3. Would you be opposed to the Suns using their first round pick to draft a backup point guard?
Chasen: Yes, unless we’re talking Mudiay or D’Angelo Russell. Here is a list of players that would be better for the Suns to take than any point guard that will be available when they pick: Towns, Okafor, Russell, Mudiay, Winslow, Cauley-Stein, Hezonja, Porzingis, Johnson, Oubre, Turner, Kaminsky, Dekker, Portis, Looney.
Considering the Suns pick 13th, they definitely should not be taking a point guard over any of the players on that list. If they think there is a better wing or big man available, so be it, but a point guard would be a mistake.
Hann: Absolutely. The Suns DESPERATELY need a big, skilled power forward, not another point guard. This draft is deep at the power forward position and the Suns have to take advantage of it. Yes, there may be a void at the backup position behind Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight (assuming he is brought back) but that problem is much easier to solve through free agency, rather than wasting another first rounder on a guard and hoping to woo a Lamarcus Aldridge or Marc Gasol on the open market.
Sir Charles In Charge
Schall: Nope. Based on what happened last year I won’t begrudge Suns fans an eye roll (you done?), but given the fact the Suns currently have just two/three combo guards on their roster, none of whom would be described as pass-first, it wouldn’t be the worst move in the world. There are at least three point guards who fit the bill at the Suns pick and while I’d prefer a power forward, I’m inclined to take the best player available.
Harris: Yes, unless it’s D’Angelo Russell. Other than that hell no. The Suns have other pressing needs, mostly at the forward position, and the mid-first round is full of quality players. Phoenix has enough point guards and nobody knows what’s going to happen with the Morris twins, so the safe (and obvious) pick is to go with a forward.
Saar: Unless they trade up to get D’Angelo Russell or Emmanuel Mudiay I’d say no. Upside is really important in this draft for the Suns. Those are the point guards who have it. If you can’t get them or don’t want to draft a point guard, it’d be better to give the backup job to a veteran at the minimum.
Next: No. 4