Suns likely to keep No. 6 pick than deal for PG
The Phoenix Suns remain right in the heart of rumors, trade talks and scenarios going into the June 20 NBA draft.
ESPN has reported the Suns would potentially trade the sixth overall pick if "the right veteran guard is available,” but league sources told the franchise isn’t looking to part ways with that selection under those conditions.
Phoenix certainly needs a point guard.
A veteran one sounds ideal, but it’s going to take an amazing deal that involves an great point guard, or great player regardless of position, for the Suns to entertain it.
Suns General Manager James Jones said he’s open to “everything” when asked about the draft at last month’s NBA combine, but talk of Chris Paul and
Mike Conley linked to Phoenix has recently surfaced.
Why would Phoenix take on those crazy contracts for one of those two veteran point guards who are past their prime?
Would they make Phoenix better? Yes, but how much better is debatable and would it be worth it?
Then there’s the Lonzo Ball chatter. Ball’s a talent, but he’s not a veteran. He has great potential, but Ball hasn’t consistently shown it in his two NBA seasons.
Phoenix’s two areas of need are at the point and power forward, but the Suns might get to that sixth pick and select the best player available even if it’s not at one of those positions.
Darius Garland and Coby White are the next two top point-guard prospects after Ja Morant, whom Memphis is expected to select second overall.
Garland can score and was a five-star talent coming out of high school, but only played five college games at Vanderbilt before suffering a season-ending knee injury. He's on the smaller side at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds and only 19 years old.
White is also just 19, isn’t as natural a scorer as Garland, but played a full season at North Carolina. He's fast, explosive and at 6-5, provides size and combo versatility.
Then there’s a slew of talented forward prospects in Duke’s RJ Barrett and Cam Reddish, Texas Tech’s Jarrett Culver and Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter. With Zion Williamson and Morant expected to go 1-2, at least one of those other four are going to be available at No. 6.
If Phoenix drafts one of them, all signs point to the franchise going full tilt after a point guard in free agency.
You’ve got Kyrie Irving and Kemba Walker out there, but those are long shots for the Suns. Like full-court heaves from the stands.
D’Angelo Russell is intriguing because of his friendship with Devin Booker, but Brooklyn can match any offer for him because he’s a restricted free agent.
The more realistic FAs Phoenix could pursue are Ricky Rubio, Darren Collison and perhaps Patrick Beverley. They’re unrestricted, can mesh well and won't break the bank.
This is what must be considered in this situation when it comes to Phoenix.
The Suns want to involve Deandre Ayton more in the offense.
Devin Booker is their top He’s going to get his shots.
If Kelly Oubre Jr. ends up back in Phoenix, he’ll probably be the team’s third-best player.
Oubre is a restricted free agent and has said he wants to spend the rest of his career in Phoenix, but might receive something like a four-year, $80million offer from another team, which the Suns aren’t likely willing to match.
New coach Monty Williams said in his introductory press conference the Suns want to build around Booker and Ayton. He’s reached out to Oubre, too.
So the point Phoenix looks to add will have to fit in a system, not be the centerpiece if the Suns truly believe Booker and Ayton are that 1-2 championship punch.
A point guard who has been the focal point of the offense doesn’t fit in that equation.
Plus, what NBA team parts ways with that type of talent, unless he’s a bad fit for whatever reason? That would raise a red flag for the Suns, who have a general manager who is all about team chemistry.
Still, Phoenix needs an upgrade at point and could use a true power forward.
Tyler Johnson can play the point, but he’s not the long-term answer and is in the final year of his deal.
De’Anthony Melton and Elie Okobo had moments in their rookie seasons, but they’re works in progress.
TJ Warren has size, is versatile, but isn’t a natural four, especially when guarding that position. The Suns need someone who can help Ayton on the glass, defend and score when needed like, say, an Al Horford has done over the course of his career.
A lot can change between now and when NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says, “The Phoenix Suns are on the clock” at the podium June 20 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. scorer.