Your Top Five for #4

[Indy]

If we are taking a SF/PF, I would prefer Isaac, then Tatum, then Jackson (and he is a distant 3rd for me).

If we are taking a guard, and Fox is available (and we move Bleds), that would be good too. But if we take him we better already have a trade ready to go for Bleds, so we aren't over a barrel again.

[carey]

Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot are not promising. Not taking him off my list but I'm re-evaluating. I can't figure out why everyone is so high on Jackson either. Every time I read an evaluation or hear one on a podcast the list of concerns are long. The "he can be great if..." list keeps growing.

[In2ition]

I agree that Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot is not great, but in the comp it did say that he was the best at nearly every category other than shooting, so it feels like his ceiling is higher than all of them.

[Indy]

Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot are not promising. Not taking him off my list but I'm re-evaluating. I can't figure out why everyone is so high on Jackson either. Every time I read an evaluation or hear one on a podcast the list of concerns are long. The "he can be great if..." list keeps growing.

Exactly. Especially around defending, rebounding, and even shooting. We need one of those guys that can play defense against 3-4 different positions (at least in spots/switches) without getting blown by every god damn time.

[O_Gardino]

I agree that Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot is not great, but in the comp it did say that he was the best at nearly every category other than shooting, so it feels like his ceiling is higher than all of them.

I'm not sold on his passing, either.

[O_Gardino]

Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot are not promising. Not taking him off my list but I'm re-evaluating. I can't figure out why everyone is so high on Jackson either. Every time I read an evaluation or hear one on a podcast the list of concerns are long. The "he can be great if..." list keeps growing.

Exactly. Especially around defending, rebounding, and even shooting. We need one of those guys that can play defense against 3-4 different positions (at least in spots/switches) without getting blown by every god damn time.

Jackson is a low-ceiling, high-floor prospect. People like him even though he probably won't be a star, because it seems like he probably will be a very good role player.

[O_Gardino]

My 5

1. Trade down and grab Isaac / Ntilikina
2. Trade Down and grab Isaac / Monk
   If there are no trades available:
3. Isaac
4. Jackson
5. Fox

I project Isaac as a center, which I know is unconventional. And I don't really love the Fox or Jackson picks. Some days I talk myself into swinging for the fences with Ntilk or Monk even at the 4.

[Mori Chu]

The more I look at this draft, the less I like the players.

Jackson is probably the safest overall pick, but I'm worried about his shooting and basketball IQ.

Fox may be the best eventual NBA player, but I don't think I buy into him as a Bledsoe replacement. I'd want a better shooter and passer if I'm going to abandon Bled. I'd rather just keep Bledsoe and Ulis than dump Bled for Fox.

Monk is a good scorer, but he's short and redundant with Booker.

Tatum might be the best scorer of the bunch, looks like kind of an offense-only Melo-esque chucker to me. Meh.

A lot of these other guys like Isaac, Markkanen, etc. don't feel worthy of being a #4 pick to me. Hard to say. Maybe I'll warm to somebody as I read more about them.

Not sure what I would want the Suns to do at this point. Probably just take Jackson, but I might be open to trading the pick plus a player for somebody interesting.

[In2ition]

The more I look at this draft, the less I like the players.

Jackson is probably the safest overall pick, but I'm worried about his shooting and basketball IQ.

Fox may be the best eventual NBA player, but I don't think I buy into him as a Bledsoe replacement. I'd want a better shooter and passer if I'm going to abandon Bled. I'd rather just keep Bledsoe and Ulis than dump Bled for Fox.

Monk is a good scorer, but he's short and redundant with Booker.

Tatum might be the best scorer of the bunch, looks like kind of an offense-only Melo-esque chucker to me. Meh.

A lot of these other guys like Isaac, Markkanen, etc. don't feel worthy of being a #4 pick to me. Hard to say. Maybe I'll warm to somebody as I read more about them.

Not sure what I would want the Suns to do at this point. Probably just take Jackson, but I might be open to trading the pick plus a player for somebody interesting.

Jackson's bballiq is pretty decent. A good indicator of that is his apg. As a whole, I'm kind of with you. Not sure who's going to be a surefire star. Trading down or for a young player that they like better, might be the way to go. I like a lot of the players at many places in this draft.

[Indy]

The more I look at this draft, the less I like the players.

Jackson is probably the safest overall pick, but I'm worried about his shooting and basketball IQ.

Fox may be the best eventual NBA player, but I don't think I buy into him as a Bledsoe replacement. I'd want a better shooter and passer if I'm going to abandon Bled. I'd rather just keep Bledsoe and Ulis than dump Bled for Fox.

Monk is a good scorer, but he's short and redundant with Booker.

