The Phoenix Suns, as we’ve been covering pretty extensively over the last few weeks, have a long and mostly unhappy history when it comes to the NBA Draft. Their fan base might be the most depressed in the NBA, they’ve made five appalling draft-day trades in the last 11 years and their odds in this year’s draft lottery aren’t great.
For one more day, we have to take a look at where the Suns have gone wrong in the NBA Draft throughout the organization’s 47-year history.
We’ll get to the Suns’ best draft picks soon, because it’s not like this organization is inept when it comes to drafting and cultivating young talent. Like most teams in the NBA, the Suns have an up-and-down history in the draft; sometimes you’re going to find a gem, other times it’s just a pile of rocks.
But in honor of the 2015 NBA Draft Lottery later today, it’s worth examining the worst picks Phoenix has ever made — in the hopes of possibly conjuring up some good luck, of course, since the Suns have rarely moved up in the draft and are really in need of some luck for once.
Without further ado, here are the 10 worst draft picks in Phoenix Suns franchise history.
Honorable Mention: Markieff Morris
Look, I’m not ready to give up on a 25-year-old power forward who’s capable of getting his own shot off at any time. Keef vastly improved his game on the court this season and is locked in on a steal of a contract even if he needs to improve his rebounding.
That being said, we have to acknowledge his poor attitude and the felony aggravated assault charges. Even if he and Marcus Morris are found innocent/can agree to a plea bargain, it will take a long time for the Morrii to restore their image and their standing with the fans.
Add that to the fact that Markieff (No. 11) was drafted ahead of Kawhi Leonard, Nikola Vucevic, Iman Shumpert, Tobias Harris, Kenneth Faried, Reggie Jackson, Norris Cole, Jimmy Butler AND Chandler Parsons in the 2011 NBA Draft, and it’s getting increasingly difficult to defend all his off-the-court problems…especially if this legal situation turns sour.
Next: No. 10