After a surprising season, the Phoenix Suns will go into the NBA draft with three first-round picks to add on to their already talented young roster. The Suns have their own pick at 14, and own the Washington Wizards’ 18th overall pick, and the Indiana Pacers’ 27th overall pick.
The Suns want to address their small forward and center issues. Miles Plumlee and PJ Tucker were great as starters playing those positions, but the Suns would like more offensive fire power.
There aren’t many centers to choose from in this year’s draft, but one player that could be a potential option is Jusuf Nurkic of the Bosnia and Herzegovina national basketball team. He is currently under contract in the Croatian League, but he has an NBA buyout to leave Europe and play in the NBA this upcoming season.
The 19-year old, 6’11” center possesses robust strength in the paint and has a 7’2” wingspan. He has excellent footwork and is a solid pick and roll player. He can bang in the post at an NBA level and has soft hands. He is everything the Phoenix Suns could ask for in a center and if Nurkic drops in the lap of the Suns during the draft at number 14, they should definitely consider selecting him.
With the 18th pick, the Suns could look at Doug McDermott if he falls that far down. They could also consider Kyle Anderson of UCLA, TJ Warren of NC State, or Glen Robinson III of Michigan. All four are small forwards but since the Suns want offensive weapons, Doug McDermott, TJ Warren, and Glen Robinson III should be tops on their list.
The 27th pick that the Suns own will most likely be used in a potential trade. Phoenix is looking to trade this pick for proven talent. Coincidentally, the New York Knicks are seeking a late first-round draft pick for Iman Shumpert. They could be the perfect trading partners for the Suns.
Nonetheless, the Phoenix Suns were 48-34 last season in a superior Western Conference. They finished a game out of the playoffs, and this year’s draft could greatly improve their likelihood of making it to the playoffs next season. They have a serious chance to address some of the weaknesses of last season.