Ben McLemore and Darren Collison Looking To Make Comebacks, Drawing Interests From Teams

If it seems that the Suns have been linked to almost all veteran role players, they have, and Phoenix has gotten many of them. The Suns have signed seven free agents, and their roster now stands at 15, following the trade of Isaiah Todd to Memphis.

Phoenix does have some roster flexibility. Only $300,000 of Jordan Goodwin‘s $1.97 million is guaranteed though it would be a surprise that the Suns would swap him for Collison. Ish Wainwright‘s $1.8 million deal is nonguaranteed.

Collison is a traditional point guard in every sense. He is an excellent shooter who likes to attack the basket. While Collison can score, he is at his best running a team and getting others involved. Collison doesn’t turn the ball over often and is active defensively, but he is kind of small.

Collison averaged 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 turnovers, and 1.3 steals in his last action for South Bay. He shot 63.7% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line in 24 minutes over three appearances.

It will be hard for Collison to find a job right away. That doesn’t mean he won’t get a training camp invite with the Suns or another team. But he may have to spend time in the G-League.

Ben McLemore To Work Out For Teams In Vegas

Hoops Hype Michael Scotto said in his rumors article that McLemore will work out for several teams in Las Vegas this week as all 3o clubs are there for the NBA’s annual Summer League Fest. No specific teams have been named.

McLemore last played in the league for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021-22. He averaged 10.2 points on 40.1% shooting from the field while also making 2.4 treys at a 36.2% clip in 64 games for the Blazers. However, he couldn’t hook on with a team this past season and decided to head to China in February.

Like Collison, McLemore’s best route to returning to the NBA is showing enough during his workouts to earn a training camp invite. McLemore is a capable 3-point shooter though that is all the 6-3 wing provides for a team. He is not good defensively.

Alize Johnson To Workout For Celtics

Johnson’s situation differs slightly from the other two players, but he is also looking for another NBA opportunity. Johnson played four games in December but spent most of the season in the G-League. He finished the year with the Wisconsin Herd.

Johnson has made 76 NBA appearances overall for six different teams. He is very athletic and versatile, capable of playing everywhere but point guard, though power forward is his natural position. Rebounding and playing with a high motor are Johnson’s best attributes.

Scotto reported that Johnson will work out for the Boston Celtics this week. The Celtics have 14 players under contract for the upcoming season after signing second-round selection Jordan Walsh to a four-year deal on Thursday. Justin Champagnie is on a nonguaranteed agreement though the C’s must decide on him by October 16.