5 NBA players that need a change of scenery

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Dec 19, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Brandon Knight (11) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Timberwolves won 115-108. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Brandon Knight – Phoenix Suns

When it comes to Brandon Knight’s career so far, I always think of a roller coaster. His first two seasons with the Detroit Pistons were rather underwhelming. As a result, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in a package deal for Brandon Jennings. In Milwaukee, Knight appeared to figure things out and averaged over 17 points per game during his first two seasons there.

However, just when it seemed like he found a team that he would be with for the long haul, he was traded again. This time, it was to the Phoenix Suns and a much warmer climate. Things started slow at first due to a couple of injuries. However, in his first full season with the Suns last year, Knight registered a career-high 19.6 points per game. He finally seemed to find a home, especially with the guard-heavy system that head coach Jeff Hornacek deployed.

Unfortunately for Knight, things are bit different for the 2016-17 season. Hornacek is now the head coach of the New York Knicks and Earl Watson is Phoenix’s head coach. This means that the system that Knight flourished in was going away. As a matter of fact, Watson has moved Knight to the bench as the Suns’ sixth man. He prefers to start Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker in his backcourt, which gives them the bulk of available minutes.

This has resulted in Brandon receiving 23 minutes per game as opposed to his 36 minutes a game under Hornacek’s watch. Knight now seems lost on the team and it’s affecting his scoring. His current PPG of 12.7 is the lowest it’s been since his rookie season in 2011. It’s become quite clear that this former Kentucky Wildcat is in need of a new team yet again.

One of the teams that could be a good fit for him are the Sacramento Kings. An even trade can be made where Rudy Gay gets sent to Phoenix in exchange for Knight.

Other teams that can use Knight’s services are the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Orlando Magic and the Dallas Mavericks. All four of those teams would certainly give him 30+ minutes or close to it. Regardless of where he may end up in the future, it seems like any place other than Phoenix is a step in the right direction for Brandon Knight.

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