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Phoenix Suns: 5 Awful Draft-Day Trades That Buried The Suns

By Gerald Bourguet

Dec 8, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives on Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) during the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2014; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo (9) drives on Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (4) during the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 30, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns center Marcin Gortat poses for a portrait during media day at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Marcin Gortat

In the 2005 NBA Draft, Phoenix selected Marcin Gortat with the 57th overall pick. Gortat was another draft-and-stash option since he decided to continue playing for Rhein-Energie Cologne in Germany.

However, the Suns wasted no time in moving their second round draft pick that year as well, trading his rights to the Orlando Magic for future cash considerations.

Phoenix would eventually get Gortat back in a trade during the 2010-11 season, and it’s hard to hold it against the Suns for trading an overseas second-rounder. But considering the player he grew to be and the fact that the Suns needed a seven-footer exactly like the Polish Hammer to pair with Amar’e Stoudemire in the frontcourt during Nash’s prime, this move was just plain foolish.

The biggest knock against D’Antoni’s Suns was their defensive mediocrity. Gortat was never an elite rim protector, but he’s a seven-footer who could at least deter shots in the paint. Combine that with the fact that the Suns also traded their first round pick for cash that year and it’s hard to give the front office the benefit of the doubt here.

Next: No. 3

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