Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Who is the Phoenix Suns’ last pick, George King?

By Khaleel Abdullah

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, George King poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, George King poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

With the 59th pick, the Suns selected George King from the University of Colorado. But, as I’m sure many casual fans asked when the pick was announced, who is he?

When the 59th overall pick was announced, many people in the Valley of the Suns asked, who is George King?

Well, let’s meet him!

If it weren’t for the fact that he’s already 24-years-old, he probably would have been picked earlier than 59th overall. He was always a second round prospect, but his age probably made him fall even further.

King played four seasons at the University of Colorado. This past year, his senior season, he had a 49-39-78 shooting line with 1.9 treys a game for averages of 12.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.7 blocks in 28.5 minutes per game. Those stats don’t jump off the screen, but he was certainly decent and throughout his four year college career he netted 40.1% of his triples on 3.6 attempts per game.

He can shoot the rock.

He’s also a good defender. Check out his measurements.

At the Combine he came in at 6’6” and 218 pounds which is a decent size for a wing. What stood out though is his near 7-foot wingspan (6’11.5”) and 39 inch vertical. He’s long and can get up. He also finished in the top-14 in lane agility (7th), shuttle run (14th) and max bench press reps (3rd). He’s quick and strong.

George is too small to play power forward and not athletic enough to play shooting guard or small forward right now.

However, with his length, shooting ability, quickness, strength and basketball IQ, along with a strong motor and good awareness, he should develop into a quality 3-and-D guy for the Phoenix Suns.

He’s energetic, skilled, and a very good rebounder for his size.

You want a player comparison, don’t you? I know you like those. Think something like Lance Thomas or P.J.Tucker. That’s not bad for the 59th pick in the draft and this team could use a player like Tucker again. It was more his heart and hustle than actual skill that was so beneficial. King can provide that. Maybe not as much as Tucker, did but he definitely is that kind of player.

Next: Deandre Ayton will make the Suns Great (Again)

Per the Arizona Republic, General Manager Ryan McDonough has indicated King will get a two-way contract. Look for him to spend most of the year in the G (George?) League as he improves.

Welcome aboard, George King.

Home/Suns News