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5-on-5: Assessing The Suns’ Position In NBA Draft

By Jeffrey Sanders

Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (left) and forward Marcus Morris (15) are shown on the bench in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (left) and forward Marcus Morris (15) are shown on the bench in the fourth quarter of their game against the Atlanta Hawks at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 96-69. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow warms up before the 2015 NCAA Men /

4. Is there a player at the top of the draft that Phoenix should consider packaging their pick and a player to move up? If yes who is the player?

Schall: If the Suns can find a way to get to six they should do it. With Orlando looking like a strong bet to take European big Kristaps Porzingis at five, that would leave Phoenix with either D’Angelo Russell or slightly more likely Justise Winslow. Russell would be a game changer, an incredible playmaker who can do this and shot 41% from beyond the arc. Winslow would be a massive upgrade over P.J. Tucker and could be the key to a potentially elite defense.

Chasen: Karl Anthony-Towns. If the Suns could trade the Morris Twins and their pick to move up and get him, that’d be the deal of the century. Having Len and Towns would give the Suns the potential to be the best interior defensive team in the NBA, at which point they’d just need to add some shooters and be set. 3-5 years from now, Bledsoe-Knight-Tucker-Towns-Len would be the greatest defensive starting five in the NBA, and with the right pieces in place (good bench scorer, good bench big, veteran presence, shooters), that team could contend for a championship.

Hann: One player I would love to see in purple and orange is someone who the Suns might not even have to trade up for. Frank “The Tank” Kaminsky is projected anywhere from 10-15, giving Phoenix better than a punchers chance at landing the 7’0 power forward. While he needs to improve defensively, he would be the Suns best post-up player the moment he steps on the court. Shooting 41 percent from behind the arc in his senior year at Wisconsin, he could provide the efficient perimeter shooting the Suns covet while also forming a powerful paint presence with Alex Len, not to mention his rebounding skills and ability to pass the ball. There is no question in my mind, Kaminsky and the Suns would be a match made in heaven.

Saar: Of course Phoenix would love Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor, but I’d definitely do a deal for Justise Winslow. His defense would be crucial for the Suns, he feels like the next Kawhi Leonard or Jimmy Butler. They need that kind of star.

Harris: There are plenty of players that would be great for the Suns to get, but there’s no way any of those lottery teams would ever trade a worthy draft pick away. Unless the Suns could trade their way into the top 8, there would be no reason to trade good players for an unproven rookie.

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