Phoenix Suns sign power forward Eric Moreland
Dec 10, 2018, 11:35 AM | Updated: 7:14 pm
Detroit Pistons forward Eric Moreland (24) drives as Phoenix Suns guard Troy Daniels (30) defends during the first half of an NBA basketball game Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Matt York)
(AP Photo/Matt York)
The Phoenix Suns finalized a deal to sign power forward Eric Moreland, the team announced on Monday night.
Moreland was in training camp with the Toronto Raptors before this season but didn’t make the regular season roster. He was most recently playing with the USA Basketball team composed of G League players who eight days ago qualified the Americans for the 2019 FIBA World Cup with a win over Uruguay.
In that game, Moreland scored 10 points to go with 13 rebounds. He added two assists, three blocks and three steals off the bench.
The 26-year-old played his college ball at Oregon State and last appeared in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons in 2017-18. In 67 games, he averaged 2.1 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 12 minutes per game, shooting 54 percent from the field.
Moreland also played 11 games for the Sacramento Kings from 2014-16.
At 6-foot-10 and 238 pounds, Moreland is a lanky, athletic energy player who could give the Suns a different look at power forward or center.
Playing time at the forward spot could open up if Phoenix ends up trading forward Trevor Ariza, who has played with wings Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges at forward as Ryan Anderson and Dragan Bender have earned little playing time for coach Igor Kokoskov.
Ariza’s name has been mentioned in trade talks between the Suns and at least eight other teams, 98.7 FM Arizona’s Sports Station’s John Gambadoro confirmed Monday. Because Ariza signed as a free agent this summer, the Suns cannot trade him until Dec. 15.
With Ariza still on the roster, the pending signing of Moreland would give the Suns 14 players on their roster with an additional two players — point guard Jawun Evans and forward George King — on two-way contracts.
