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I previously went over some of the top point guard options in the 2020 draft, and now we will shift the focus over to shooting guard.
Phoenix hasn’t had an impactful backup shooting guard since Devin Booker’s arrival in 2015, so it would be a welcome luxury to add a player that can mitigate the damage done when Booker heads to the bench.
The one area Phoenix truly needs to improve in is shot-creation. Booker obviously can get his own shot practically whenever he wants, and Kelly Oubre Jr. has had his moments in that regard, but outside of that the self-creation on this roster is extremely minimal.
There are some interesting off-ball guards in this class that could make sense in the right context with their own pick, or if they decide to trade down later into the first round as well.
Suns’ Lottery odds:
- 1st pick = 3.0%
- 2nd pick = 3.3%
- 3rd pick = 3.6%
- 4th pick = 4.0%
- Picks 5-9 = 0%
- 10th pick = 65.9%
- 11th pick = 19.0%
- 12nd pick = 1.2%
- Picks 13-14 = >0.0%
Suns Specific Draft Board
For reference, here’s the prior boards by position
Ideally, you want a two guard that isn’t restricted to just playing when Booker is on the bench. Adding a piece that can play with or without Booker effectively should be a priority if the Suns decide to add a shooting guard in this year’s draft, otherwise it would be an irresponsible use of their assets.
1. Anthony Edwards- SG, Georgia.
6’5”, 225 lbs., 18 years old.
19.1 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.6 BPG on 40/29/77 shooting splits in 33 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: Elite athlete. Secondary Creator. Physical guard.
Anthony Edwards is the most common prospect you’ll see as the top pick in mock drafts or ranked number one on big boards. Unless the Suns make a significant jump through the draft lottery, Edwards won’t be a realistic option.
”Antman” possesses imposing physical tools and can score from all three levels. He is a tough shot-taker and tough shot-maker. He absorbes and finishes through contact well and should only improve in that area as he continues to develop.
Areas of improvement include decision-making, shot-selection, and off-ball defensive rotations. If he puts it all together he has true two-way star upside.
The fit next to Booker isn’t perfect, but if they do wind up in position to take him they shouldn’t hesitate unless LaMelo Ball is available, as Ball and Edwards are my top two prospects at the moment.
Anthony Edwards, the potential number one pick this summer, has officially declared for the 2020 draft. Boutta be showtime. pic.twitter.com/ahlQRrRzNb
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 20, 2020
2. Devin Vassell- SG/SF, Florida State.
6’7”, 194 lbs., 19 years old.
12.7 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.0 BPG on 49/41/74 shooting splits in 28.8 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: 3 & D wing. Defensive savant. Team player.
Vassell is a high-level defender that has some underrated shot making ability off the dribble. He is hands down the best team defender in this draft class, playing like a free safety off the ball and covers ground like a ball hawk.
Devin always seems to be the right place at the right time, much like current Sun Mikal Bridges in that regard. If you want a plug and play versatile wing that can play the 2 or 3 and knock down the three then he’s your guy.
With Phoenix currently projected to pick 10th, Vassell is someone that will likely be available when they make their selection. The defensive versatility and length he’d add on the wing next to Bridges and Oubre makes him a very intriguing option that the Suns should seriously consider.
50 seconds of mastery from Devin Vassell. An aggressive stunt at the nail to force a jump ball, battles on the switch for the steal and nabs a deflection for a dunk.
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) March 25, 2020
Elite team defender. pic.twitter.com/jF7ivLuttm
3. Josh Green- SG, Arizona.
6’5”, 210 lbs., 19 years old
12.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG on 42/36/78 shooting splits in 30.9 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: Freakish Athlete. 3 & D guard. Raw.
Green is one of the most electrifying athletes in the class. The high-flying Aussie has a ways to go before making a significant two-way impact though, as he needs to refine the mechanics on his shooting stroke and also improve his off-ball defensive reads/rotations.
While he is a bit of a developmental project as far as feel and mechanics go, he has an NBA-ready body and could contribute in a limited role right from the start.
