Suns 5-On-5: Looking Ahead To The 2015 NBA Draft
5. There might be some quality players still available in the second round. Who would you like the Suns to consider at No. 44?
Chasen: Rakeem Christmas out of Syracuse was pretty solid in the 5-on-5 games at the combine, so I wouldn’t mind seeing him, but my gut feeling is he may be off the board slightly before the Suns pick at 44. I feel the same way about Cliff Alexander. Dakari Johnson is another name to look out for there, but if the Suns draft a big man in the first round, this pick could be a complete wildcard. I could see them just drafting the best pure athlete available or someone with imposing size and just seeing what happens.
Hann: Local Arizona product, Brandon Ashley. Ashley was a potential first rounder a year ago but after an up-and-down 2014-15 campaign, Ashley has now been projected anywhere from mid-second round to being undrafted. He would fit the Suns’ system perfectly with his ability to run the floor in transition, and would be given every opportunity to showcase his extremely impressive athleticism. Not only that, if Phoenix is able to grab Kaminsky and then Ashley, the Morris twins would become a valuable trade package.
Schall: Robert Upshaw would be the dream, but someone probably bets on his upside (and jumping ability!) before that. I’d love Pat Connaughton in that spot. On top of posting one of the highest verticals in draft combine history, he tested well across the board. A lights out shooter in college who showcased the toughness to play power forward for one of the top eight teams in the country, Connaughton would provide the Suns which some much needed floor spacing off the bench without being a liability on defense.
Harris: You may not know who he is, but Tyler Harvey from Eastern Washington (Big Sky) led the NCAA in scoring with 23.1 points per game. Interestingly, Damian Lillard from Weber State, also in the Big Sky, led was second in the NCAA with 24.5 points per game in the 2011-12 season.
Now we all know where Lillard is now, and if the Suns did the same thing except replaced Lillard with Harvey, then it would be the draft steal of the year. Even if he doesn’t live up to Lillard, he could be a great shooter off the bench, as he shot 43 percent from three-point land last season.
Saar: I still to take a closer look at some of the prospects in that range, but right now I’m on board the Dakari Johnson train. The Suns need some bigs. They can’t continue to get demolished on the offensive or defensive glass and in the paint. Even though Johnson isn’t super explosive, he’ll help anchor the Suns’ second (or third) unit, depending on how Brandan Wright’s unrestricted free agency goes. So Dakari would also be good insurance.
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