Yuta Watanabe Could Emerge as Suns' Biggest Surprise Player

The Phoenix Suns added numerous new faces to the mix this offseason, though none were labeled more "underrated" than Yuta Watanabe, a strong three-point shooting forward that is as versatile as they come.

Watanabe inked a two-year, $5 million deal with the Suns this offseason after spending previous time with the Memphis Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors and most recently the Brooklyn Nets.

Watanabe was labeled as Phoenix's surprise player to watch ahead of the 2023-24 season by Bleacher Report:

"Watanabe has orchestrated some fun, high-energy moments in the past, but this season could be different. He just might surface as the fifth-best player on a title-chasing team," wrote Zach Buckley.

"Now, being the fifth-best player may not sound like much, but remember to consider the caliber of the quartet in front of him. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker are full-fledged superstars. Bradley Beal is a three-time All-Star with two 30-point-per-night seasons under his belt. Deandre Ayton is a former No. 1 pick who has basically averaged a 17-point double-double in his career. There is zero shame in trailing that foursome.

"Watanabe may not project to be Phoenix's fifth-best player right now, but he could play his way into that status while simultaneously locking up starting and closing roles. He is a fearless, frenetic and versatile defender who may have mastered the art of corner-three shooting (a blistering 51.4 percent last season). Those are two of the most important traits a modern role-playing wing can have."

Our own Everett Williams labeled Watanabe as one of the top three underrated Suns heading into this year:

"Watanabe’s performance in the 2023 FIBA World Cup is a testament to his growing stock in America as a serviceable NBA player. It would not be surprising to see Watanabe have a breakout season if used properly by the Suns.

"His combination of three-point shooting as well as his willing defensive play shows why Watanabe is an underrated pickup for the Suns this offseason. His pairing with Durant and Booker will play out as the year goes on, but expect Watanabe to hit some big 3-pointers and play stout defense during the season."

The Suns begin preseason play on Oct. 8, where guys like Watanabe and other new additions are expected to see heavy action.