Valley of the Suns
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Phoenix Suns: Top 6 missed opportunities with #6 pick

By Khaleel Abdullah

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 1: Jonny Flynn #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles around Joel Anthony #50 of the Miami Heat during a basketball game at Target Center on April 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 1: Jonny Flynn #10 of the Minnesota Timberwolves dribbles around Joel Anthony #50 of the Miami Heat during a basketball game at Target Center on April 1, 2011 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. (Photo by Hannah Foslien /Getty Images) /
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#4 – 2013 NBA Draft

With the sixth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the New Orleans Pelicans select Nerlens Noel.

Later that night, his draft rights were traded to the Philadelphia 76ers in a deal that brought Jrue Holiday to New Orleans.

He tore his ACL while at Kentucky and missed his entire first year in the NBA.

He’s been a decent defensive big man but has only averaged 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game. Noel definitely is a player that contributes to any team he’d play for. The issue is who was still on the board when he was selected.

Available – CJ McCollum (#10), Steven Adams (#12), Giannis Antetokounmpo (#15) and Rudy Gobert (#27)

McCollum is averaging 17.8 points per game throughout his young career so far, including at least 20 points per game over the last four seasons. He’s a big reason why Portland is in the Western Conference Finals.

Adams is posting averages of 9.7 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1 block per game so far. His stats don’t show just how good he is, though his 13.9 points, 9.5 rebounds and 1 block this season tell you more. His never quit, grind it out mentality is contagious and the Thunder are lucky to have him.

Gobert is averaging 11.1 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game over his career and this season he posted 15.9 points, 12.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks while making 66.9 percent of his field goal attempts. He’s truly an anchor in Utah.

Giannis, aka the “Greek Freak” does not need an introduction. A lot of teams missed on that superstar. He only averaged 6.8 points and 3.4 rebounds per game his rookie season so let’s say the Sixers had the same pick the next year. You’d be looking at him next to Joel Embiid. That’s scary and would be so fun for Sixers fans. They’d probably miss out on Ben Simmons but many would probably rather have Giannis.

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