FanPost

Draft Opinions from an Avid College Basketball Fan




First of all, what a great season that was. Even though our boys won't be playing for the Larry O'Brien Trophy, all of us can't help but consider the season as a success. This has been one of the most entertaining Suns season that I have seen in a while. Nevertheless, they must improve. One of the easiest ways to do that is through the draft. I know many here are opposed to adding 3 young players, that is why I am going to assume the Suns go draft-n-stash/trade for a future pick with the Pacers pick.

Pick 14: Nik Stauskas, SG/SF Michigan.

Nik Stauskas is widely considered one of the best value picks in the draft outside of the top 8-10. If we could snag him at 14, our bench instantly becomes much more potent and allows us to still have offensive options when either Goran or Bled are on the bench. He prefers to play off ball on the wings but can also create in the PnR game and understands how to create space to get his own shot. He also has sneaky athleticism and quickness and would not be surprised to see him eventually replace Gerald Green's production off the bench. Not only do we get an elite shooter, we get him at very cheap for 4 more years, leaving us more money to use for FA in the coming years

The only real concern with Stauskas is his ability to defend, an unnerving occurrence with some Suns players. But regardless, his upside is too high and could truly morph into our own Gordon Hayward.

Pick 16-18: Adrien Payne, PF/C Michigan State

Payne is one of the safest big men prospects in this draft. He was at MSU under Izzo for 4 years and knows how to play the game. He has increased his range out to the 3 pointer, has a solid back to the basket/post game, can rebound pretty well, and has very good athleticism and defensive instincts. If you did not see him in the dunk contest, you missed out. He seems like the natural replacement for Channing, once his contract runs out next year.

Pick 27: Traded in some way, shape, or form.

Roster Makeup

Bledsoe/Smith/Goodwin

Dragic//Stauskas/Green

Tucker/Green/Mook

Frye/Kief/Payne

Plumlee/Len

Feel free to leave comments/suggestions on what we should do instead.