/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/14132401/20130315_kkt_st3_016.0.jpg)
Not every workout is going to draw in the top level talent for the Phoenix Suns as they continue to prepare for the 2013 NBA Draft later this month. Today, for example, the team was looking at six prospects that could be options for their late second round pick this year.
The Suns have two picks in the first round (5 and 30) as well as one in the second round (57) to work with.
All six of the prospects brought in are more realistic as late second round picks. The big names were Grant Jerrett (former Arizona forward) and Vander Blue (Marquette). Both have the potential to be quality NBA players, but are coming from very different situations. Last year, as a freshman, Jerrett was not utilized like he could have been in a deep Arizona front-court. He had to share time which led to a reduced role and a decision to leave early for the NBA Draft. On the other hand Blue is a junior that saw his stock soar after a very quality showing in the NCAA Tournament.
Jerrett played ball here in Tucson, but former Hamilton High School star Ryan Evans was also in this workout creating a very hometown feel. He played four years for the Wisconsin Badgers on an unassuming team with an unassuming role. Working out for his hometown team for a spot in the NBA Draft had to be a dream fulfilled.
The rest of the group included Kenny Kadji, Durand Scott, and Scott Woods. Here is a quick breakdown of the workout participants from a scouting perspective:
- Grant Jerrett -- Arizona -- Freshman power forward: A good shooter and translates immediately as a stretch-four. Jerrett has the talent to be a very good prospect, but didn't show it consistently at Arizona this year and looked out of shape in Chicago for the Combine.
- Vander Blue -- Marquette -- Junior shooting guard: Not a scorer, but when forced into that role proved to be resourceful. Has the physical tools to be a great defender on the perimeter with a terrific athletic profile.
- Kenny Kadji -- Miami -- Senior forward/center: He can stretch the floor as a shooter, but with his size Kadji can forget that he belongs in the paint. Not a great athlete, but solid. Today, Kadji is 25 years old.
- Ryan Evans -- Wisconsin -- Senior wing: The best athlete in a long time for the Badgers, but the last player with that distinction was former Sun Alando Tucker. Evans is a better basketball player with the ability to be an impact defender and has improved each year on the offensive end, as a ball-handler, and as a shooter.
- Durand Scott -- Miami -- Senior combo guard: Another undersized two guard that plays the one. More of a scorer that had his most efficient year as a senior scoring and shooting the ball.
- Scott Wood -- N.C. State -- Senior wing: Great shooter, but other than that Wood is not an NBA level athlete. He is very smart and played his role well for the Wolfpack, but he is not an NBA athlete, lacks strength, and ball-skills to play on the perimeter. For his career Wood shot 809 threes (41.3%) and 256 twos (45.3%).
Next workout is scheduled for Wednesday.