Why LaMarcus Aldridge should sign with the Phoenix Suns

1. He wouldn’t have to play center in Phoenix

One of the big things for LaMarcus Aldridge in his free agent search, is that he does not want to play center. In Phoenix, he wouldn’t have to do that. He would get to play next to recently signed center Tyson Chandler, who has shared desire to play next to Aldridge, which has been reported to be mutual.

Chandler is one of the better rim protectors in the league, while being a former defensive player of the year. With the large deal he signed in Phoenix, Aldridge wouldn’t ever have to worry about him leaving.

Also on the Phoenix roster is blossoming center Alex Len. After Len spent most of his first year injured, he really got a lot of playing time in his second season and eventually took over the starting position. His length gives opposing players absolute fits, and he looks like he will be one of the best future rim protectors in the league.

With two capable centers, Aldridge won’t ever have to worry about playing center.

2. He gets to be the man in Phoenix

Let’s face it, Phoenix is desperate for a superstar and someone the fans can rally behind. Yes, the Suns have some nice pieces and players that people in the valley of the sun like, but there isn’t one that makes major headlines from a national perspective. There isn’t that guy that opposing teams know they have to put their best player on each night.

In Phoenix, Aldridge would be handed the keys to the car and be told to take it wherever he wants. That’s not something he can get in other situations, as he would be second fiddle and joining an already established legacy. Sure, San Antonio could provide a closer route to a championship, but that might last only one or two years. In Phoenix he can be the centerpiece surrounded by talented young building blocks like Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Alex Len, Devin Booker and T.J. Warren.

He would get all the endorsements, all the love and every national television broadcast would focus on him when the Suns are playing. When All-Star season comes around, he would be the easy choice from Phoenix.

This is a team that has been searching since Steve Nash left, and Aldridge could become the instant fan favorite overnight. His signing would perhaps be the biggest moment since the team acquired Charles Barkley from the Philadelphia 76ers. That’s how rare it is for a prime talent to pass through the city.

3. He would get his shots in Phoenix

While many have had their concerns about the two point guard system in Phoenix, and rightfully so, there’s no doubt that Aldridge would be able to get lots of looks and be able to put up big numbers by being the main guy.

In other situations, he might have to sacrifice his shots and play in a system, but with Phoenix, the ball movement would be incredible as with two point guards, he can find a look anywhere out on the court.

As the centerpiece of the offense, he might be able to put up the best numbers of his career yet, which could go a long way toward All-Star selections and the team’s success. Phoenix has struggled to find a consistent scorer since Amare Stoudemire left, and Aldridge would be that consistent scorer.

Next: Reasons 4-5