It isn’t the number one pick, but for there is still value to be had for the Phoenix Suns when they go up to draft.
The NBA Draft lottery just wrapped up and…Phoenix will hold the 10th selection in the upcoming draft. The Suns had a 13.9% chance at top-four pick and a 3.0% chance of taking the top selection overall. However, most draft simulations had the Suns picking around the 10th-12th range, with more than a few placing the Suns squarely where they landed.
While a higher selection would have been nice, the Suns now have the opportunity to survey the prospect landscape and pick a player that fills a need for them. As Suns fans know, With Booker and Ayton locked in their positions and a solid stable of forwards, the consensus needs are a point guard for the future, and a power forward, preferably one who is a solid defender and/or has solid defensive potential.
The point guard position might be interesting to sort through with players like LaMelo Ball, Killian Hayes, and Tyrese Haliburton likely off the board by the time Phoenix is up to select. However, intriguing talent such as Cole Anthony, Precious Achiuwa, and Devin Vassell should still be around, and each has strengths that would lend well to Phoenix.
Several intriguing talents will be around when the Suns select, and they have the opportunity to pick a player who will fill a need for them.
From a historical perspective, the 10th pick in the draft has yielded superb talent. Such luminaries as Paul George, C.J. McCollum, and Brook Lopez were selected 10th. Former Sun Joe Johnson was also selected there, and for a current Phoenix Sun, how about this year’s standout Mikal Bridges?
Indeed, Phoenix is in a very solid spot overall. Based on the work that general manager James Jones and the front office have done, there is hope that they will again execute a solid offseason, building off the success and improvements that the current roster has sustained and accentuating that with talent that will complement the team.
For now, though, it is time to assemble the mock drafts, pick through the prospects, and pore over that synergy data. It is draft season Suns fans. Oh, what a time.