Phoenix Suns: Roundtable: Phoenix Suns 2018 draft review

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BROOKLYN, NY – JUNE 21: DeAndre Ayton poses for a photo after being selected number one overall by the Phoenix Suns on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Assane Drame

Personally, the Suns draft to me was seen as a risk and reward approach.

DeAndre Ayton has serious offensive potential and upside. With an excellent inside game and a nice touch from outside, Ayton can be a walking 18 and 10 his rookie year. And since he’s from Arizona, he’ll make the hometown fans happy. However, he was perhaps the third best prospect on my draft board behind Luka Doncic and Jaren Jackson Jr.

The latter two are great prospects in their own right and fit the mold of the modern NBA that isn’t kind to the big men like Ayton. Ayton’s defensive concerns are worrisome as well, and for a team looking for an anchor inside, it’s fair to question whether he’ll be able to become serviceable at that.

Speaking of defense, Mikal Bridge, who the team traded the Miami Heat’s 2021 first round pick for, should be able to contribute immediately. He provides help in two areas the Suns were abysmal at last season: overall defense and three-point shooting. Shooting 43% from deep at Villanova, his ability to hit from deep will pay dividends.

His quickness, length, and consistency will be a breath of fresh air for the perimeter defense. With that said, giving up the Miami pick, given their cap situation and the fact that the NBA one and done rule may be not be enforced by 2021, the Suns run the risk of giving up a key asset for a player who may or may not be better than Zhaire Smith. Mikal will likely pay off. But will it be worth the price?

Elie Okobo coming to Phoenix could put Tyler Ulis on the chopping block. The French guard could be a dangerous scorer with a real knack for making shots. The potential for him to be alongside Booker giving defenses a headache is promising. His potential as a nice facilitator is present as well.

However, he can be careless with the ball at times and isn’t projected to be the best defender (which isn’t great considering the team needs it). Being a bench spark plug seems to be his calling
card. George King, their other selection later in the second round, would be considered a project and brings a bit of upside with his shooting.

Next: Phoenix Suns trade Goran Dragic for Mikal Bridges

Overall, based on the risks taken, this could be a draft the Suns build off of or a draft where the Suns remain mediocre. There is a slight disappointment in the asset given up and the potential they passed up on better prospects. But I have optimism about what these picks can become.

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