I believe he’s best suited going to to a team with a structured development system in place where he can progressively grow without pressure early on. He isn’t a complete blank canvas or project by any means, but in order for him to hit his ceiling there is a development curve.
Green will likely be available for Phoenix at pick 10, but that’s just a bit too early to take him for me personally, as I beleive he’s more of a mid-first round prospect.
— Josh Green (@josh_green6) March 28, 2020
4. Jahmi’us Ramsey- SG, Texas Tech.
6’4”, 195 lbs., 19 years old
15.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG on 44/42/64 shooting splits in 31.2 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: Bucket getter. Athletic slasher. Score-first guard.
Ramsey’s ability to create his own shot is undeniable and his scoring punch is an attribute that is sorely needed on a Suns second unit that suffers in that respect. He is an aggressive guard that constantly looks to attack the rim and feasts in transition.
Jahmi’us is one of the better shooters in this entire draft class, and has some bounce to go with it making him a potentially dynamic offensive prospect if he hits his highest outcome. He’s not an option with the 10th pick, but I do like him as a late teens or early 20’s gamble in this draft.
Jahmi'us Ramsey doing things besides shooting the basketball. pic.twitter.com/zWHJZHbnc3
— BulliesOfBroadway (@BulliesBroadway) March 25, 2020
5. Desmond Bane- SG, TCU.
6’5”, 215 lbs., 21 years old
16.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.5 BPG on 45/44/79 shooting splits in 36.0 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: 3 & D guard. Valuable role player. Bulldog.
Bane is one of my favorite players in this draft. He your prototypical NBA-ready “3&D” guard, and should be able to carve out a useful role from day one.
He is projected to go anywhere from the late 1st round to the late 2nd round, but I believe he’s definitely a top 30 prospect.
His ceiling may be a bit lower than some due to his age and frame, but if you value players that are just flat out good at basketball then he’s worth the trade-off. I do not see him as an option for Phoenix unless they trade down a bit.
Man, TCU’s Desmond Bane did Gillespie pretty bad here. pic.twitter.com/RwarM8xrgS
— Harold R. Kuntz (@HaroldRKuntz3) February 29, 2020
6. Skylar Mays- SG, LSU.
6’4”, 205 lbs., 22 years old
16.7 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 3.2 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.2 BPG on 49/39/85 shooting splits in 34.4 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: High IQ. Scorer. Crafty combo guard.
Mays projects as an excellent role player at the next level. He is a high IQ guard that makes high-level decisions in a snap.
Mays has the ability to score in a variety of ways, and has shown he can make impactful plays in critical moments versus the top competition in college basketball.
He lacks the necessary burst or athleticism to ever become a star, but I project him to be a very useful 6th or 7th man and carve out a long NBA career.
Skylar Mays. Game. #LSU pic.twitter.com/7tRfda3gHd
— AMock (@anthony_mocklin) January 12, 2020
7. Isaiah Joe, SG, Arkansas
6’5”, 180 lbs., 20 years old
16.9 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG on 36/34/89 shooting splits in 36.1 minutes per game.
Identity/Role: Floor spacer. High volume three point shooter.
Joe is an interesting fringe 1st round prospect, and someone that should be considered one of the top shooters in this class. He can shoot from deep range (off movement) and plays well off the ball with his ability to relocate and find the seams in the defense.
While he only shot 34 percent from three this season, it was at a ridiculously high-volume of 10.6 attempts per game, and he is a career 37.8 percent shooter from deep in his two years at Arkansas with a 82.7 career free throw percentage. Bottom line is he can shoot, right now. The question is, what else does he bring to the table at the next level?
Isaiah Joe from WAAAYY DOWNTOWN!!! Hogs lead N.Texas by 12! pic.twitter.com/FWrHpxUICJ
— Sharp Williams (@SharpTusk) November 13, 2019
Honorable mentions: (not in order)
Cassius Stanley, Mason Jones, Jalen Harris, Joel Ayayi and John Petty.
Scouting Reports:
Anthony Edwards Scouting Report
Next up will be small forwards. Once I finish all these positional groupings I will be releasing my official “Big Board” as well.