NBA insider believes Suns' offseason move for Tyus Jones is underrated

The Phoenix Suns spent last season without a genuine ball-handler on their roster. Devin Booker and Bradley Beal took turns initiating the offense, often leading to disjointed half-court performances . As such, the Suns went into free agency looking for a genuine floor general to help unlock their offensive firepower.

According to The Athletic's John Hollinger , the Suns' addition of Tyus Jones is among the most underrated offseason pick-ups. Hollinger believes Jones is talented enough to make a difference for Mike Budenholzer's team.

“I don’t think the impact of this move is getting enough attention,” Hollinger wrote. “The Suns desperately needed both A) a real point guard and B) another starting-caliber level player, at any position. Jones checked both boxes without costing them any draft picks (not that they had any left to trade) or other assets."

Jones spent last season with the Washington Wizards, where he suited up on 66 occasions, averaging 12 points, 7.3 assists and 2.7 rebounds while shooting 41.4% from three-point range. According to Cleaning The Glass, Jones assisted 33.2% of his teammates' made-shots on the floor, thus proving his value as a table-setting ball-handler.

With a legitimate point guard on their roster, the Suns will be a far more dangerous offensive unit next season. The trio of Kevin Durant, Booker and Beal will all have opportunities to shine as featured scorers. They will also be tasked with spacing the floor and punishing any double-teams. Jones' passing will ensure those punishments are swift.

"He’s good enough that he could genuinely matter in a congested West race where two or three wins might be the difference between the third seed and the Play-In Tournament," continued Hollinger. "… not to mention a playoff series."

Jones has a reputation for being a consummate professional. He has proven himself to be one of the best role-playing guards in the NBA. If he can help the Suns unlock their offense while providing some reliable perimeter defense, he could be looking at a significant pay rise when he hits the free agent market next summer.