The Phoenix Suns' search for frontcourt consistency continues after a 125-114 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 26, dropping their recent form to 1-2. Newcomer Drew Timme, signed to a two-way contract, is aiming to be part of the solution, acknowledging his unconventional profile in today's NBA. "I mean, honestly, I'm an undersized white guy," Timme said candidly after a morning shootaround. "I don't pass the eye test, I would say, but I know how to hoop and play and make people better."
Phoenix claimed the 6-foot-9, 235-pound forward off waivers from Minnesota ahead of the 2026-27 season. Timme's arrival comes at a time when the Suns lack their normal depth in the paint. Mark Williams is out for months following left shoulder surgery, and Oso Ighodaro is sidelined day-to-day with a right oblique strain. Ighodaro suffered the injury in the season opener, a 124-83 road loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on October 21.
Timme sees his value in versatility and experience. He believes his skill in making teammates better is an underrated asset. "I can kind of just be a plug-and-play kind of guy," Timme explained. "I've been around the league a little bit and stuff and pretty experienced." He can play both power forward and center, offering Coach Jordan Ott a different look behind starter Khaman Maluach and backup Duop Reath.
The team's start has been inconsistent. After the blowout loss in Portland, they bounced back with a 131-122 home victory over the Golden State Warriors on October 24. That win was quickly followed by the defeat in Oklahoma City.
Timme is focused on fitting into a system he admires. He praised the Suns' style of play and the coaching staff's trust in players. "It's a team that wants to win and needs to win," Timme said. "I just want to be able to help them in any way possible." His journey with five previous NBA teams in three seasons has given him a clear perspective on finding the right niche.
The immediate challenge is a home game against the Denver Nuggets on October 30. Integrating Timme and managing the frontcourt injuries will be key factors. Coach Ott is treating Ighodaro's absence as a short-term issue, but the team needs reliable minutes from its depth players during this stretch. Timme's basketball IQ and willingness to do the less glamorous work could earn him a more permanent role.
The Suns' early record shows they can score, but shoring up their defense is essential. Players like Timme, who understand spacing and team play, could help stabilize the second unit. His self-aware assessment of his game is a sign that impact isn't always measured in traditional stats. As the Suns look to build momentum, every contributor, whether on a standard or two-way deal, will be important.
