Midwest Bracket
Kansas
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While nbadraft.net has Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk as the best Kansas draft prospect, I’m going to go with my gut on Devonte’ Graham being the best prospect for the Suns. He would help them fill the need at point guard. He’s averaged 17.4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists, 1.6 steals and 0.1 blocks. It’s clear that Graham’s a pass first point guard, in the tournament in the mist of bad shooting games he’s averaged 18.5 points and 7.5 assists. Graham’s a second round pick according to nbadraft.com, but he could definitely help the Suns with ball movement coming off the bench.
Clemson
Big man Elijah Thomas has been an anchor down low for Clemson. He’s averaged 10.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.0 assist, 0.6 steals and 2.2 blocks this season. Thomas’ play in the tournament has improved. He’s averaged a double-double with 12.0 points and 10.5 rebounds, while also averaging 2.5 blocks. Thomas has the potential to be a solid third center off the bench for the Suns, however if he were to join the Suns, it would most likely be on a two-way contract.
Syracuse
Tyus Battle has been a scoring machine for Syracuse, averaging 19.3 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.2 blocks this season. Luckily for Syracuse, Battle’s offensive struggles in the tournament haven’t affected the team’s success. Still with Battle’s one lone skill of scoring, joining the Suns on a 10-day contract is his most likely chance of getting on the club’s roster at this point.
Duke
The best is left for last, Marvin Bagley III has been in the top three of each top 10 player big boards so far. Bagley’s dominance has been evident all season long.
Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 3/21/2018.
Bagley’s tournament play has been on point as well, he’s averaged 22.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 0.5 blocks. Bagley could easily become the low post star that the Suns have been desperate for. He’s worth a top selection and would definitely make an impact immediately.
Next: Player of the Week: Josh Jackson carries the offensive load
The top player from each Sweet 16 team have some level of value that could contribute to Suns’ future success. While each player’s impact varies, the Phoenix Suns’ front office and McDonough should pay close attention to each team from this point forward in the tournament. Hopefully, the Suns will have a chance to obtain multiple impact players from this group in the summer’s upcoming draft.