According to reports, three veteran NBA players want to make a comeback. The players attempting to return to the league are Darren Collison, Alize Johnson, and Ben McLemore. Collison last played for the South Bay Lakers in 2021-22, while McLemore signed with Chinese side Shandong Hi-Speed Kirin this past January. Both players have drawn interest from teams.
NBA Rumors: Ben McLemore, Alize Johnson, and Darren Collison Looking To Make Comebacks, Drawing Interests From Several Teams
Darren Collison Has a Good Workout With Phoenix
Collison may be among the most unlikely players to earn an NBA contract this offseason. The 36-year-old has played just three NBA games since 2019. Following a two-year retirement, Collison returned to the Association in 2021-22 on a 10-day contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He signed with the G-League South Bay Lakers in March 2022 but did not play this past season.
Collison recently worked out for the Suns and had a great showing, per Bleacher Report’s Chris Haynes.
Free agent veteran guard Darren Collison worked out for Phoenix Suns last week and had a great showing, league sources tell @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. Phoenix remains aggressive in searching for complementary players.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 3, 2023
If it seems that the Suns have been linked to almost all veteran role players, they have, and Phoenix has gotten many of them. The Suns have signed seven free agents, and their roster now stands at 15, following the trade of Isaiah Todd to Memphis.
PICKS TRADE: The Memphis Grizzlies are trading three second-round picks to the Phoenix Suns for two first-round pick swaps (2024 and 2030) and Isaiah Todd, sources tell ESPN. The seconds are 2025 via Pels, and Memphis’ 2028 and 2029 picks.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 7, 2023
Phoenix does have some roster flexibility. Only $300,000 of Jordan Goodwin‘s $1.97 million is guaranteed though it would be a surprise that the Suns would swap him for Collison. Ish Wainwright‘s $1.8 million deal is nonguaranteed.
Collison is a traditional point guard in every sense. He is an excellent shooter who likes to attack the basket. While Collison can score, he is at his best running a team and getting others involved. Collison doesn’t turn the ball over often and is active defensively, but he is kind of small.
Collison averaged 11.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.7 turnovers, and 1.3 steals in his last action for South Bay. He shot 63.7% from the field and 40% from the 3-point line in 24 minutes over three appearances.
It will be hard for Collison to find a job right away. That doesn’t mean he won’t get a training camp invite with the Suns or another team. But he may have to spend time in the G-League.
Ben McLemore To Work Out For Teams In Vegas
Hoops Hype Michael Scotto said in his rumors article that McLemore will work out for several teams in Las Vegas this week as all 3o clubs are there for the NBA’s annual Summer League Fest. No specific teams have been named.
McLemore last played in the league for the Portland Trail Blazers in 2021-22. He averaged 10.2 points on 40.1% shooting from the field while also making 2.4 treys at a 36.2% clip in 64 games for the Blazers. However, he couldn’t hook on with a team this past season and decided to head to China in February.
Like Collison, McLemore’s best route to returning to the NBA is showing enough during his workouts to earn a training camp invite. McLemore is a capable 3-point shooter though that is all the 6-3 wing provides for a team. He is not good defensively.
Alize Johnson To Workout For Celtics
Johnson’s situation differs slightly from the other two players, but he is also looking for another NBA opportunity. Johnson played four games in December but spent most of the season in the G-League. He finished the year with the Wisconsin Herd.
Yet again, Alize Johnson proved to be one of the most COMPLETE players in the G! 🦌
The @WisconsinHerd forward averaged 16.5 PPG, 14.1 RPG, and 6.1 APG, while shooting 65.3% FG. Here are his best plays of the 2022-23 season! pic.twitter.com/ICK67JvyQc
— NBA G League (@nbagleague) May 9, 2023
Johnson has made 76 NBA appearances overall for six different teams. He is very athletic and versatile, capable of playing everywhere but point guard, though power forward is his natural position. Rebounding and playing with a high motor are Johnson’s best attributes.
Scotto reported that Johnson will work out for the Boston Celtics this week. The Celtics have 14 players under contract for the upcoming season after signing second-round selection Jordan Walsh to a four-year deal on Thursday. Justin Champagnie is on a nonguaranteed agreement though the C’s must decide on him by October 16.
