NBA Season Preview 2018-19: 10 players who will struggle with their new teams

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 29: DeMarcus Cousins #0 of the Golden State Warriors enters the arena during a pre-season game against the the Minnesota Timberwolves on September 29, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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PHOENIX, AZ – OCTOBER 1: Trevor Ariza #3 of the Phoenix Suns is introduced during a pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings on October 1, 2018 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /

10. Trevor Ariza, Phoenix Suns

Trevor Ariza certainly was never the most publicized member of the Houston Rockets last season. That’s a byproduct of playing alongside two polarizing stars of Chris Paul and James Harden’s ilk. Having said that, the phenomenal two-way player was a critical cog in the successful run that Houston went on last season. His ability to be a reliable 3-point shooter while defending at a high level as well was crucial to making their team work properly.

There’s reason to believe that the Rockets themselves will miss Ariza’s presence in their rotation. At the same time, however, there’s a good chance that the 33-year old forward will also be wishing that he was still somehow in Houston. That’s because Ariza will now be lacing them up for the Phoenix Suns, which is an odd fit for the veteran.

Pieces have been put into place of the Suns to potentially have a successful future. Devin Booker, when healthy, is one of the most dynamic scorers in the league already at just 21 years old when the season tips off. Meanwhile, Phoenix also added Deandre Ayton with the first-overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. With pieces like Josh Jackson and TJ Warren also looming, there is undeniable talent on this roster.

Having said that, this is a team far from competing in the loaded Western Conference right now, which is troubling for a player like Ariza. He thrived in Houston as a role player because that’s who he is — a player that can be the two-way glue on a good team. Playing on a team that’s still in the midst of rebuilding, he’s more than likely heading for a year that’s largely forgettable.