With the 2014-15 campaign written and closed, Suns.com’s Matt Petersen takes an end-season look at each member of Phoenix’s roster heading into the summer. Key points include what went well, what could be improved, and a notable advanced stat for each player are included, as is their offseason status with the team.
MORE REVIEWS: Earl Barron | Eric Bledsoe | Reggie Bullock | Archie Goodwin | Danny Granger | Gerald Green | Brandon Knight | Alex Len | Jerel McNeal | Marcus Thornton | P.J. Tucker | T.J. Warren | Brandan Wright
Earl Barron
Bio: 7-0, 250 pounds, 33 years old
History with Suns: Signed with Phoenix on Feb. 21, 2015
2014-15 stats: 8.9 mpg, 2.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.5 spg
Offseason status: Unrestricted free agent
What Went Well
Midseason trades left the Suns short-handed up front. Making Barron a midseason reinforcement didn't take too much persuasion. The veteran big man was the final cut from the preseason roster after nearly beating out Shavlik Randolph for that spot.
Between then and his eventual reunion in Phoenix, Barron dominated the D-league for Suns affiliate Bakersfield, averaging 20.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per contest. The Suns did not ask him to replicate those numbers on the NBA level. Barron was brought in to provide some additional post defense and rebounding, tasks he is more than equipped to do.
What Could Be Improved
Barron proved an old dog can learn new tricks by unleashing his recently improved three-point stroke toward the end of the season. He hits those shots regularly in practice, and Head Coach Jeff Hornacek has given him free reign to fire away if left open. He hit 2-of-3 from beyond the arc in the season finale against the Clippers.
With starter Alex Len returning and re-signing Brandan Wright an offseason priority, Barron can still find his niche (be in Phoenix or elsewhere) by continuing to bring his lunch pail in the paint while adding a dash of perimeter shooting to keep things fresh.
Notable Advanced Stat: In his limited minutes, Barron wound up being a willing and accurate offensive option. The veteran big man shot 7-of8 from the field with 22 to 15 seconds remaining in the shot clock.
Quotable: “It's my second time being [with the Suns], so hopefully I can come back a third time around. We'll see.” – Earl Barron