Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Ten sleeper prospects for the Phoenix Suns at draft’s end

By Khaleel Abdullah

LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 7: Arizona State guard Tra Holder (0) looks on during the first round game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 7, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - MARCH 7: Arizona State guard Tra Holder (0) looks on during the first round game of the mens Pac-12 Tournament between the Colorado Buffaloes and the Arizona State Sun Devils on March 7, 2018, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 10
Next

The Phoenix Suns could use the 59th pick to snag a prospect that didn’t get much hype but could exceed if just given a chance. Just because a player isn’t hyped like a top prospect doesn’t mean he can’t make a name for himself.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – FEBRUARY 22: Gary Clark #11 of the Cincinnati Bearcats brings the ball up court during the game against the Connecticut Huskies at BB&T Arena on February 22, 2018 in Highland Heights, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, KY – FEBRUARY 22: Gary Clark #11 of the Cincinnati Bearcats brings the ball up court during the game against the Connecticut Huskies at BB&T Arena on February 22, 2018 in Highland Heights, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

*Note* These prospects could also be signed as undrafted free agents if not selected.

Sometimes really good players don’t get the benefit of the doubt. There are several factors that can cause this. Some guys come from small schools, have troubled pasts, are smaller than the position’s normal size, etc. But we have seen that the 60th pick can get you Isaiah Thomas. Raja Bell and Ben Wallace were undrafted. There are good players outside of the spotlight that might just need that chance to prove they belong.

Let’s look at some prospects that aren’t projected to be drafted but could surprise the league.

10. Gary Clark (6-7 220) from Cincinnati

Season Stats : 53-44-74 shooting (0.8 treys) for 12.9 pts, 8.7 rebs, 1.4 stls and 1.2 blks in 28.5min

He’s a power forward. His downfall is his size. However, with position-less basketball all the rage in the NBA, his 6’10” wingspan and quick second jump might not let that be much of a problem.

In college, Gary Clark held his own against bigger guys inside. He’s a strong rebounder (16 games with double-digit rebounds) with possibly some of the best defensive instincts in this draft. Long, active and energetic, this guy is the Energizer Bunny. He doesn’t stop.

On defense, his length and hand speed aid him as he blocks shots before the shooter even releases the ball and strips handlers before they decide which way they’re going. His shooting still needs work but his jump shot has improved every year.

Some coaches may get annoyed with his switch-happy, all-over-the-place defensive risk-taking, but that kind of grittiness and hustle may be exactly what’s needed for him to find a home.

If he can improve his ball handling and jump shot he could play both forward positions and turn his weakness into versatility. Think of a more physical Rondae Hollis-Jefferson or Kenneth Faried with better shooting potential.

He could be a welcome addition on this young Phoenix Suns team.

Home/Suns Draft