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Phoenix Suns: 10 Best Draft Picks In Team History

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 7, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with guard Archie Goodwin (20) in the third 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 head coach Jeff Hornacek talks with guard Archie Goodwin (20) in the third 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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9. Larry Nance

With the 20th pick in the 1981 NBA Draft, the Suns took a 6’10” forward out of Clemson by the name of Larry Nance. Most NBA fans might recognize that name because he was the winner of the inaugural Slam Dunk Contest in 1984, but he was actually a very well-rounded player too.

In his six and a half seasons with the Suns, Nance was a two-time All-Star and averaged 17.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game. He was an extremely efficient 56.1 percent shooter, boasting an excellent midrange shot in addition to his impressive inside game and high-flying dunks.

And if that weren’t enough, the “High-Ayatolla of Slamola” was a major piece in a blockbuster 1988 trade that helped the Suns assemble the foundation of the 1992-93 team that went to the NBA Finals. In a deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers for Nance, the Suns acquired Kevin Johnson, Mark West, Tyrone Corbin and a future draft pick that became Dan Majerle in that year’s draft.

Next: No. 8

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