Tatum might be the best scorer of the bunch, looks like kind of an offense-only Melo-esque chucker to me. Meh.

A lot of these other guys like Isaac, Markkanen, etc. don't feel worthy of being a #4 pick to me. Hard to say. Maybe I'll warm to somebody as I read more about them.

Not sure what I would want the Suns to do at this point. Probably just take Jackson, but I might be open to trading the pick plus a player for somebody interesting.

A) I am completely down on Jackson, but I have no concerns about his BBIQ.
B) I can't put Markkanen in the same class as Isaac. Also, why do you care what number the guys is picked if he is the BPA for you? Unless there is someone willing to give you assets to let you pick the guy you want, while they move up to get the guy they want, it makes no sense to trade down. So it takes two confident GMs that nothing between their respective picks will blow up in their face to make it happen.

[Split T]

Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot are not promising. Not taking him off my list but I'm re-evaluating. I can't figure out why everyone is so high on Jackson either. Every time I read an evaluation or hear one on a podcast the list of concerns are long. The "he can be great if..." list keeps growing.

Exactly. Especially around defending, rebounding, and even shooting. We need one of those guys that can play defense against 3-4 different positions (at least in spots/switches) without getting blown by every god damn time.

Where are you guys hearing these concerns? That doesn't sound like Jackson at all. Shooting is his only real concern. He's the best ball handler, passer and defender of the forward prospects and he's above average as a rebounder. And has by all accounts the best work ethic and motor. The only concerns I have are is his shot legit(he actually shot better then Isaac and Tatum) and does he have character concerns.

[Shabazz]

I was starting to fall for Isaac so I watched a whole bunch of "Frankie Vision" youtube videos of his best games. Then I did the same for Jackson. It's a silly way to compare players but, at least offensively, Jackson looks light years ahead. I think Isaac will be a better shooter, but watch how they each get their points. Jackson is creating a nice percentage of his, while Isaac's shot-creation skills are a lot more rudimentary. Isaac's much more "pump-fake, 1-2 dribble attack." Jackson is much more dynamic as he can create in transition and the half-court for himself and his teammates. I'm not sure Isaac ever gets there.

[O_Gardino]

I was starting to fall for Isaac so I watched a whole bunch of "Frankie Vision" youtube videos of his best games. Then I did the same for Jackson. It's a silly way to compare players but, at least offensively, Jackson looks light years ahead. I think Isaac will be a better shooter, but watch how they each get their points. Jackson is creating a nice percentage of his, while Isaac's shot-creation skills are a lot more rudimentary. Isaac's much more "pump-fake, 1-2 dribble attack." Jackson is much more dynamic as he can create in transition and the half-court for himself and his teammates. I'm not sure Isaac ever gets there.

That's why Jackson has been a lock to go #3 all year long. He's got the BBall IQ to create. Isaac probably never gets past catch/shoot, dunking lobs, and the pump fake thing you mentioned.

[ShelC]

Isaac scares me. He's not high on my list at 4.

I'm at:

Fox
Jackson
Tatum
Smith/Isaac

[Indy]

Fox's comps for PGs that can't shoot are not promising. Not taking him off my list but I'm re-evaluating. I can't figure out why everyone is so high on Jackson either. Every time I read an evaluation or hear one on a podcast the list of concerns are long. The "he can be great if..." list keeps growing.

Exactly. Especially around defending, rebounding, and even shooting. We need one of those guys that can play defense against 3-4 different positions (at least in spots/switches) without getting blown by every god damn time.

Where are you guys hearing these concerns? That doesn't sound like Jackson at all. Shooting is his only real concern. He's the best ball handler, passer and defender of the forward prospects and he's above average as a rebounder. And has by all accounts the best work ethic and motor. The only concerns I have are is his shot legit(he actually shot better then Isaac and Tatum) and does he have character concerns.

Look at their advanced stats a bit more. Normal stats are heavily weighted towards Jackson because of playing time. Isaac played in a system where they basically played all 12 guys nearly equivalent minutes and shot distribution.

[carey]

Where are you guys hearing these concerns? That doesn't sound like Jackson at all. Shooting is his only real concern. He's the best ball handler, passer and defender of the forward prospects and he's above average as a rebounder. And has by all accounts the best work ethic and motor. The only concerns I have are is his shot legit(he actually shot better then Isaac and Tatum) and does he have character concerns.

Various draft podcasts and write-ups. I haven't really kept track of who has been saying what and I've listened to so many. I'm sorry.

[Pips]

Jackson
Fox
Tatum
Ntilikina
Denis Smith

[O_Gardino]

I revised my draft board to be a lot more straight forward. It's a top 8, because 3 of these players will be gone before we pick, but we aren't sure which 3. We can assume that Fultz will be taken, but if he's not, then he's my pick at 4. 2 of Ball / Jackson / Fox will be gone, but it's not as obvious which ones.

