Chris McCullough: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile
Conclusion
If it weren’t for that ACL tear, McCullough might have been a lottery pick this season and he certainly would’ve been one next year. But because of his girlfriend’s pregnancy and the belief that this is an injury that players come back strong from, per Yahoo! Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, he felt confident enough to declare this season.
That makes his draft stock hard to predict. Obviously there are enough red flags to stay away from McCullough at No. 13, but if he’s somehow still on the board at No. 44? General manager Ryan McDonough might have a decision to make. After all, this is a player with lottery-caliber talent we’re talking about (when healthy).
However, the problem with selecting McCullough — even in the second round — is that McDonough won’t be able to see what he can do in a draft workout. Even with all that potential in the Syracuse big, McDonough doesn’t strike me as the kind to pull the trigger without being convinced by the medical staff that McCullough’s knee isn’t anything to be worried about.
McCullough very well could have a promising NBA career, but there are too many reasons to hesitate when it comes to taking a flier on him. He won’t be on Phoenix’s radar in the first round and by the time the Suns’ 44th pick rolls around, he’ll likely be off the board. Someone might get a steal if this kid can recover and deliver on his potential, but it won’t be Phoenix.
Next: Phoenix Suns: Draft Workouts Day 9 Recap