2017 Suns NBA Draft (4th, 32nd, 54th)

[Superbone]

We're currently in the Love phase, so the playoffs are a long way away.

I don't think it works that way. We're currently in Love/Character/Development. Hopefully next year we reach Synergy/Surrender and maybe even Belief. I personally believe, see what I did there, that we are one year away from making the playoffs.

[Split T]

Josh Hart was one of the best college players. Not a ton of NBA upside, but he'll probably have a decent career as a role player.

Kobe Simmons is a high upside guy who had a so-so freshman season at Arizona.

Motley is an older prospect, but he can protect the rim and stretch the floor.

[In2ition]

A real whos's who of nobodies.

Since I've never heard of them I'm assuming they are candidates for our 54th pick?

It's a mix of candidates for both 2nd rounders and UDFAs.

[TOO]

Motley might sneak into late round 1, the others though, definitely 2nd rounders IMO

[Mori Chu]

I just want smart 3-and-D players. If they suck at shooting, I'm out. If they don't try hard on defense, I'm out. If they are an idiot or a knucklehead, I'm out.

[Superbone]

Here's a Haller article about Simmons' and Hart's workouts in Phoenix:

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/n ... 353211001/

[jonh]

I would love it if we could somehow package picks 32 and 54 together to get either a higher pick in a later draft or a higher pick in this draft. What do you think the odds are Philly would be willing to swap places with us if we gave them the 32 and 54? They still get whatever man they are interested in, and we get Jackson.

Im sure that the one thing Philly doesn't need are more rookies, and it seems like 2 second rounders would definitely not get it done, but Im having a hard time seeing Tatum as a palatable consolation prize. Maybe we tell the Colangelos that if we win a championship with Jackson, we will send them a ring?

[Indy]

I feel like, based on how he drafts, Ryan is the guy at the poker table holding the 3, 4, 5, and 7 of diamonds, and is still hoping for an ace because it is the highest card in the deck. Just imagine how good it would be to get an ace!

Do you feel the Suns are one 6 of diamonds away from being unbeatable? I know that wasn't really your point, but I'm curious if you think a worse player that fits better would be better for us long term.

I was not talking about just drafting. He acquires assets without any thought of how they fit together. And it isn't like he has only done this once or at only one position. It is maddening. No, I don't think we are 1 player away, but we need to develop everywhere, so why keep doubling/tripling up at positions (especially with long-term commitments/contracts)?

[In2ition]

I would love it if we could somehow package picks 32 and 54 together to get either a higher pick in a later draft or a higher pick in this draft. What do you think the odds are Philly would be willing to swap places with us if we gave them the 32 and 54? They still get whatever man they are interested in, and we get Jackson.

Im sure that the one thing Philly doesn't need are more rookies, and it seems like 2 second rounders would definitely not get it done, but Im having a hard time seeing Tatum as a palatable consolation prize. Maybe we tell the Colangelos that if we win a championship with Jackson, we will send them a ring?

Yeah, I don't think that would fly with the Sixers as they have 4 2nd round picks this year.

Also, Tatum may end up the Suns pick and he might actually be fantastic. Although right now, I'm not totally sold on him. In fact I think Michael Porter Jr is going to be considered a taller, more athletic and better version of Tatum next year.

[jonh]

I would love it if we could somehow package picks 32 and 54 together to get either a higher pick in a later draft or a higher pick in this draft. What do you think the odds are Philly would be willing to swap places with us if we gave them the 32 and 54? They still get whatever man they are interested in, and we get Jackson.

Im sure that the one thing Philly doesn't need are more rookies, and it seems like 2 second rounders would definitely not get it done, but Im having a hard time seeing Tatum as a palatable consolation prize. Maybe we tell the Colangelos that if we win a championship with Jackson, we will send them a ring?

Yeah, I don't think that would fly with the Sixers as they have 4 2nd round picks this year.

