The Phoenix Suns were just 2 games away from being champions but fell short after an incredible and unpredictable season. Most signs point towards Chirs Paul resigning back with the Suns, Devin Booker is locked up in his max deal, most of the young core are under contract and big man Deandre Ayton could be looking to get a bag this offseason which is much deserved. When the draft comes around, many Suns fans are looking at the top prospects as the Suns usually have a lottery pick, but this year is different. The Suns are drafting in the back of the 1st round, and with only 1 pick this year, the Suns should really make this pick count and use it on someone who can contribute immediately if they want to make another title run next season. Fortunately, this is one of the deepest drafts in recent history and there will be lots of talent left by the time the Suns pick at 29th. Here, I will be looking at some of the prospects that would be best available for the Suns on draft night.
Image via Kathy Batten
July 27th, 2021
1. Tre Mann | 6’5 G | Florida
The shifty guard who can create his own shots at will and has the potential to be a serious threat from beyond the three-point line is someone the Suns should be prioritizing. The Suns had trouble finding a guy who could not just play make for himself- but for his teammates as well off the bench consistently. Cam Payne was very decent and accelerated expectations, but having him being the main playmaker off the bench can only take you so far and it showed against the Bucks in the Finals. Payne is also an Unrestricted Free Agent this off-season and even if the Suns decide to bring him back they have to look for a better secondary playmaker-scorer off the bench. If Mann is still available here the Suns have to get him as he can make an immediate impact.
2. Miles McBride | 6’2 G | West Virginia
McBride is only 6’2 while weighing about only 185 pounds, but he plays much bigger than his height and weight. McBride is stronger than you would think he is at a glance, and he uses that strength, length and effort to terrorize guards on the defensive end. McBride’s impact on defense is probably his biggest strength but there’s still lots of potential on the offensive side that could certify him as a first-rounder. McBride would be the next best thing the Suns should look at for the 29th pick if Mann isn’t available. Like Mann, I see McBride being able to contribute right away.
3. Jared Butler | 6’4 G | Baylor
Butler is a guy I don’t see falling this far down in the draft but if he does I think he’ll certainly be on the Suns board. Knowing James Jones, a guy like Butler is someone Jones would love to pick. Butler has championship DNA as he led Baylor to a National Championship this past season and was named the Final Four’s Most Outstanding Player. Butler to me is like Mann but with less potential and is a better defender. Crafitness and his ability to find his own shot are also strengths for Butler.
4. Jaden Springer | 6’4 G | Tennessee
With one of the most NBA-ready body’s in the draft and elite size and strength, Springer is a very worthy combo guard to look at. Unlike the other 3 guys, Springer’s playmaking potential is more of a work in progress, but there’s no denying that the potential is there. Going back to Springer’s size, he used that to his advantage being able to finish through contact around the rim and used his size a lot on the defensive end, which the Suns have a few guys who are superb at that. I think the Suns system would be a good fit for Springer and the guys around him would help elevate his game.
5. Quetin Grimes | 6’5 G | Houston
Grimes is another guy who I think James Jones would really like just for the simple fact of the experience he’s had around basketball and has winning DNA after helping Houston reach the Final Four. Grimes being one of the older guys in the draft with limited potential is a concern but for a team like the Suns who will be looking to make another title run, I think Grimes is still someone that the Suns could be high on. Very good shooter and defender who can move well off the ball and just understands the game of basketball. If there’s any potential in Grimes it’s being a solid playmaker, specifically a secondary playmaker.
Why no Bigs? Well, outside of Evan Mobley who will be a top 3 pick in the draft, the bigs in this class are pretty bad. There’s no reason to try and trade for a 2nd round pick and draft a big either. I think the Suns would just have another Jalen Smith situation if they would look to draft a big. Suns shouldn’t overthink this and use the 29th pick to get a solid combo guard who’ll be able to take the pressure off a 36 year old Chris Paul and Devin Booker as being the two main playmakers for most of games. I think the Suns will worry about bigs in Free Agency or via trade this time around.
コメント