KB2011 MOCK: 13th Pick Suns Select Tristan Thompson

Post #1 » by **moocow007** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 1:24 pm

Losing it's superstar power forward to the Knicks via free agency before the season the Suns struggled to find that one dominant offensive presence to complement their aging All-Star point guard Steve Nash. With a myriad of needs (including perhaps even at point guard) the Suns are left with a lot of question marks going into the draft. Will they look to move the former MVP Nash (to shed salary and/or to get younger) probably will be the biggest question but no doubt the Suns could use help at multiple positions.

Selected already

1. Kyrie Irving
2. Derrick Williams
3. Brandon Knight
4. Enes Kanter
5. Jonas Valanciunas
6. Jan Vesely
7. Kemba Walker
8. Bismack Biyombo
9. Kawhi Leonard
10. Alec Burks
11. Chris Singleton
12. Klay Thompson

With the 13th Pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, the Phoenix Suns select...

TRISTAN THOMPSON, PF, TEXAS

Post #2 » by **moocow007** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 1:31 pm

This is a tuffy. Do they really let Jimmer Fredette pass? We discussed that this was one of the possible obstacles to the "Jimmer to NY" hopes for the Jizz for Jimmer fans. Sure they have Nash but Nash is 37 and there's been growing rumblings that they may look to move him.

Can Jimmer handle point? They have a year to find out maybe behind Nash? I think from a talent standpoint Fredette is the BPA. Fit? You can argue there's a fit there too sure.

Personally I think it'll be either Fredette or one of the Morris twins (Markieff to help give them some size and toughness up front, Marcus to give them more of an inside oomph on offense). Marcus Morris is no Stoudemire but he would provide a counter the the Suns more perimeter oriented bigs. I don't think Tristan Thompson will be their guy (measuring at 6'8" he kinda has too much of Hakim Warrick likeness in him and they already are indebted to Warrick contractually for years to come).

I'm going to go with Fredette here.

knicksfan974 · Post #3 » by **knicksfan974** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 1:34 pm

BPA => Marcus Morris

nykballa2k4 · Post #4 » by **nykballa2k4** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 1:40 pm

gotta be Morris. Suns have some talents on that roster, but could use a forward with that offensive skill set. IMO Morris will work well with Nash should Nash still play for the suns.

Kn1cks · Post #5 » by **Kn1cks** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 1:46 pm

Tristan Thompson duh.

TrueWarrior · Post #6 » by **TrueWarrior** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 1:55 pm

This is Tristan to me. High upside. Defensive ability. Strong. Good pick and roll finisher. Him and Gortat could form a very nice defensive front line. I dont think Warrick or Frye is going to have an effect on who they pick if they go big.

I can also see them picking one of the Morris twins or Jimmer. Its a crapshoot honestly. The Morrises are safer but Tristan has that potential. Jimmer would be in a great system and learn behind his idol and one of the best PGs ever. This is tough.

Would they consider Motiejunas here too? Too talented not to and they have the center to pair him with and cover up some of his weaknesses.

BTW If that Iggy/Ellis trade happens then GS prob doesnt take Singleton. Theyd take Klay, Marcus, or Motie and get some of that scoring back.

Post #7 » by **Deeeez Knicks** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 2:31 pm

A toss up between Donatas and Tristan. When in doubt, go with height. I will say Donatas.

You know Nash will make him look good.

Jmonty580 · Post #8 » by **Jmonty580** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 3:30 pm

I think they take Jimmer. Get him in there and let him learn from nash for a little bit. If nash goes down, instant replacement. If not with Nash getting older you can decide to go with Jimmer and trade nash or let him go, or you can always trade Jimmer, i'm guessing he'll retain some good value for a little while. I just cant see them passing on him.

cgmw · Post #9 » by **cgmw** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 3:50 pm

I'm sorry, but there is absolutely zero chance that Utah hasn't already selected Jimmer at this point. Any mock that doesn't take into account the cultural capital (read: Mormon influence and Tebow-like love affair in Utah) is just plain silly.

After Kyrie to Cleveland, Jimmer to the Jazz is about as big a lock as you have in this draft.

NYman15 · Post #10 » by **NYman15** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 4:02 pm

Tristan. I think he could fit very well with Nash and Gortat. I just have a feeling that if Jimmer is still on the board, they won't pick him.

SonOfMars · Post #11 » by **SonOfMars** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 6:49 pm

Jimmer, Nash isnt getting any younger..

taj2133 · Post #12 » by **taj2133** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 6:56 pm

Tristan thompson believes he is going to suns if he is still there.

Fury · Post #13 » by **Fury** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 7:09 pm

cgmw wrote:I'm sorry, but there is absolutely zero chance that Utah hasn't already selected Jimmer at this point. Any mock that doesn't take into account the cultural capital (read: Mormon influence and Tebow-like love affair in Utah) is just plain silly.

After Kyrie to Cleveland, Jimmer to the Jazz is about as big a lock as you have in this draft.

If they take Brandon Knight, there's no chance they take Jimmer Fredette, imo.

nykballa2k4 · Post #14 » by **nykballa2k4** » Tue Jun 7, 2011 7:26 pm

Marcus Morris is not slipping this far. Suns are not going to take Freddette when they have guards there already. Brooks is not dead, he is on the Suns.

Freddette to the Jazz would make sense... if they did not already have Devin Harris and in this draft Knight as well. If they were to trade Devin Harris, then sure, Freddette could be a Jazz player.

Day_Man · Post #15 » by **Day_Man** » Wed Jun 8, 2011 12:23 am

went with Tristan Thompson over Jimmer here.. barley

Sir Knick Alot · Post #16 » by **Sir Knick Alot** » Wed Jun 8, 2011 2:23 am

cgmw wrote:I'm sorry, but there is absolutely zero chance that Utah hasn't already selected Jimmer at this point. Any mock that doesn't take into account the cultural capital (read: Mormon influence and Tebow-like love affair in Utah) is just plain silly.

After Kyrie to Cleveland, Jimmer to the Jazz is about as big a lock as you have in this draft.

I'm with you on this one. Unless Utah absolutely falls in love with Knight, They will pick a big first, with hopes that Jimmer will be there for their second pick. If they only had one pick, maybe they'd pass, but I can't see them, passing on him twice!

Sir Knick Alot · Post #17 » by **Sir Knick Alot** » Wed Jun 8, 2011 2:27 am

Oh, that being said, I believe the Suns will look to replace STAT (One of Morris twins) and roll with Brooks and Nash for now and maybe deal Nash to a contender for something prior to the trade deadline.

MeloTime · Post #18 » by **MeloTime** » Wed Jun 8, 2011 7:50 am

Jazz will not select Jimmer and Bradon , 2 Pgs ? Makes no sense , it isnt Khan running the show. They have to go with a 1 and tag along a 2 or 5. They cant draft two point guards. If Brandon is the first pick , no jimmer. But if Kanter is the first pick then say hello jimmer and bye bye knicks. I really hope we trade up

FutureKnicksGM · Post #19 » by **FutureKnicksGM** » Wed Jun 8, 2011 8:03 am

I would go with Motie, if not him then Thompson, but I think the the suns will play it safe and pick Marcus Morris, a guy who should be able to step in right away.