suns an A+ for the acquisition, under the premise that Phoenix relinquished players who weren't going to see the playoff rotation and low-value picks for a player that can help the team push for the coveted NBA title.

What exactly does O'Neale bring to the squad?

Suns superstar Kevin Durant - who played with O'Neale for half a season in Brooklyn - gave a rave review in last night's post-game presser:

"IQ. Playing with guys who can score the ball almost his whole career. Underrated passer. Can shoot the basketball. Just a basketball player. Position-less basketball player."

Grayson Allen echoed similar sentiments, saying this in locker room access after the game:

"Great guy to have on the team, great teammate. He's a good shooter. Really good defender. Can guard 1 through 4, some 5. I'm excited. He's definitely going to help us."

The numbers and film speak for themselves as well.

The former Net forward is playoff tested, having played in 44 postseason games since the 2017-18 season. He shoots 37.2% from three-point range for his career and 38.1% in the regular season.

The 6'6" wing's most underrated ability might be as a playmaker - O'Neale averages nearly three assists for every turnover this season. He simply appears to be yet another ideal connector of the offense built around three stars - joining Allen, Eric Gordon, and Jusuf Nurkic in that mold.

The same things seem to be said about O'Neale by virtually everyone in the NBA - a high-character player that's well-liked in the locker room. A player that is a great shooter and switchable defender.

A player that can help the Suns' push for a long-awaited title.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Suns and was syndicated with permission.

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