With the 1st pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select…
For the first time in history, the Phoenix Suns will have the #1 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, June 21. With this pick, I believe they will select Deandre Ayton, a center out of the University of Arizona.
Pros:
At a massive 7′ 1″ in height and 250 lbs in weight, Ayton brings an NBA ready body with the skills to match and should be able to produce immediately. Not only did he post outstanding per-game stats in his sole collegiate season (20.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 1.9 blocks), but he even showed potential to become a solid three-point shooter as well; something a dominant center needs in the modern NBA.
Cons:
I have to be honest, there’s really not much here in terms of his skills. The only critique of Ayton is his motor. At times, Ayton’s effort on the defensive end has been lackluster. Hopefully his effort will become more consistent once he enters the NBA.
Conclusion:
With a sophisticated post game, a massive frame, and lots of potential, Ayton is the clear choice for the Suns. This selection will give Phoenix a young, promising core of Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, and Deandre Ayton. My player comparison for Ayton is Karl-Anthony Towns.
With the 16th pick (via Miami) in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select…
The Suns are also in control of the #16 pick. Phoenix will have lots of intriguing options for this pick, but I believe they will select a guard.
One option is guard Lonnie Walker IV out of Miami. Averaging 11.5 ppg in his sole collegiate season, he is an elite athlete capable of creating his own shot. While a promising player, Walker was hurt by poor shot selection and bad efficiency ratings last season. Walker would be a solid pick, but he could easily be off the draft board by the Suns turn.
Some more realistic options for this pick are guards Zhaire Smith from Texas Tech, Troy Brown from Oregon, or even National Championship game standout Donte DiVincenzo from Villanova.
Potential Trades:
Another possibility with the 16th pick is to trade it. The Suns have been recently trying to schedule a workout with guard Trae Young from Oklahoma. Phoenix won’t pick Young first overall and he’ll probably be taken somewhere in the top ten. So if the Suns want him, they’re likely going to have to trade this pick plus a young asset to get him.
Conclusion:
Whether it’s through a selection or a trade, I believe the Suns will use the #16 pick to get a young, promising guard.
Hey Nick,
So the Suns have the #1 pick overall in the draft. They have Devin Booker who is a rising star in the association. My question is why not trade the number one pick and maybe Jackson and go after Leonard from the Spurs. That would make them a playoff team overnight. Love your blog bro and keep it up. Can’t wait to see your Lakers preview.
Hi thanks for the comment! Interesting thought but I don’t see the Suns getting involved. Kawhi only has one more year guaranteed on his contract and will likely opt-out of his player option the year after to become an unrestricted free agent and no chance he re-signs with the Suns. I think he wants to go to a big time market which doesn’t fit with Phoenix. The Suns would only get him for 1 year and lose Ayton and Jackson in the process. It’s intriguing but I don’t think it’s the best long term.
Hey Nick, have really enjoyed reading your preview. You have some great detail. Can’t wait to see your preview on the mavs!
Thanks for the support!