Every ex-Utah Jazz player currently in the NBA Playoffs
By Dan Lower
Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale, Phoenix Suns
While much of the focus in the Valley of the Sun is on the star power of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal, the Suns depth is vital to any chances they have for postseason success.
Key to that depth are two glue guys. Grayson Allen and Royce O'Neale.
Allen never really developed in Utah before he was shipped in the Mike Conley deal. But he has since evolved into a nice defender and full-time starter after stops in Memphis, Milwaukee and now Phoenix.
His 3-point prowess (.461, NBA leader in percentage) has been vital to the Suns' success in 2023-24. Gone are the silly tripping fouls he was known for early on, and a more mature game is now on display.
Meanwhile, Royce O'Neale came over from Brooklyn at the trade deadline, and solidified the Suns' frontcourt upon his arrival, playing solid defense and hitting timely 3-pointers, just like he used to do for the Jazz.
Far from washed up, Royce is showing he has value for a winning team, on an expiring deal of $9.5 million, he is likely to get a big raise this summer.
The Suns also have former Jazz big Udoka Azubuike on the roster, but he has not seen the court much this season and is unlikely to have an impact in the playoffs.
Even if the Suns fail to advance, both Allen and O'Neale have shown they are vital rotation players who have a lot of NBA life remaining.