FanPost

Looking Past the Draft: Should the Suns target KD?

After the travesty that was this 2015-2016 season, it's easy to understand that loyal Phoenix fans would flock to the draft for any glimmer of hope. Who could blame us? We haven't drafted potentially this high since 1987 with Armen Gilliam. Shouts of Simmons and Ingram are invading our wildest dreams, but I'm expecting more of a Dragan Bender pick to come our way. (Which is fine, but man does this guy have butter sticks for fingers? I've seen too much footage of him fumbling around with a ball.) So I look towards other prospects and find my greatest hope in the rich draft class this summer. I think as a team, our goal for this next year is baby steps. To transform this team to a championship contending one is a dream, and a far off dream at that. Our goal next year has to be merely playoff basketball, and then we can begin the conversation of championship contention. First, we need to see our team's needs.

What do we need?

I'm expecting McDonough to make some big moves this summer. (When does he not? Dreams of Isiah Thomas still being here makes me weep.) While no one is seemingly safe, I expect many of our guys to still be around once the dust clears. These are my assumed stays with their positions:

  • Eric Bledsoe (PG)
  • Brandon Knight (SG)
  • Tyson Chandler (C)
  • Devin Booker (SG) (FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT TOUCH BOOK)
  • PJ Tucker (SF)
  • Mirza Teletovic (PF)
  • Alex Len (C)
  • TJ Warren (SF)
  • Chase Budinger (SF) (I just want him around for veteran presence)
The bolded ones are a little bit more sure than the non-bolded, but just looking at that roster the holes are everywhere, but the two positions I see that need immediate help are F and C. (We've been saying this for years. I know.) Our front court might as well be home town buffet with Len and Teletovic having the near consistency of quicksand and Chandler deciding he wanted to be an old man. Then it's lucky that this year's free agent pool is ripe with these positions.

Best Available Players

Kevin Durant (SF) - unrestricted

This one's a no brainer of how much we would love if this were to happen, but frankly, we have nothing to offer him that he would want. Does he want money? He would get more staying at OKC. Does he want a championship? His chances aren't better over here than with his current team. With rumors of him going to Washington and even Golden State, I suggest we not enter the Kevin Durant sweepstakes and try out other ventures or we might see a repeat of last summer with Aldridge. The only way I could see this happening is if McD made some drastic changes to the roster. (I hear the Clippers are having a bit of a yard sale. A line up including Blake Griffin might sweeten the deal a little even if it's a stretch.)

Lebron James (SF) - player option

Ha

Andre Drummond (C) - restricted

Again this one is a bit of a stretch with that restricted contract. Not that it hasn't happened before, but Detroit is likely to pay whatever it takes to keep their star center.

DeMar Derozan (SG) - player option

Derozan is a heck of a player, but his shot is still weak and do we really need another slasher type? Pass.

Pau Gasol (PF) - player option

Aging big man and wants another chance at a ring. Not our guy unless big changes occur.

Bradley Beal (SG) - restricted

Beal's a bit of an interesting prospect. He's a good player, but he's a high volume shooter with percentages bordering on criminal. Too good not to get paid, but not good enough to boost a team to greatness. It'll be a wonder if Washington will keep him around to make room for KD. Still he's a bit of a crippling black hole and not our guy.

Dwight Howard (C) - player option

Go home crybaby. Last thing we need is another headache after Margrief.

Our Best Bets (Top 5)

Al Horford (PF) - unrestricted

I understand they have a good thing going over at Atlanta and it's a bit of a stretch, but can they really afford Horford AND Millsap next year? Then resign Teague the year after that? Teams are going to be coming at him with high volumes of money with the Celtics rumored to attempt a bid on him. The Hawks might have a tough time holding on to him. He averaged 15.2 ppg and 7.2 reb. He tacked on 3.2 apg as well. This may be the all star that we need and a huge upgrade on our power forward position. Trade what you need, make room, but do what you can to get Horford over here McD.

Hasan Whiteside (C) - unrestricted

We need some defense and Whiteside has proved that his performance can be sustained if healthy. Luckily we have a great medical staff and a jarring need for a center who can score and defend. He's averaging 13.0 ppg, 11.5 rpg, and 3.9 bpg (are you kidding me?). With a stat line like that, Miami's going to fend off high prices for a hot commodity like Whiteside and with Bosh eating up their cap space and having to resign an unrestricted Wade, he might not be a center they could afford.

Harrison Barnes (SF) - restricted

When I see this guy play, I see star potential. He shoots the ball well, he's explosive, hustles, and is exciting to watch. Again, he may be a tough guy to hold on to seeing the Warriors star studded cast having some contract resignings looming ominously in the distance. (I'm looking at you Iguodala and Curry.)

Ryan Anderson (PF) - unrestricted

I've heard the arguments. He's aging, I know. But he's coming off a really good season with minimal injuries. He's averaged 17 ppg, 6 reb, with a 42.7 fg% and a 37.7 3pt%. That's solid. He's a better rebounder than Mirza and a better shooter than Leuer. I've always argued having a good stretch 4 will open up the inside for Bledsoe and Knight to slash through leaving a bloodbath in their wake, and I think Anderson's our guy.

Zaza Pachulia (C) - unrestricted

I think of Zaza as a glue guy center. He does the things you need to win that are not properly represented in his stats. He's a hard worker, fairly cheap and has veteran experience for a young ball club. He's been moving around a lot and I'm sure he would like to settle a bit now in his later years. I am ready for the Zaza.

Conclusion

Of course, there's a ton of other things to consider when we enter the free agency season, and a lot of that will be dependent on our drafting. These are just my top 5 picks who I think would have a good fit in Phoenix. The point is, don't give up hope Suns fans. We got marred by injuries, the free agency is ripe for McD to wreck havoc and a high draft pick in our hands. I believe our future is bright. What do you guys think?