3 NBA rumors that could have a huge impact on the Suns
By Dan Volpone
Teams might be souring on Luka Doncic
It’s hard to imagine what more Luka Doncic could possibly do to prove himself. He’s only 19, and he’s already one the EuroLeague Championship MVP, and Final Four MVP. In what’s generally considered the second best basketball league in the world, Doncic was the best player.
But for some reason, Doncic seems to be falling further and further down draft boards, falling to four and even five in many mock drafts. Jonathan Givony put it best with this sarcastic tweet.
Unfortunately Luka Doncic was playing 5 on 5 and not one on zero in the ACB finals tonight, so NBA teams picking in the top five came away unimpressed with his performance, and his draft stock continues to falter.
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 17, 2018
Doncic is a 6-8 wing who can pass and handle as well as anyone, and he figures to turn into a quality shooter. But even without a great shot, he’s already torn apart anybody who’s stood in his path. If he falls to four or five, the Phoenix Suns have some options to attempt to move up to get him.
Rumor has it the Grizzlies are looking to use the fourth pick to trade Chandler Parsons‘ salary. The Suns could decide to take on Parsons’ contract, which expires after two more seasons, to go get Doncic. It’s a move that would make sense, especially because the Suns can maintain max cap space the summer Parsons’ contract expires.
Next: Ten sleeper prospects for the Phoenix Suns at draft’s end
They could also package assets to move up, likely including the 16th pick and a package of players. For now, though, that seems like the much more difficult option.
The Suns should keep an eye on Luka Doncic’s draft stock because if he slides he could end up in purple and orange.