The Phoenix Suns have waived NBA veteran Frank Kaminsky prior to the start of the regular season. The college standout from Wisconsin, who was out of the league last season, was likely waived due to team tax reasons or the fact that they have solid depth at the position. Where Kaminsky will land is unknown at this time. However, if not brought back by Phoenix in any capacity, some other teams could use some solid center depth.
Phoenix Suns Waive NBA Veteran Frank Kaminsky
Frank Kaminsky’s Second Stint With Suns Ends Abruptly
Five seasons ago, the Phoenix Suns signed Kaminsky, a former first-round draft pick of the Hornets who spent his first four years in Charlotte. After three seasons with the Suns, Kaminsky moved on but eventually found his way back to the desert on a training camp deal this offseason. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, the Suns waived Kaminsky on Saturday.
Kaminsky’s training camp contract did involve Exhibit 10 elements to it, so there is always the possibility that the eight-year center could play for the Suns G League affiliate, the Valley Suns. If that scenario were to play out, Kaminsky could still very well find his way back to an NBA floor. Jusuf Nurkic is the established center of the team, with Bol Bol, Mason Plumlee, and preseason rookie standout Oso Ihgodaro backing him up. Considering that depth, Kaminsky’s chances are slim, if not zero. But there’s always a chance, right?
Kaminsky played in all but the Suns final preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers. In his four games, he combined for 19 points and 12 rebounds in 39 minutes.
From College Standout to NBA Traveler
From 2011-15, Kaminsky starred for the Wisconsin Badgers, where he was named the NCAA’s National College Player of the Year in 2014-15—unanimously, might I add. He also set a Badgers single-game record of 43 points. Kaminsky was a Big Ten Tournament MVP and earned both the Wooden and Naismith awards. He also led Wisconsin to back-to-back Final Fours in 2014 and 2015. It was quite the college career that led Kaminsky to be drafted ninth over by Charlotte in the 2015 NBA Draft.
Kaminsky’s college basketball success didn’t translate to the NBA, unfortunately. After his time in Charlotte ended, he played with the Suns for three seasons, the Hawks for one season, and the Rockets in 2022-23. For his career, he has averaged 8.8 points per game. Last season, he played overseas in Serbia with the Partizan Belgrade basketball team. Now, seeing his latest attempt at latching on with another NBA team and a second attempt in Phoenix not following through, Kaminsky’s options might be running out. Still, a handful of teams could use deeper center depth. The Lakers, Clippers, Nets, and Raptors are just a few. The eight-year veteran could still land somewhere if he does not play for the Suns G League squad.
Suns Are Set
With Kaminsky gone, the Suns roster looks complete and ready for the start of the regular season. Kevin Durant and friends will visit the Clippers on Wednesday. As alluded to earlier, they look full at the center position. Nurkic was dealing with a finger injury earlier in the preseason. However, he appears ready to go. Phoenix is looking to make better on this season after a disappointing first-round playoff exit last year.
