Full Of Options In Phoenix

Could the Suns land a star with the 13th pick?

The Phoenix Suns have missed the playoffs five years in a row. Born in 1968, this ties the longest playoff drought in Suns history. In 2013-14, the Suns were the surprise of the NBA, winners of 48 games despite cellar-dweller expectations. However, in the loaded West, it didn’t result in a playoff berth.

In 1970-71 and 1971-72, the Suns won 48 and 49 games respectively without reaching the postseason before winning 38, 30 and 32 the three following years. Transcendent superstar Connie Hawkins was unable to lead Phoenix beyond the first round much like savant shooter, passer and penetrating point guard Steve Nash failed to navigate the Suns’ ship through the rivers of San Antonio.

In 1975, after five seasons sitting out of the big boy games, the Suns managed to make the playoffs thanks to the addition of rookie center Alvan Adams, who helped lead Phoenix to the playoffs in nine out of his first ten seasons.

Today’s Suns will be hoping to find a player on NBA draft night who can make a similar impact, as the West is rougher and tougher than ever. Phoenix enters the draft with Eric Bledsoe, P.J. Tucker, Alex Len, the Morris twins, Danny Granger, T.J. Warren, Reggie Bullock, and Archie Goodwin having guaranteed deals for next year, and there’s a good chance they plan on keeping Brandon Knight given how much they gave up to get him in the blockbuster deal that sent Isaiah Thomas and Goran Dragic packing.

Sam Vecenie’s mock draft from June 18 has the Suns selecting Kelly Oubre at no. 13, while Zach Reynolds predicted Devin Booker will be taken at no. 13 in his June 10 edition. The Suns could certainly use a wing with upside like Vecenie pointed out with Oubre, and Booker, R.J. Hunter and Justin Anderson are intriguing options as well thanks to their ability to sink shots.

Frank Kaminsky and Myles Turner, two versatile big men who could eventually help fill the void that formed following Channing Frye’s departure last summer, would likely be seriously considered at no. 13. However, Vecenie’s, Reynolds’, and most other experts mocks have those two big men being taken before the Suns are on the clock. Turner has a ton of upside on both ends of the floor, Kaminsky could become a quality NBA role player, and Bobby Portis and Trey Lyles, two versatile stretch forwards, look like solid fits as well in the valley of the Sun.

There is no shortage of players who could be called by the Suns at no. 13. The Miami Heat wish they were in the same situation since losing LeBron, but what can they do?  The Suns are in a place as a team where it’s hard to argue against drafting the best player available. Still, selecting a small ball-handler would be a surprising move unless they are trading Eric Bledsoe immediately thereafter. Ultimately, Phoenix will have plenty of options on draft day.