Dionte Christmas, whose $1.15 million salary would have otherwise been guaranteed next week, was waived by the Phoenix Suns today.
Christmas averaged only 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds last season, and only appeared in 31 total games. However, Dionte's biggest contribution to the team was as a teammate and a motivator at games, practices, and in the locker room.
From purely a basketball standpoint, the decision to waive Christmas seems like a good one. With an influx of guards who will be fighting for playing time as it is, there wasn't much room for Dionte on the roster.
However, from a team standpoint, one has to wonder whether losing Dionte could have a bigger impact on team chemistry and cohesion, as his positivity and encouragement for his teammates was an invaluable asset that led to the rare camaraderie experienced by the Suns last season.
At any rate, with Christmas no longer a part of the Suns, that leaves 13 players currently on the roster, not counting Eric Bledsoe who has until Oct. 1 to sign a new contract or the qualifying offer.
As for Christmas, he'll have the opportunity to catch on with another NBA team, or possibly head overseas where he's sure to have plenty of options.
Either way, he's an excellent glue-guy who has a chance to be a bench contributor for the right team in need of depth. I'm sure he'll find his way onto someone's roster...It's just too bad it couldn't be here in Phoenix.
We'll miss you Dionte.