Montrezl Harrell: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) reacts after a play during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Syracuse, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals forward Montrezl Harrell (24) reacts after a play during the second half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in the semifinals of the east regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
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Phoenix Suns
Jun. 5, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; 2015 NBA Draft prospect Montrezl Harrell talks to the media at his Phoenix Suns draft workout. Mandatory Credit: Gerald Bourguet-Valley of the Suns

Potential Fit

The biggest area of need for the Phoenix Suns heading into the draft is quite clearly at the power forward position. The Suns need someone who can help on the glass, add a little interior toughness on defense and spread the floor with at least a midrange jump shot.

Montrezl Harrell fits the profile, but that doesn’t mean he’s likely to be taken by the Phoenix Suns at No. 13.

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  • For one thing, Suns general manager Ryan McDonough has frequently said that his team will draft the best player available. Harrell is currently projected by most draft experts to be a pick in the late teens or early 20s. The truth is that by going back to school for another year, Harrell didn’t improve enough to overshadow the fact that he’s basically the same player, only one year older.

    The Suns won’t take a player just because he fits the stretch-4 profile, but even if they do go that route, there will most likely be better options to choose from. Bobby Portis or even a project like Kevon Looney would be better a fit on this Suns roster, especially since fans are probably tired of undersized power forwards not being able to hold their own on the glass.

    There’s a possibility Harrell’s motor powers his career to a more serious version of Draymond Green, but Green is one of the most special players in the NBA. That NBA comparison is being awfully generous and optimistic, so unless the Suns trade down, they’d be better off looking elsewhere for their coveted stretch-4.

    Next: Conclusion