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Pat Connaughton: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard/forward Pat Connaughton (24) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 28, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard/forward Pat Connaughton (24) reacts during the second half against the Kentucky Wildcats in the finals of the midwest regional of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /
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Pat Connaughton
Jun. 2, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; 2015 NBA Draft prospect Pat Connaughton talks to the media at his Phoenix Suns draft workout. Mandatory Credit: Gerald Bourguet-Valley of the Suns /

Potential Fit

On a team that already has P.J. Tucker, T.J. Warren, Marcus Morris and Danny Granger on the wing, drafting another 3 — especially one that’s not an upside pick since Connaughton is already 22 — seems like a bad idea. But Phoenix desperately needs to add some perimeter shooting to the roster, so why not take a chance in the second round with a pick that won’t make or break the season anyway?

Kentucky’s Devin Booker might be available when the Suns select at No. 13, and his shooting ability would be a welcome addition to the roster. But if the Suns miss out on Booker, or if they choose another path at No. 13, this undersized forward shouldn’t be ruled out in the second round.

“Coming from Boston, all the snow we had this year, the weather is definitely a plus,” he said. “The way [the Suns] play, the way I think I could help with shooting, toughness, things of that nature, and I’ve enjoyed my time here…whatever they need me to do if I end up here, I’d be happy to do.”

Not only is Connaughton a team player, but he’d be a positive locker room presence, a committed defender and a useful floor spacer. Plus, anybody who can throw down alley-oops in transition is a safe bet to become a fan favorite among Suns supporters. He’s not the optimal second round choice for Phoenix, but depending on who’s available, he wouldn’t be a bad selection either.

Next: Conclusion

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