ESPN: Phoenix Suns’ Alan Williams sits as a top-30 free agent
May 22, 2017, 1:29 PM | Updated: 1:30 pm
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Alan Williams burst on the scene at the end of last season for the Phoenix Suns and now sits as an intriguing free agent.
ESPN’s Kevin Pelton ranked Williams as the 25th-best player in his free agent rankings, saying:
Getting regular playing time after the Suns shut down Tyson Chandler, Williams averaged 17.6 points and 14.8 rebounds per 36 minutes in his second NBA season. He’s one of the league’s best rebounders and a surprisingly effective shot blocker at 6-foot-8.
Don’t be surprised if Williams forces his way into more playing time next season.
Williams became a double-double machine as March rolled around, notching seven in the first eight games of the month and putting his name on the NBA radar. At the same time, he also solidified his position in the Suns’ rotation.
In 24 games played after the All-Star break, Williams averaged a near double-double with 11.4 points and 9.1 rebounds in just over 22 minutes a game.
Listed as a power forward, Williams got most of his time at center, and besides an aging Chandler, Alex Len is the only other Sun with any real experience at the position.
Like Williams, Len is also a restricted free agent this summer, meaning the Suns can match any offer another team presents them.
Noting his increased role last season, the Suns had a bargain in Williams’ $874,636 salary, something that will likely get much larger this summer.
Aside from his play on the court, Williams is also an outstanding person in the community. The North High School product has been constantly involved in his hometown, and quickly turned into a fan favorite since originally joining the team on a 10-day contact in 2015.