Welcome to the 2024-25 Phoenix Suns Season Preview series, where we embark on a comprehensive journey through the roster. In this series, we’ll break down individual player previews, offering a detailed look at each member of the Suns’ lineup. We’ll recap their performance from last season, highlighting key moments and areas of growth, and analyze how their skills, experience, and roles will contribute to the team’s championship aspirations.

Whether it’s the seasoned veterans or the rising stars, each player has a unique role in what could be a defining season for the franchise. Join us as we explore the potential and challenges that lie ahead for the Suns in their pursuit of basketball glory.

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Damion Lee

Shooting Guard, 6’5”, 210 pounds, 31 years old, 6 years of NBA experience

Once upon a time, shooting accurately from three-point range was not seen as the way to approach the sport of basketball. Brute force on the interior was the recipe for success. But as time progressed and defenders became more athletic, there was a clear opportunity. That was to create space for shooters. And with an increase in accuracy came floor spacing.

That is where Damion Lee comes in and could add value to the Phoenix Suns roster.

Lee, once an overlooked prospect after going undrafted from the University of Louisville, has since carved out a resilient and respectable career. Through sheer determination and a relentless work ethic, he has transformed into a reliable bench contributor, always ready to seize his moment when called upon. His journey is a testament to perseverance in the face of adversity, as he’s proven that potential doesn’t end with draft day.

Known for his sharpshooting ability, Lee has maintained an impressive 37.9% from beyond the arc over his career, a figure that speaks to both his consistency and precision. In four seasons with the Golden State Warriors, Lee averaged 8.1 points and 3.4 rebounds in 201 games, eventually winning a championship in 2022.

His crowning achievement came two years ago while with Phoenix, where he turned heads across the league. Shooting a remarkable 44.5% from deep that season, placing him third among the league’s elite shooters, Lee’s performance was a reminder that even unheralded players can rise to elite levels when talent meets opportunity.

Like most members of the Phoenix Suns in the 2023 postseason, Lee struggled. The sharpshooter went silent. In 8 games played, averaging 11.1 minutes off the bench for Monty Williams’ Suns, Lee went 3-of-15 from deep (20%).

An then? Nothing.

Lee’s Basketball Reference page for last season is a DNP, as Damion missed the entire season due to right meniscus surgery.

2023-24 Recap

Damion Lee, who entered last offseason as an unrestricted free agent, surprised many by re-signing with the Suns when it seemed likely he’d take his three-point shooting talents elsewhere. Every contender values a sharpshooter off the bench, and with Phoenix navigating the financial constraints of the second apron, the general expectation was that Lee would be donning new colors by the summer of 2023.

But Lee stayed. He signed a two-year veteran minimum contract with Phoenix, with the second year being a player option. In an era where movement and change define NBA free agency, Lee’s choice to remain in Phoenix spoke to the power of continuity and the sometimes intangible factors that drive a player’s decision. His return solidified the Suns’ bench depth and showed that sometimes, the best move isn’t the most expected one.

His veteran leadership and three-point shooting, coupled with Eric Gordon’s similar skillset, would give the Suns a viable duo that could drop bombs when needed. But then the bomb dropped for Lee.

In early October of last season, just as the Suns were gearing up for the challenges of training camp, Damion Lee suffered a significant setback. He injured his right leg, diagnosed with a meniscus injury, and the timeline for his recovery was left ominously “TBD.” In professional sports, uncertainty around recovery time is often a harbinger of prolonged absence, and in Lee’s case, it cast a shadow over both his immediate future and the team’s plans.

“The last six months have been tough,” Lee told The Arizona Republic’s Duane Rankin. “Had some ups and downs. Further elaborate on those in due time, but from where I was to where I am now, it’s truly a blessing to be able to be on the court. I’m excited. Taking it day-by-day. However the process goes is how long it goes. Very serious injury, serious surgery, serious recovery. Taking it all day-by-day and when I’m back out there, I’m back out there.”

That was in April. While there was early hope that Damion Lee might recover in time to make an impact, the reality was far more challenging. Despite his optimism and determination to get back on the court, the season wore on without any sign of Lee suiting up. The slow, grueling recovery process, filled with uncertainty, became a test of patience not just for Lee, but for the entire organization.

The absence of Lee wasn’t just a missing roster spot. It left a void in the Suns’ rotation. His ability to provide instant offense, stretch the floor, and be a veteran presence was sorely missed as the team navigated the ups and downs of a grueling NBA season. The anticipation of his return, at times, felt like a beacon of light, but as the months passed, it became clear that the Suns would have to continue their journey without one of their most reliable contributors.

The season closed with the lingering question of what might have been, had Lee been able to return.

