Saben Lee no longer with Phoenix Suns after second 10-day expired

Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (30) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Malaki Branham (22) during the first half at AT&T Center on Jan. 28, 2023, in San Antonio.
Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (30) drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Malaki Branham (22) during the first half at AT&T Center on Jan. 28, 2023, in San Antonio.
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Phoenix Suns point guard Saben Lee has provided more than most do on 10-day contracts.

“He brings a lot of toughness at that position and just a spark,” Suns big Jock Landale said. “I think he’s been such a positive spark for the group, in the locker room, on the court. There’s never a bad day for him.”

The Corona del Sol graduate played his final game on the second 10-day Monday against Toronto at Footprint Center. Lee is no longer under contract with the Suns, who needed to re-sign him for the rest of the season to keep him on the roster.

Averaging seven points and shooting 50% from 3 in his 10 games with the Suns, Lee arrived when the team was extremely short-handed, but posted four straight double-figure scoring efforts.

Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (38) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) at Footprint Center on Jan. 19, 2023.
Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (38) drives past Brooklyn Nets guard Cam Thomas (24) at Footprint Center on Jan. 19, 2023.

“It’s been really good,” Lee said before Monday's game. “Being able to make strides on and off the court. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here the past 20 days. Able to get a good amount of playing time as well.”

The Suns have gotten starting point guard Chris Paul (hip) and forward Cam Johnson (knee) back during this recent stretch, but Lee continued to see action as a backup point guard.

They went 6-4 in the 10 games Lee has played, winning six of the last seven.

“At the time we got him, we were in a bit of a slump,” Landale continued. “He came in and brought a little life to the group. On top of that, he’s been huge on the court. He’s had some massive games. For us to kind of have him come into the fold at a time of need I think has been massive for us. He’s kind of earned himself into a nice little spot. Now he’s in the rotation as a 10-day contract player.”

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Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (30) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) during the first half at AT&T Center on Jan. 28, 2023, in San Antonio.
Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (30) shoots over San Antonio Spurs guard Blake Wesley (14) during the first half at AT&T Center on Jan. 28, 2023, in San Antonio.

Lee joined the team on Jan. 11 at Denver and played the same day. He scored a season-high 15 to go along with a season-high six assists in a 117-112 victory on Jan. 19 over Brooklyn to begin a four-game win streak.

He admitted to having to adjust to Phoenix’s defensive coverage schemes, but Suns coach Monty Williams liked Lee’s defense going back to training camp when Lee was a camp invite.

“That was my growth in my time here,” Lee said.

Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (38) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) at Footprint Center on Jan. 22, 2023.
Phoenix Suns guard Saben Lee (38) shoots the ball over Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane (22) at Footprint Center on Jan. 22, 2023.

Lee also has gained knowledge from Paul, who he said has talked with him throughout his time with the team.

Paul has worked with Lee on running the pick-and-roll and provided him “some little tricks” on playing defense, Lee said.

“I’m grateful for his wisdom and his willingness to help me along as well,” Lee said.

Have opinion about current state of the Suns? Reach Suns Insider Duane Rankin at dmrankin@gannett.com or contact him at 480-787-1240. Follow him on Twitter at @DuaneRankin.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Saben Lee no longer with Phoenix Suns after second 10-day expired