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Phoenix Suns: 5 Options In The 2015 NBA Draft At No. 13

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) celebrates after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 22, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) celebrates after making a basket against the Oregon Ducks during the second half in the third round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at CenturyLink Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2014; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns forward Myles Turner (52) fights for position against Texas State Bobcats forward Cameron Naylor (24) during the second half at the Frank Erwin Special Events Center. Texas beat Texas State 59-27. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Myles Turner

Based on fit alone, Myles Turner would be No. 1 on the list. His combination of upside, ability to play the 4 or 5, shot-blocking prowess and potential to spread the floor as a stretch-4 or stretch-5 would make him a no-brainer for the Suns. He’s a 6’11” power forward with a 7’4″ wingspan that can score from anywhere on the floor and is more than capable of passing out of double-teams.

Unfortunately for the Suns, it’s highly unlikely he slides all the way to No. 13, with the Utah Jazz (No. 12) or Indiana Pacers (No. 11) giving him serious consideration. But if he does make his way to the Valley of the Sun somehow, is there any training staff better suited to alleviate concerns about the durability of his knees?

Turner is not an explosive leaper, but his high basketball IQ and excellent anticipation on defense helped him average 2.6 blocks per game as a freshman at Texas…despite only logging 22.2 minutes a night. He needs to get stronger and tougher down low, but the elite shot-blocking instincts are readily apparent:

Another criticism of Turner — the awkward way he runs, believe it or not — is a little more worrisome in regard to his knees, but the guy still covers ground. This long and athletic big man could really help the Suns with some added depth behind Len and Keef, and perhaps one day he’d be good enough to overtake one of them for the starting job.

Phoenix brought Turner in for an unscheduled workout that was unavailable to the public, which could signal the front office really likes him just as easily as it could be due to scheduling conflicts. But whatever the case, if this 19-year-old is on the board, the Suns will take him and not think twice about it.

Next: No. 3

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