Also, Tatum may end up the Suns pick and he might actually be fantastic. Although right now, I'm not totally sold on him. In fact I think Michael Porter Jr is going to be considered a taller, more athletic and better version of Tatum next year.

Im not sure if that post is supposed to be an endorsement for Tatum or not, but it feels like the same type of language a teenager would use to pump themselves up about asking another girl to prom after being turned down 2 or 3 times.

[Flagrant Fowl]

If the Suns do go for Tatum/Jackson/Isaac for their fourth pick I'd like to see them try to get Frank Mason Jr. in the second round.

I think Patty Mills is a great comparison for him even though there would be a log jam at the position even if/when Knight is dealt.

[Flagrant Fowl]

I like this video's breakdown of Fox's shooting projection compared to similar players coming out of college.

[youtube][/youtube]

[In2ition]

I would love it if we could somehow package picks 32 and 54 together to get either a higher pick in a later draft or a higher pick in this draft. What do you think the odds are Philly would be willing to swap places with us if we gave them the 32 and 54? They still get whatever man they are interested in, and we get Jackson.

Im sure that the one thing Philly doesn't need are more rookies, and it seems like 2 second rounders would definitely not get it done, but Im having a hard time seeing Tatum as a palatable consolation prize. Maybe we tell the Colangelos that if we win a championship with Jackson, we will send them a ring?

Yeah, I don't think that would fly with the Sixers as they have 4 2nd round picks this year.

Also, Tatum may end up the Suns pick and he might actually be fantastic. Although right now, I'm not totally sold on him. In fact I think Michael Porter Jr is going to be considered a taller, more athletic and better version of Tatum next year.

Im not sure if that post is supposed to be an endorsement for Tatum or not, but it feels like the same type of language a teenager would use to pump themselves up about asking another girl to prom after being turned down 2 or 3 times.

Haha, yeah it was half hearted. I didn't like Tatum so much, but he's growing on me. He may end up being the best in the draft. High character guy, highly skilled with pro moves, long and athletic, just not freaky athletic, hard worker and student of the game. Has a bit of a Kobe and Booker mentality wanting to be one of the best and believing he can get there. It certainly wouldn't hurt having another Booker on the team. Just need a pass first pg to make the game easier and keep the ball from sticking too long in anyone's hands.

[O_Gardino]

Hey guys, what's our style and identity? What's Watson's system and the kind of players he wants?

I think it's pretty clear that we still want to run and play fast, and that Booker is our centerpiece.

Maybe McD thinks we can grow into more specifics of the identity as we find that second star to pair with Book.

I think Watson coaches us to be a tough, physical team. He wants us to play tough D, shoot close to the basket, and draw fouls.

[O_Gardino]

I feel like, based on how he drafts, Ryan is the guy at the poker table holding the 3, 4, 5, and 7 of diamonds, and is still hoping for an ace because it is the highest card in the deck. Just imagine how good it would be to get an ace!

Do you feel the Suns are one 6 of diamonds away from being unbeatable? I know that wasn't really your point, but I'm curious if you think a worse player that fits better would be better for us long term.

I was not talking about just drafting. He acquires assets without any thought of how they fit together. And it isn't like he has only done this once or at only one position. It is maddening. No, I don't think we are 1 player away, but we need to develop everywhere, so why keep doubling/tripling up at positions (especially with long-term commitments/contracts)?

Totally agree. I'm not as worked up about it as I was last year, but yes it is a pattern and I agree that it doesn't seem like a good way to develop the players we have. We've done that at every position except shooting guard since he got here. So maybe we get Monk this season to keep consistent with the position stacking and the Kentucky guards.

[O_Gardino]

I would love it if we could somehow package picks 32 and 54 together to get either a higher pick in a later draft or a higher pick in this draft. What do you think the odds are Philly would be willing to swap places with us if we gave them the 32 and 54? They still get whatever man they are interested in, and we get Jackson.

Im sure that the one thing Philly doesn't need are more rookies, and it seems like 2 second rounders would definitely not get it done, but Im having a hard time seeing Tatum as a palatable consolation prize. Maybe we tell the Colangelos that if we win a championship with Jackson, we will send them a ring?

