They say, “you don’t know what you’ve got until its gone”. I haven’t figured out who “they” is, but I do know that more people were talking about Trevor Ariza this past summer after he inked a new contract than ever before. But Trevor has always been Trevor. People are just finally paying attention.
Southern California sports fans know his name. The lanky and quiet player came out of UCLA and declared for the 2004 NBA Draft. He was chosen 43rd by the New York Knicks and has been on seven teams in his 14 seasons in the league. Ariza became more widely known during his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers from 2007-2009. For being a part of such a flashy and loud franchise, Trevor was so reserved sometimes you could watch an entire game and not remember if he played 25 minutes, if he was on the bench, or if he was at home injured. It turned out he didn’t have to say a word because his game did all the talking and the fans took notice. Ariza’s long arms, stealthy prowess, and his persistence guarding the league’s top shooters helped the Lakers secure a ring.
During a stint in Washington later, Trevor solidified himself as a 3 and D player, gaining more efficiency from behind the arc. Of all the franchises Trevor Ariza has been on, the Houston Rockets fans probably grew the most attached to the talented small forward, as he was with their team for four seasons. In the 2015-’16 season, Ariza broke Aaron Brook’s 2009 record for the longest streak of games by a Rockets player with at least one three-pointer. He was third in the league for most minutes played in the 2014-’15 season and fourth overall the following year. He currently averages 35 minutes per game every season. When Coach D’Antoni was questioned about Ariza being his highest minute getter at his age, Coach replied that Ariza never complained of pain or fatigue, but always said he just wanted to play.
“Whatever is needed or whatever we lack, I try to be- whatever that may be. I just try to make plays when needed and pick up the loose ends.”
Ariza after Rockets win over LAC 12/31/16 (18pt, 4r, 2s, 7a)
Last season, Trevor was 85% at the charity strike, 37% from outside the arc, averaging 11.7 points and 1.5 steals. On the list of steals by active players in the league, he is 7th. With all those accolades, the man should have been getting much more attention than he was because there’s not a whole lot that goes left undone when he’s on the floor. Those who don’t ask for thanks but work diligently in silence, are usually the ones who deserve the most appreciation.
This summer when Ariza accepted a one year, $15 million deal with the Phoenix Suns, we were all stunned. I was surprised his team didn’t fight harder to keep him. Since then, the articles, media buzz, and commentaries surrounding the Houston Rockets have centered on the idea that they will not be the same because they lost such an important defensive piece in Ariza. I would argue they lost a lot more than that, and mainly because they didn’t value all that he could do. Yes, he had a bad night to close out the playoffs last season in Houston, but the entire team was betrayed by the 3 ball that night.
“Trevor’s one of the best vets I’ve ever seen. He comes in every night and guards position 1-5.”
Montrez Harrell Los Angeles Clippers
So what are the Suns getting this season? A champion. They acquired a seasoned veteran who has clocked plenty of playoff minutes and can help with morale and guidance in a young locker room. A very similar player with loads of talent, rookie and two-time former NCAA champion Mikal Bridges, will surely benefit from working with a guy like Trevor. His versatility on offense and on defense will allow the other Suns players to make plays, also simplifying things for #1 draft pick DeAndre Ayton who will be acclimating to the league.
“Ariza speaks to exactly what we are looking for…he’s a guy that every time he steps on the court and laces them up, goes out there to try to win. It’s not just gameday- its practice. It’s the way he approaches the off days. The film. Everything.”
James Jones Suns VP of Basketball operations
Glue guys who can stretch the floor, defend, make plays, and are generally liked by teammates aren’t easy to find. When asked why Phoenix, Ariza replied with a simple and short answer as expected. Aside from being closer to his family in Los Angeles, Ariza said he simply chose the team that wanted him. A minute into free agency, the Suns called Ariza through Facetime and offered him a majority of their cap space so there was no denying they were all in. There’s a lesson in here somewhere about player appreciation and not taking for granted what you have. Whether Trevor Ariza is in the desert for just this season (Don’t be shocked if HOU finds a way to resign him- they’ve gotten him back once before), or a deal is worked out for a few more years after, one thing is certain- Suns fans got a consistent and hardworking player on their side and that can only help propel them in the direction they hope to go. #TimeToRise.
