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Kemba, not Simba!

Kemba Walker was an interesting addition to the Suns last year. GM Pennywise is normally very defensive oriented when he goes after players, but faced with the high probability of dealing with Parsons, Ellis and Rondo all testing free agency together, the Suns decided a move was needed to give the Suns the best chance to be relative over the next few seasons with PG play. The trade was Rajon Rondo and Cleanthony Early out and Kemba Walker, CJ Miles (not that CJ), and Kosta Koufos in.

Kemba Walker immediately impacted the Suns offense, posting a career high of 20 points per game for the remainder of the season. He also posted career highs in assists with 6.8 per, steals with 2.4 per, and a 40% 3 point. During the playoffs, Kemba even turned it up a notch, scoring 21.1 and adding 8.3 assists. Coupled with Monta Ellis, this could be the most dynamic backcourt in the NLL. From a scoring standpoint, no teammates combine for more points.

Kemba is a restricted free agent this season, one that the Suns have already focused on securing long term. Phoenix has already placed the Qualifying Offer on Kemba, but he is expected to re-sign even without a QO. Kemba has been very vocal in his love for the desert and their fans. Heâ€™s also been pushing the team to use all resources available to try to get Monta Ellis to return.

Kemba is expected to sign a 4 year contract at $12 million per year. If Monta were to leave, itâ€™s quite possible that Kemba could be moved to the SG and the team could look to sign a starting PG in free agency, but the word on the street is that Ellis will not hit free agency.

Kembaâ€™s ability to score AND distribute is a rare commodity in the NLL. Most PG are either scorers OR passers, but rarely both. Expect Kemba to continue to improve in the Suns open style offense.

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