Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns Big Board 1.0: Top 10 prospects

By Lucas Johnson

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: A shot of the first round draft board during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 22: A shot of the first round draft board during the 2017 NBA Draft on June 22, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler /NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Deandre Ayton
TUCSON, AZ – DECEMBER 30: Deandre Ayton /

No. 3

In the past, I have written that Marvin Bagely III should be the Suns’ number one option going into the draft, but one thing has changed since then. It has become abundantly clear that Bagely will have a very tough time being a good defensive center.

Per Game Table
Season School G GS MP FG% 2P% 3P% FT% TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
2017-18 Duke 16 16 31.6 .626 .672 .333 .602 11.8 1.5 0.8 1.1 2.4 1.9 22.1
Career Duke 16 16 31.6 .626 .672 .333 .602 11.8 1.5 0.8 1.1 2.4 1.9 22.1

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/13/2018.

This isn’t to say that Bagely will be horrific on defense, but he will have to show some shot blocking improvement to climb this big board. Part is problem is his weight being at 234 lbs, which is way too small for his 6-foot-11 frame. Once he bulks up, his defense should improve. His potential is still the highest of all the big men on this big board, but he has to show more in season growth on defense and his 3-point shooting. He did have a great defensive game in a win against Wake Forrest, so hopefully he can continue this throughout the rest of the season.

More from Suns Draft

No. 2

Trae Young could easily be number one on this list, if weren’t for one game against Jevon Carter and the West Virginia Mountaineers. While Young is still an elite prospect that should be taken almost any time in any draft, he did struggle against an elite defense. The game should barely be held against him. It’s still something the Suns should consider. However, Young still has the makings of an elite NBA point guard which the Suns could only imagine pairing with Devin Booker.

Per Game Table
Season School G GS MP FG% 2P% 3P% FT% TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
2017-18 Oklahoma 15 15 32.9 .449 .515 .389 .851 3.8 10.1 2.0 0.3 4.5 1.1 29.2
Career Oklahoma 15 15 32.9 .449 .515 .389 .851 3.8 10.1 2.0 0.3 4.5 1.1 29.2

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/13/2018.

Honestly, depending on what the Suns see as the biggest position of need, Young could easily be number one on this big board. He can shoot, pass, and defend at very high levels which could immediately elevate the Suns into playoff contention. Unless the number one ranked player on this big board is available, then Suns should draft Young immediately, if given the chance.

No. 1

DeAndre Ayton could easily be the next elite big man in the NBA. The 7-foot-1 center has put up spectacular numbers with Arizona University.

Per Game Table
Season School G GS MP FG% 2P% 3P% FT% TRB AST STL BLK TOV PF PTS
2017-18 Arizona 17 17 31.8 .630 .667 .333 .706 11.5 1.5 0.5 1.5 1.8 2.2 20.0
Career Arizona 17 17 31.8 .630 .667 .333 .706 11.5 1.5 0.5 1.5 1.8 2.2 20.0

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 1/13/2018.

Besides Young, Ayton is the most NBA ready prospect in this 2018 class. He is better defensively than Bagely and a natural center, where as Bagely isn’t. Ayton would solidify the Suns frontcourt in years to come if selected by franchise’s front office. The Suns need to improve on defense first and foremost and that’s why Ayton is first on this big board.

Next: The Suns should do the Lakers a solid

If the Phoenix Suns can land any of these prospects, they will be in a great position moving forward. Now is the time general manager Ryan McDonough needs to start making his big board of who he believes can best help the team. Hopefully, McDonough will take a note or two from this Valley of the Suns’ big board. Agree or disagree with this big board? Comment your Suns big board below.

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