Best/Worst Draft Scenarios
(#13 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF Trey Lyles (Kentucky, Freshman)
You could make the case that the Suns should look for a small forward here, given SF/SG Gerald Green’s impending free agency and SF T.J Warren’s relatively disappointing rookie campaign, but there aren’t really a whole lot of great options to choose from. Kelly Oubre Jr. is an interesting one, but although his rebounding and defense could help right away, his jump shot could take a few years to develop, so he wouldn’t really bring anything to the table that Warren can’t. Sam Dekker is also worth a look, but he’s probably too much of a reach for number 13, especially for “best case scenarios.” Therefore, the Suns should look to a big man, and Lyles rises above both Frank Kaminsky and Myles Turner in terms of fit. His stats don’t really do him justice, as he was stuck behind a glut of extremely talented Kentucky big men during the season. However, he still managed to average 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds on 49% shooting and features an elite basketball I.Q. He has an excellent mid-range game, something that will be absolutely key considering how much the guard duo of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight like to drive to the paint. His defense is still a work-in-progress, but his rebounding and jumper will be put to use right away in Phoenix.
Worst Case Scenario: Getting either Turner, Kaminsky, or Oubre Jr. forced upon them
This is where things get a little tricky. After a relatively clear top nine of prospects, Miami, Indiana, and Utah are all picking before Phoenix, and all three of them could use a big man. They would be selecting from big men Myles Turner, Trey Lyles, and Frank Kaminsky, though any of the three could also opt for SF Kelly Oubre Jr or SG Devin Booker. Phoenix would like any of these prospects, though ideally they would like some choice between them, which would only happen if one of the three teams picking above them did a minor reach on a prospect outside of this tier (SG Devin Booker, PF/C Bobby Portis, PG Cameron Payne, etc). If Miami, Indiana, and Utah all take one of the aforementioned fivesome (Turner, Lyles, Kaminsky, and Oubre Jr.), then Phoenix won’t really have much choice with their pick, as they would have to take one of the two remaining players -- not necessarily a bad thing if the right guy (Lyles) falls to them, but it’s always better to have options (other than reaching).
(#13 pick)
Best Case Scenario: Drafting PF Trey Lyles (Kentucky, Freshman)
You could make the case that the Suns should look for a small forward here, given SF/SG Gerald Green’s impending free agency and SF T.J Warren’s relatively disappointing rookie campaign, but there aren’t really a whole lot of great options to choose from. Kelly Oubre Jr. is an interesting one, but although his rebounding and defense could help right away, his jump shot could take a few years to develop, so he wouldn’t really bring anything to the table that Warren can’t. Sam Dekker is also worth a look, but he’s probably too much of a reach for number 13, especially for “best case scenarios.” Therefore, the Suns should look to a big man, and Lyles rises above both Frank Kaminsky and Myles Turner in terms of fit. His stats don’t really do him justice, as he was stuck behind a glut of extremely talented Kentucky big men during the season. However, he still managed to average 8.7 points and 5.2 rebounds on 49% shooting and features an elite basketball I.Q. He has an excellent mid-range game, something that will be absolutely key considering how much the guard duo of Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight like to drive to the paint. His defense is still a work-in-progress, but his rebounding and jumper will be put to use right away in Phoenix.
Worst Case Scenario: Getting either Turner, Kaminsky, or Oubre Jr. forced upon them
This is where things get a little tricky. After a relatively clear top nine of prospects, Miami, Indiana, and Utah are all picking before Phoenix, and all three of them could use a big man. They would be selecting from big men Myles Turner, Trey Lyles, and Frank Kaminsky, though any of the three could also opt for SF Kelly Oubre Jr or SG Devin Booker. Phoenix would like any of these prospects, though ideally they would like some choice between them, which would only happen if one of the three teams picking above them did a minor reach on a prospect outside of this tier (SG Devin Booker, PF/C Bobby Portis, PG Cameron Payne, etc). If Miami, Indiana, and Utah all take one of the aforementioned fivesome (Turner, Lyles, Kaminsky, and Oubre Jr.), then Phoenix won’t really have much choice with their pick, as they would have to take one of the two remaining players -- not necessarily a bad thing if the right guy (Lyles) falls to them, but it’s always better to have options (other than reaching).