Ranking the Phoenix Suns’ eight top-5 picks all-time

Neal Walk – Drafted 2nd Overall in 1969

Phoenix’s first ever consolation prize for missing out on a franchise center, Neal Walk came to the Suns via the University of Florida where he averaged 20.7 points and 15.3 rebounds over three seasons.

Walk’s rookie season with the Suns was rough and his transition to the Association came very slowly. However, over his first four years his stats grew and by his fourth full season at age 24 he posted a solid 20.2p/12.4r/3.5a statline.

To management’s chagrin this growth did not continue and the following year he took a step back, a fact that Jerry Colangelo took a critical look at. While he did still average a double-double, it became evident that he would not develop into the dominant center he had been in college, and with injuries now beginning to crop up, that he may have reached his peak.

In an effort to beef up their front court with strong defensive intimidators, Walk and a 1975 second round pick were traded to the New Orleans Jazz for center Dennis Awtrey, power forward Curtis Perry, and shooting Guard Nate Hawthorne.