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The Phoenix Suns are known for their run-and-gun fast paced offense. The Suns roster typically consists of players who are fast, athletic, and can shoot. Ideally, they also have size and can defend multiple positions, but that's just being greedy.
Based of these factors, this is my list of top prospects that would fit the Suns play style the best. This has nothing to do with where the Suns are projected to draft in the 2015 NBA Draft.
1. Karl-Anthony Towns 7'0, 248lb, C, Kentucky
DX profile here (ranked #1)
This one was pretty obvious. As of right now Towns looks like the best player in the 2015 draft class, but the key here is that he also fits the Suns style of play. He is long, 7'3.5 wingspan, athletic, and is very mobile for a seven footer. He runs the floor extremely well and is a great at finishing near the rim, 66% in college. He also can make mid-range jumpers consistently and shot 82% from the free-throw line during his time at Kentucky. During high school he led his team in three pointers made, although in Kentucky he didn't show off this ability. He only took 8 threes and made two of them. His shooting should continue to improve and expand during his time as a pro.
2. D'Angelo Russell 6'5, 193lb, PG, Ohio State
DX profile here (ranked #4)
Russell would be a great fit with the Suns for many reasons. He is a good shooter at the guard position shooting 41% from three during his freshman season at Ohio State. His passing and high basketball IQ allow him to thrive in transition by starting the fast break quickly. The Suns love to run the pick and roll which, Russell runs very well. His ability to change speeds, shoot, and excellent passing vision makes it incredibly hard for defenses to cover him on the pick and roll.
3. Justise Winslow 6'7, 222lb, SF, Duke
DX profile here (ranked #5)
Winslow recorded only 5.3% body fat during the pre-draft combine. He is a superb athlete who gets out and runs in transition. He does all the little things on the court and has a great feel for the game. He is strong enough and quick enough to guard almost every position. Winslow surprised people with his accuracy at Duke. He shot 41.4% from three and 51.6% from two point range. He'd be a good catch and shoot option in the Suns offense.
4. Kristaps Porzingis 7'1, 220lb, PF, Latvia
DX profile here (ranked #8)
Kristaps is the stretch four the Suns would love to have as a part of their offensive scheme. Kristaps stretches the floor with his silky shooting stroke, 38% from three this season. He also has the mobility and skills to drive from the wing to the hoop and he likes to get out and run in transition where he finishes above the rim with ease. Kristaps fits right in the with the Suns style of play. Transition offense, threes, and athleticism.
5. Mario Hezonja 6'8, 200lb, SG, Croatia
DX profile here (ranked #7)
Mario's combination of height, athleticism, and quickness combined with his shooting range makes him one of the most intriguing prospects of the 2015 draft. He finishes above the rim effortlessly and gets out and runs on the fast break. His 39.6% shooting from three make him a serious threat from the perimeter. He has the confidence to shoot whenever he has an inch of space. He is also a cable ball handler, allowing him to make plays off the dribble and run the fast break. His combination of athleticism and shooting ability make him the top prospect at shooting guard for the Suns' style of play.
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These are the top prospects from each position for the Suns' style of play. Other players like Jahlil Okafor, Emmanuel Mundiay and Willie Cauley-Stein will be excellent pros but not quite as perfect on the Suns as these five.
It is unlikely that any of these players end up on the Suns unless the Suns win the lottery. They have a 0.6 percent chance at first pick; 0.71 percent chance at second pick; 0.87 percent chance at third pick. The Draft Lottery is on Tuesday night, on ESPN. Alex Len will represent the Suns on the podium this year.
After the lottery, if the Suns remain at #13, we will cover the best fits for the team in the middle of the first round.
For now, keep dreaming big!