NBA: Suns sign veteran forward Thaddeus Young for playoff chase

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Thaddeus Young #21 of the Toronto Raptors puts up a layup against the Toronto Raptors at the United Center on January 30, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. Michael Reaves/Getty Images/AFP

PHOENIX — The Phoenix Suns signed forward Thaddeus Young on Tuesday, giving the team another veteran presence as they scramble for playoff position in the crowded Western Conference race.

The 35-year-old Young has played 1,162 career games, which ranks third among active players behind only LeBron James and Chris Paul.

The 6-foot-8, 235-pounder played 23 games for the Toronto Raptors earlier this season, including six starts, averaging 5.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

The Suns are currently in the No. 6 position in the Western Conference playoff race.

The top six teams in each conference automatically advance to the first best-of-seven round, skipping the play-in tournament, which involves the 7-10 seeds.

“Thad is a highly respected veteran player who makes us a better team in our pursuit of winning an NBA Championship,” Suns general manager James Jones said in a statement.

“Thad is extremely intelligent and plays with a competitive intensity. His size and defensive abilities add versatility to our roster.”