Valley of the Suns
Fansided

Phoenix Suns: Top 6 NBA players selected at #6

By Khaleel Abdullah

DENVER, CO - MAY 1: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MAY 1: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the 2019 NBA Playoffs on May 1, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next

#6 Chris Kaman (2003 NBA Draft)

In the old days of the burly center, Chris Kaman (7-foot, 265 pounds) was one of the better ones in the league.

He finished his rookie season ranked second among all rookies in blocked shots per game, third in field goal percentage and fourth in rebounds per game, earning the starting center position on the NBA Rookie All-Star Team.

He kept improving up to the point where he was named an All-Star in 2010. He averaged 18.5 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game that season.

He lasted 13 seasons in the league for a reason, playing in 735 games and starting 538 of them. Chris averaged 11.2 points, 7.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game over his career.

Kaman made a big impact in the locker room towards the end of his career, as head coach Terry Stotts was complimentary of his veteran leadership.

When the Clippers selected him they were kind of in the similar position to the Suns this coming draft. Drafting sixth made Los Angeles miss out on the big, sexy names. He was taken after LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade.

However, they made a good choice when they were on the clock. He arguably had the best career of any remaining player selected in the first round.

Being sixth is definitely not ideal and missing out on the top players is rough but if the Suns can get someone with the intensity that Kaman had who lasts 13 seasons in the league, it won’t be the worst thing that can happen.

Home/Suns News