Phoenix Suns sign shooter, defender James Nunnally for training camp

The Phoenix Suns decided that 17 players weren't enough to survive a 5-day training camp and 3-week, 7-game preseason schedule. So they added an 18th player, and 9th guard, to the roster for competition.

While Nunnally's chances to make the Suns regular season roster are quite slim due to the guaranteed nature of everyone else's contract, it's always fun to watch players compete for playing time. Nunnally is one such underdog.

After going undrafted last year, 6-7 swingman James Nunnally (Tweet him at @AllorNunn21 to wish him well in Phoenix!) went to the D-League to further develop his talents. While he did not star for the Suns' affiliate, the Bakersfield Jam, Nunnally created a niche for himself that has become popular in the NBA.

Ridiculous Upside - Unsung players to watch in Summer League

Nunnally is the ultimate 3 and D player who can spread the floor offensively (shot 40% from 3 last year) while being able to defend some of the best guards the D-League had to offer.

Nunnally still was a role player for the Miami Heat's Summer League team, starting only 1 of 7 games, but like Dionte Christmas for the Suns he made his mark by being a scorer when he got his chance.

Nunnally scored 13 points per game in only 19 minutes, making his mark on 3-pointers to the tune of 63%. Nunnally's best game was a second-half surge in the Vegas Semifinals against the Suns that helped Miami erase a 20+ point deficit in short order.

Also, that little video helps to remind starving Suns fans of (a) Suns basketball and (b) a winning SL team that almost took home the Vegas crown (reportedly a pair of Elvis sideburns).

As Kris says, the Suns need shooters. Hopefully, Nunnally can show his defensive moxie while continuing to make threes at a torrid pace. While he might now survive to the regular season, Nunnally has an opportunity to advance his dreams of an NBA career.