Yeah, I don't think that would fly with the Sixers as they have 4 2nd round picks this year.

Also, Tatum may end up the Suns pick and he might actually be fantastic. Although right now, I'm not totally sold on him. In fact I think Michael Porter Jr is going to be considered a taller, more athletic and better version of Tatum next year.

Im not sure if that post is supposed to be an endorsement for Tatum or not, but it feels like the same type of language a teenager would use to pump themselves up about asking another girl to prom after being turned down 2 or 3 times.

Haha, yeah it was half hearted. I didn't like Tatum so much, but he's growing on me. He may end up being the best in the draft. High character guy, highly skilled with pro moves, long and athletic, just not freaky athletic, hard worker and student of the game. Has a bit of a Kobe and Booker mentality wanting to be one of the best and believing he can get there. It certainly wouldn't hurt having another Booker on the team. Just need a pass first pg to make the game easier and keep the ball from sticking too long in anyone's hands.

Tatum seems like a swing for the fences. If he can score through contact in the NBA like he does in his highlight videos, he's going to be a great scorer. f he can also develop some passing and play making for others, he will be a star. If neither of those happen, he's at best an ok 3&D player.

[JCSunsfan]

Swanigan looks interesting in the second round. 6-9 (6-8.5 actually) but with a 7-3 wingspan and a rebounder. But also efficient. He should be heavily considered at 32.

[In2ition]

Swanigan looks interesting in the second round. 6-9 (6-8.5 actually) but with a 7-3 wingspan and a rebounder. But also efficient. He should be heavily considered at 32.

Sounds a lot like Williams.

[JCSunsfan]

Swanigan looks interesting in the second round. 6-9 (6-8.5 actually) but with a 7-3 wingspan and a rebounder. But also efficient. He should be heavily considered at 32.

Sounds a lot like Williams.

He was Big Ten DPOY. So he can play D. Want a more intriguing comparison. Oliver Miller with more self-control.

[TOO]

I would love it if we could somehow package picks 32 and 54 together to get either a higher pick in a later draft or a higher pick in this draft. What do you think the odds are Philly would be willing to swap places with us if we gave them the 32 and 54? They still get whatever man they are interested in, and we get Jackson.

Im sure that the one thing Philly doesn't need are more rookies, and it seems like 2 second rounders would definitely not get it done, but Im having a hard time seeing Tatum as a palatable consolation prize. Maybe we tell the Colangelos that if we win a championship with Jackson, we will send them a ring?

Yeah, I don't think that would fly with the Sixers as they have 4 2nd round picks this year.

Also, Tatum may end up the Suns pick and he might actually be fantastic. Although right now, I'm not totally sold on him. In fact I think Michael Porter Jr is going to be considered a taller, more athletic and better version of Tatum next year.

Im not sure if that post is supposed to be an endorsement for Tatum or not, but it feels like the same type of language a teenager would use to pump themselves up about asking another girl to prom after being turned down 2 or 3 times.

Haha, yeah it was half hearted. I didn't like Tatum so much, but he's growing on me. He may end up being the best in the draft. High character guy, highly skilled with pro moves, long and athletic, just not freaky athletic, hard worker and student of the game. Has a bit of a Kobe and Booker mentality wanting to be one of the best and believing he can get there. It certainly wouldn't hurt having another Booker on the team. Just need a pass first pg to make the game easier and keep the ball from sticking too long in anyone's hands.

Tatum seems like a swing for the fences. If he can score through contact in the NBA like he does in his highlight videos, he's going to be a great scorer. f he can also develop some passing and play making for others, he will be a star. If neither of those happen, he's at best an ok 3&D player.

Same thing goes for Jackson. I think with any one of Jackson/Tatum/Fox the floor is high enough to at least be a contributing piece on a contender. And while prefer Tatum because I think his offensive upside is immense, I'll be happy with any of those 3.