Phoenix Suns: 5 Options In The 2015 NBA Draft At No. 13
1. Frank Kaminsky
With all the upside, athleticism and physically gifted specimens on this list, Frank Kaminsky is probably the least sexy option that the Suns could take on draft day. He doesn’t have the high ceiling of an upside pick, he needs to get stronger and he’s never going to put together the kind of highlight reel plays that fans dream about.
I mean, come on:
But realistically, Kaminsky might be the best available player when the Suns select, and this NCAA Player of the Year still has a lot to offer an NBA team.
There aren’t many 7’1″ centers with NBA three-point range, but Frank the Tank fits that category. What he lacks in athleticism, he makes up for in skill and intelligence. He’s a capable ball handler, passer and shooter from every area of the court. He’s got excellent footwork and basically did it all for Wisconsin during the Badgers’ run to the championship game.
He’s already 22 years old, but he’s also more NBA-ready than most prospects in this draft range. After all, there aren’t many seven-footers capable of pulling off this kind of nifty maneuvering in close quarters:
Kaminsky will need to bulk up to compete with NBA-caliber bigs on the glass, but Phoenix really could use some depth behind Alex Len and it’d be nice to add a smart, easy-going player to a locker room that fluctuated between “uncomfortable” and “downright troubled” last season. Frank Kaminsky is a goofy personality; maybe a little goofy is what this team needs right now.
Averaging 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game, Kaminsky was the most versatile center in college basketball last year. He shot 54.7 percent from the floor and 41.6 percent from three-point range against some of the best competition the NCAA had to offer. Does that guarantee success in the NBA? No.
But Kaminsky has the kind of game and intellect that can translate to the NBA level. His ability to create and make the smart play sets him apart, and since guys like Booker and Turner will probably be off the board at No. 13, don’t be surprised to see Frank the Tank in the Valley of the Sun next season.
Next: Phoenix Suns 2015 Draft Profiles Master List