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Contract Details

Lee opted out of the second year of his contract on June 29, hitting the free agent market as an unrestricted free agent. Initial reports were that he would opt in, so this caught us a bit off guard.

Just for days later, however, Lee would re-sign with the Phoenix Suns, doing so on a one-year deal for $2.9 million.

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Strengths & Weaknesses

While it has been over a year since Damion Lee played professional basketball, the assumption is that his strength remains the same: he is a lethal three-point shooter.

But where is he at his best when shooting the three?

Looking at the 2022-23 season, Lee flourished when shooting the corner three-ball, especially in the left corner. His 60.4% shooting from this area (32-of-53) was the best in the NBA for anyone who attempted 50+ threes from the left corner.

Lee showcased his shooting prowess from virtually every spot on the floor, lighting it up from all areas with remarkable efficiency. However, if there was one area that presented a slight weakness in his game, it was his shooting from the top of the arc, where he connected on just 33.3% of his three-point attempts.

While still respectable by most standards, this particular spot stood out as a rare blemish in an otherwise elite shooting profile. It’s an interesting contrast, as the top of the circle is often a high-volume area for shooters, but for Lee, it remained a point of inconsistency.

When it comes to weaknesses, Lee can be viewed as somewhat of a specialist. His three-point shooting? Undeniably elite. According to B-Ball Index, he ranks near the top in nearly every category related to shooting from deep, underscoring his reputation as a lethal marksman. The one exception is his pull-up three-point shooting, where he grades out poorly (D- grade, 23rd percentile), highlighting an area of inconsistency in creating his own shot from beyond the arc.

However, beyond his long-range shooting, Lee’s game reveals some noticeable limitations.

His playmaking is below average, reflected in a D+ grade for Playmaking Talent (34th percentile), suggesting he struggles to facilitate or create opportunities for others at a high level. His finishing around the rim is passable, grading at a C+ (57th percentile), showing he’s competent but not necessarily a threat in the paint. Perhaps most concerning is his on-ball perimeter defense, where he grades out as one of the league’s worst with an F (15th percentile). This lack of defensive prowess makes him a liability in matchups against quicker, more dynamic guards, limiting his effectiveness on both ends of the floor.

In essence, while Lee excels as a three-point specialist, his one-dimensional skill set and struggles in other areas — particularly defense — create a more complex picture of his overall value on the court.

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One Key Factor

“Availability is the best ability,” and with Damion Lee returning to the lineup in the absence of Eric Gordon, he’s poised for a prominent role. Lee’s knack for hitting open shots will be a significant asset, but his effectiveness will largely depend on how well the rest of the bench performs offensively. His ability to capitalize on these opportunities hinges on more than just his shooting touch, it requires a cohesive effort from his teammates to ensure that defenses don’t shift their focus solely onto him.

The real key to Lee’s success lies in the offensive contributions of his fellow bench players. If they fail to pull their weight, opponents will likely adjust their defensive schemes to clamp down on Lee, increasing the likelihood of contested shots and limiting his effectiveness from beyond the arc. In this scenario, Lee could find himself facing more aggressive closeouts and defensive rotations designed to force him off his preferred shooting spots.

For Lee to thrive, Josh Okogie and Ryan Dunn — if they’re part of the rotation with him — will need to step up offensively. Their ability to create scoring opportunities and draw defensive attention will be crucial. If Okogie and Dunn can effectively contribute and spread the floor, they’ll help prevent defenses from collapsing on Lee, allowing him to get his shots off with more freedom and less pressure. This dynamic interplay between offensive and defensive roles will be critical in maximizing Lee’s impact on the court.

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Prediction Time

I’m higher than most at Bright Side when it comes to my belief in Lee’s contributions. Let’s see if my predictions come to fruition:

74 games played, 9.2 PPG, 0.9 APG, 3.8 RPG, on 45/42/88 shooting splits

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Final Thoughts

Many of us might have forgotten how Damion Lee performed two seasons ago, with our memories clouded by his struggles at the end of that season, where he was often run off the three-point line and forced to create shots (a skill that isn’t his strongest) and the underwhelming shooting in the 2023 playoffs. It’s easy to overlook that throughout the season, Lee was one of the few constants on a team beset by injuries, a major trade that dismantled their wing depth in exchange for Kevin Durant, and an overall lack of consistency.

Despite the turmoil surrounding him, Lee remained a steady and reliable presence.

Lee probably won’t be in the running for Sixth Man of the Year — that might be Grayson Allen’s territory. However, he will be a crucial asset for the Suns this season. He’ll bring valuable depth and offensive punch when the stars are on the bench. Lee has the potential to shift the momentum of a game or two with his ability to catch fire and make an impact.

It’s good to have Damion Lee back.

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Read other 2024-25 Player Previews right here: