Conclusion
In terms of second round draft prospects, Pat Connaughton could be one of quite a few sleepers in this year’s class. His superb athleticism, his three-point shooting, his high-powered motor and, let’s face it, that fantastic 80s hairdo could make him a great addition to any team, even if his lack of size could limit him or even force him to try adjusting to the shooting guard position.
Connaughton doesn’t currently have the handles to play the 2-spot in the NBA, but given the way he competed with future NBA power forwards in his final season at Notre Dame, there’s hope that this underrated prospect can continue his penchant for defying the odds and doing exactly what people keep telling him he can’t do.
The Suns don’t need another small forward, but nobody on this roster is off limits. If general manager Ryan McDonough finds the right trade, he won’t hesitate to move one of Phoenix’s many wings to bring in a star. This isn’t a guaranteed course of action, since Phoenix might choose to continue to develop internally.
But depending on who’s available in the second round, Pat Connaughton could be a legitimate option for the Suns, who aren’t afraid of a little positional overlap if there’s a rookie worthy of working his way into the rotation. Phoenix should be looking for bigs and backup point guards, but Connaughton wouldn’t be a horrendous choice with a low-risk second round pick either.
Next: J.P. Tokoto: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profile