1. Fultz - Obvs the best player in this draft. He'll be gone for sure.
2. Ball - I love he vision / pass, his off the ball game, and his competitiveness. He'll probably be gone when we pick, but some journalists think he will drop after Fox played so well against him in the tourney.
3. Jackson - He's a creator at the 3 with great BBall IQ and he's passionate about playing D.
4. Isaac - I see him growing into a very good stretch 5.
5. Fox - I like his pick and roll decision making, his willingness to defend, and his size/quickness. I'm not sold on his shot or his passing skill.
6. Ntilikina - Big/ quick / seems to have a good BBall IQ, and took over the tourney. I don't know much more about him, but some say he can be too passive. He's very young, and hasn't seen much tough competition.
7. Monk - Legit scorer at every spot on the court in every way. I love how quickly he makes decisions and how quickly he gets good shots. He is very small and I don't know how he fits in with the Suns, but he will be the second best scorer in this draft.
8. Tatum - Boom or bust, IMHO. ISO scorer with good size who likes to shoot through the body of his defender. I would rather not take him at all. I would rather trade down and add assets.

The more I think about it, the more I would like to trade Bled for #7 or #8 + a future pick. That would give us some really interesting options. Make the second pick based on the first.

#4 - one of Ball, Jackson, Fox
#7/8 - one of Isaac, Ntilikina, Monk

If Ball somehow drops you take Monk and get two great players whose unique sizes and abilities are well suited to play together.
If Jackson drops you take Ntilikina and throw him and Ulis in the fire. But it's ok, because Jackson, Booker, and Bender can all help run the offense.
If Fox drops, that's the riskiest scenario because you would really want Isaac to pair with him, and Isaac may not fall to the #7/8.

[Split T]

Here is how I envision the top 8 producing 5 years from now:

Fultz - 24/5/7 with 1.5 steals on .48/.38/.78 shooting splits
Jackson - 18/8/5 with 2 steals and 1 block on .50/.35/.70 shooting splits
Ball - 15/7/10 with 1.5 steals on .52/.40/.80 shooting splits
Fox - 20/4/7 with 2 steals on .46/.33/.78 shooting splits
Isaac - 16/9/2 with 2 steals and 2 blocks on .50/.38/.82 shooting splits
Tatum - 22/7/2.5 with 1 steal and 1 block on .48/.36/.82 shooting splits
Monk - 22/3/3 with 1 steal on .47/.40/.85 shooting splits
Smith - 20/5/5 with 1.5 steals on .46/.35/.78 shooting splits

[In2ition]

I revised my draft board to be a lot more straight forward. It's a top 8, because 3 of these players will be gone before we pick, but we aren't sure which 3. We can assume that Fultz will be taken, but if he's not, then he's my pick at 4. 2 of Ball / Jackson / Fox will be gone, but it's not as obvious which ones.

1. Fultz - Obvs the best player in this draft. He'll be gone for sure.
2. Ball - I love he vision / pass, his off the ball game, and his competitiveness. He'll probably be gone when we pick, but some journalists think he will drop after Fox played so well against him in the tourney.
3. Jackson - He's a creator at the 3 with great BBall IQ and he's passionate about playing D.
4. Isaac - I see him growing into a very good stretch 5.
5. Fox - I like his pick and roll decision making, his willingness to defend, and his size/quickness. I'm not sold on his shot or his passing skill.
6. Ntilikina - Big/ quick / seems to have a good BBall IQ, and took over the tourney. I don't know much more about him, but some say he can be too passive. He's very young, and hasn't seen much tough competition.
7. Monk - Legit scorer at every spot on the court in every way. I love how quickly he makes decisions and how quickly he gets good shots. He is very small and I don't know how he fits in with the Suns, but he will be the second best scorer in this draft.
8. Tatum - Boom or bust, IMHO. ISO scorer with good size who likes to shoot through the body of his defender. I would rather not take him at all. I would rather trade down and add assets.

The more I think about it, the more I would like to trade Bled for #7 or #8 + a future pick. That would give us some really interesting options. Make the second pick based on the first.

#4 - one of Ball, Jackson, Fox
#7/8 - one of Isaac, Ntilikina, Monk

If Ball somehow drops you take Monk and get two great players whose unique sizes and abilities are well suited to play together.
If Jackson drops you take Ntilikina and throw him and Ulis in the fire. But it's ok, because Jackson, Booker, and Bender can all help run the offense.
If Fox drops, that's the riskiest scenario because you would really want Isaac to pair with him, and Isaac may not fall to the #7/8.

Nice breakdown