Phoenix Suns NBA Draft: 3 prospects to consider if they trade down
By Kyle Manthe
Phoenix Suns NBA Draft trade-back options: Desmond Bane
Last year when the Phoenix Suns selected Cameron Johnson, the one thing everyone could agree on was that he could shoot. He was graded as one of, if not the best shooter in the class. Why not double-dip on that superlative this year and take Desmond Bane?
At six-five and the build of a linebacker, Bane is ready-made for the NBA and can play at either the two or three. In all four years at TCU, Bane improved in at least one aspect of his game. He started out as a floor-spacing shooter who stuck to the perimeter of the floor. By his senior year, he had become the top initiator on the team and had developed his scoring around the basket.
One consistent with Bane is his motor and defensive effort. While he is not the most gifted athletically, Bane is always competing and with his strong upper body, he can stand his own against some bigger competition.
Just like last year with Johnson, some of the knocks on Bane are his athleticism and age. Bane will be 23 early next year, and with limited burst and a wingspan of only six foot four, the athletic potential to be strong in some areas is not there.
Still, with over three years of better than 40 percent 3-point shooting, a developing finishing game, and the willingness to pass and defend Bane checks a lot of boxes the Suns should be looking for. If there is a player the Suns will take well above their projection without a trade I believe it would be Bane. Although even if they trade back into the early 20s he will probably still be there for him if they choose.