Conclusion:
I’m completely against the idea of Upshaw being a lottery pick, but that doesn’t mean he has no value. In fact, if he’s still on the board when the Suns have their second round pick at No. 44, we might need to revisit this conversation.
For a first round draft pick, Upshaw is far too risky. Sure he’s got the talent, but does he have the motivation and the drive to get better and not let his off-the-court problems of the past catch up with him? These are questions you have to ask and answer with a lottery pick. With a second round pick? Not so much.
The Suns could take a flyer on Upshaw if he’s still on the board at No. 44. I know this team has enough attitude problems as it is, but Upshaw’s issue isn’t really his “attitude.” It’s a history of bad decision-making that, if we’re taking his word at face value, has been corrected. As a second round pick, the damage of taking his word at its face value wouldn’t be as severe.
There’s virtually no risk at taking him with a second round pick, especially since the Suns could use some insurance at the backup center position. Len has seen his fair share of injuries in his first two seasons and though Brandan Wright filled in admirably, he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. Upshaw would be a much cheaper option, even if he’s nowhere near being on Wright’s level as a positive locker room influence.
The Suns need to improve defensively and a Len-Upshaw tandem is tantalizing to envision. But there are far too many risks for the Suns to use their lottery pick on him, so the only way I can see Robert Upshaw wearing purple and orange next season (and be fine with it) is if he’s still on the board at No. 44.
Next: Phoenix Suns: 10 Best Draft Picks In Team History