The Phoenix Suns were supposed to be terrible last season. Vegas projected them to win 30 games — they exceeded that figure by Feb. 3.
While a healthy sweep at the hands of the Oklahoma City Thunder was not the ideal ending for the Suns, the fact that they were in the playoffs at all was a huge win. Head Coach Jordan Ott proved he’s the leader of the future. Dillon Brooks and, when healthy, Jalen Green made the Kevin Durant trade look like a success.
The Suns also found a diamond in the rough in Collin Gillespie, whom they’ll look to retain in free agency. Oso Ighodaro was also a great rotation piece for them and is on a cheap contract for next season.
Their rookies, Khaman Maluach and Rasheer Fleming, didn’t see much action early on, but both showed promise towards the end of the season. Fleming shot 40% from three from March onwards, and Maluach averaged 2.9 blocks per 36 minutes to end the year.
Still, while the roster has a working core, the team needs more talent to compete in the West. Unfortunately, the Suns only hold one draft pick this year, and it isn’t a great one:
Suns Draft Picks:
- Round 1 — No. 47
Suns Draft Needs:
The Suns have ample wings, potentially too many. The bigger questions are at point guard and center.
At point, Gillespie will likely return as their starter; however, towards the end of the season, Ott even experimented with him coming off the bench, signaling they might welcome other options.
At center, Maluach will get his opportunities, but depth is surely needed still, especially with the way Mark Williams finished the year.
Suns Draft Targets:
Jaden Bradley — PG — Arizona
If one thing was clear with the Suns last season, it’s that they play hard and they are tough. Over his collegiate career, and particularly last season, Jaden Bradley proved how tough he was.
The Big 12 Player of the Year was an exceptional floor general for one of the best teams in the country. Anytime Arizona needed a bucket, an assist, a stop or to just slow down, Bradley delivered.
His athleticism won’t pop off the board, which, paired with his age, limits his ceiling, but if the Suns want a high-floor depth piece at point guard who can defend, Bradley will fit right in.
Luigi Suigo — C — Tradate, Italy
If the Suns want to go big and take a huge swing on a ceiling-raiser, Luigi Suigo fits the bill.
Maluach is a defensive force and can be utilized as such, but Suigo brings a new dimension at 7-foot-4. He has demonstrated a bit of an ability to stretch the floor, shooting 30 percent from three on just under two attempts per game.
Everyone wants a Wembanyama clone nowadays, and if Luigi slips to No. 47, he could be Phoenix’s project.
Pavle Backo — C — Uzice, Serbia
In the same vein as Suigo, Pavle Backo could be the next European sensation for the Suns to take a flyer on. Ighodaro and Maluach, again, are defensive-focused options at center. Backo could mold into a score-first option.
His shooting and ability to create off the dribble are good for his size. He could slot in at the four in some bigger lineups since he can handle the ball, and he’s got solid rebounding numbers as well. He’s currently mocked as Mr. Irrelevant on Tankathon, so the Suns should have a chance to grab him.
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