Chicago combine … check. Oakland workout … check. Reebok Eurocamp … check. Suns private workouts … check. Private interviews … check. Endless game film … check.
The laundry list of pre-draft preparation is nearing its end, but the Suns’ front office is nowhere near finished.
In a draft that is as open-ended as any in years past, the Suns will continue to vigorously deliberate until they are officially on the clock on Thursday evening.
Kerr and company have seemingly narrowed their list of prospects down to about six players.
Here is the low-down on each Suns hopeful:
Brandon Jennings - PG Italy – 6-1, 170 lbs.
If point guard phenom Brandon Jennings falls to 14, Kerr would be insane to pass on the potential superstar.
Combine notables: N/A
Pick range: 6-14
Chances he’s available: 20%
NBA ready or long-term investment: NBA ready
Stock: Slightly falling
Why for the Suns?
Jennings thrives in an up-tempo style and would shine as Nash’s heir.
Next to Rubio and Griffin, Jennings has more upside than anyone in the draft.
Why not for the Suns?
His attitude has always been a big question mark, and Kerr is not ready to give up on Goran.
Earl Clark - SF/PF Louisville – 6-10, 228 lbs.
Clark has certainly impressed the Suns in his workouts, but will he be the guy on Thursday evening?
Combine notables: 33-inch vert; 7-2 wingspan
Pick Range: 9-16
Chances he’s available: 50%
NBA ready or long-term investment: NBA ready
Stock: Rising
Why for the Suns?
He could start at SF as early as next season. His versatility and skill-set allow the Suns to play with a variety of lineups.
Why not for the Suns?
Kind of a “tweener” who lives on the perimeter too much, and the Suns already have a plethora of perimeter players.
Highlights
James Johnson - SF/PF Wake Forest – 6-8, 257 lbs.
Johnson will likely be around for the Suns at 14, but are they convinced that he is a lottery pick?
Combine notables: 35-inch vert; 7-1 wingspan
Pick range: 11-17
Chances he’s available: 90%
NBA ready or long-term investment: NBA ready
Stock: Steady
Why for the Suns?
Like Clark, JJ would fill the Suns void at small forward. He loves to run and can handle the ball like a guard.
Why not for the Suns?
There are concerns about his motor and unselfishness, which begs the question: will he be able to flourish as the fourth or fifth option on the floor?
Terrence Williams - SG/SF Louisville – 6-6, 213 lbs.
Williams can do-it-all, but if guys like Clark and Jennings are still on the board for the Suns, it is hard to believe T-Will will be this year's 14th pick.
Combine notables: 37-inch vert; 6-9 wingspan
Pick range: 11-20
Chances he’s available: 75%
NBA ready or long-term investment: Everything but his offensive game is NBA ready.
Stock: Rising slightly
Why for the Suns?
The Suns are in desperate need of a perimeter defender and a high energy/intensity guy. Williams is a stat-filler who can play the 1-3 offensively, while guarding anyone from point guards to small forwards.
Why not for the Suns?
The Suns are somewhat stockpiled at the guard position.
Chase Budinger- SG/SF Arizona- 6-7, 206 lbs.
Budinger may not be the best player on the board for the Suns, but his relationship with Steve Kerr may be the deciding factor.
Combine notables: 38.5-inch vert, 6-7 wingspan
Pick range: 14-25
Chances he’s available: 95%
NBA ready/long-term investment: NBA ready.
Stock: Falling slightly
Why for the Suns?
Budinger is a terrific shooter and has the athleticism to run-n-gun. He would get tons of open, spot-up threes with Nash running the point. He has the perfect makeup to be a very useful role player for the Suns.
Why not for the Suns?
The Suns have a plethora of shooters, and Chase would be just another guard/forward who cannot defend.
BJ Mullens - C Ohio State – 7-1, 258 lbs.
Mullens is certainly not the Suns first choice, but if certain players fly off the board early, Mullens could surely be the guy. (AP/Terry Gilliam).
Combine notables: 32.5-inch vert; 7-1 1/2 wingspan
Pick range: 14-22
Chances he’s available: 95%
NBA ready/long-term investment: Long-term investment
Stock: Steady
Why for the Suns?
Mullens has ridiculous upside, and with Shaq being traded on Wednesday night, the Suns could use some help up front. Although he will take a while to develop, the highly-touted Suns’ roster allows them to wait on the big man.
Why not for the Suns?
Mullens’ lack of toughness and effectiveness were exposed in his one year at Ohio State. His high upside/low production has him tagged as this year’s big bust.
Mike Schmitz is a former ValleyoftheSuns writer who now works as an assistant video coordinator for the D-League’s Bakersfield Jam. He specialized in video breakdowns for VotS.
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