NBA News: How Bismack Biyombo Signing Affects Suns' Title Chances

The Phoenix Suns decided to sign center Bismack Biyombo for the rest of the season, and it has the potential to be a massive game-changer for their title odds.

Biyombo originally signed with the Suns on a 10-day contract to fill the whole that starting center Deandre Ayton and backup big man JaVale McGee left after they were put on the shelf thanks to the NBA’s health and safety protocols.

In a span of two games, Biyombo put up averages of 13.5 points, six rebounds, 1.5 steals, and two blocks in about 24 minutes of action.

Granted that he put up those numbers against the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans, the fact remains that Biyombo is a high-impact signing that has an immediate effect on their plans.

The Suns had been lucky enough to avoid most of its players being placed in the health and safety protocols, but as soon as Ayton and McGee were sidelined, starting forward Jae Crowder and bench pieces Landry Shamet and Abdel Nader soon joined them.

Before signing Biyombo, Phoenix opted to give second-year big man Jalen Smith an extended run at center and he performed admirably with 15.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks over the course of five games and three starts.

However, the Suns front office may have opted to go after Biyombo in order to have a stabilizing veteran presence inside the paint that is experienced enough to handle tough situations–something that they have not been able to give Smith in his past two years.

It is expected that Smith will act as Biyombo’s back-up and prove to be another learning experience for the big man out of Virginia.

After last season’s surprising Cinderella run, the Suns need steadying hands guiding them and Biyombo fits them perfectly in the starting lineup alongside their wealth of guards.

Having Chris Paul as the main playmaker is always going to do wonders for a franchise, but he has proven that he enjoys playing alongside big men who excel in pick-and-roll situations, something that the 29-year-old center has been accustomed to throughout his 11-year career.

Phoenix does not need him to consistently put up 15 points and 10 rebounds per game since what he does best goes beyond the box score, which is something that they desperately need once the playoffs begin.

For as beloved as McGee has become in the Valley, he still commits way too many fouls and turnovers to stay on for extended periods of time.

No Suns fan is doubting whether McGee can play, but it would be nice to have a big man who can play similar to the Olympic gold medalist without as much fouls, which Biyombo can do particularly well.

While it would be hard to believe that Biyombo keeps up his current level of production throughout the season, he is a great pickup for the Suns who will potentially compete with the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference Finals.