If you thought Ronnie Price would be low down the Phoenix Suns depth chart, he's no worse than 6th lowest at this point. The Suns are bringing in yet another non-guaranteed player for camp.
Nevada Wolfpack's Deonte Burton, a 6'1" point guard, has signed a non-guaranteed contract to the join the Suns for training camp. He was on the Kings training camp roster last year, but was waived in late October and played overseas.
Signed two days ago, Burton is likely already working out with the Suns at US Airways (soon to Talking Stick Resort Arena) as they enjoy some competitive open scrimmages.
He's quite the athlete. He's not tall, but he has a 6'6" wingspan and a thick upper body to likely make you think of Eric Bledsoe. He gets by on athleticism.
Check out this vicious slam
Let's take a closer look at Burton with a longer highlight reel.
Draftexpress has another one as well. Per DX, he's a solid offensive player and good defender, using his wingspan and quick feet to defend and get steals.
Unfortunately, his weaknesses include point guard play (prone to dribbling with his head down, missing teammates), shot selection and shooting consistency. Which is why he went undrafted in 2014.
Burton is the 5th non-guaranteed contract the Suns have given in the past two weeks.
Burton is unlikely to make the team, as the Suns already have three point guards on guaranteed contracts for 2015-16.
More likely, the Suns are boosting the D-League Bakersfield Jam just like they did a year ago with Earl Barron, Joe Jackson and Jamil Wilson.
This year it's a full lineup, from which they can get first dibs on D-League assignments for four of them, up from three last year, but could end up having all five play for the Jam.
- PG: Deonte Burton
- SG: Terrico White
- SF: Kyle Casey
- PF: Cory Jefferson
- C: Henry Sims
That brings the Suns training camp roster to 18. Thirteen of the players have guaranteed contracts, while the two big men of those five played all last season in the NBA.
Can't wait for those preseason 4th quarters where we get to see these guys shine!