2019 Draft Discussion - Suns with 6th pick!

[Duke4life831]

I see a lot of Ja talk here. I get it, but I honestly just dont see the fit at all with you guys and Booker. He is a high usage guard that doesnt play defense and has 0 to no game off the ball. I also question how much of his assists come from really good facilitating or just from the fact the entire offense runs through him every possession. I get Ja for Cleveland (if they arent sold on Sexton), NY or Orlando. I just dont see a ball dominant guard with no jumper and defense as a great fit for you guys.

I also get BPA over fit early in the draft. But is there really all that big of a gap between the guys in that 2nd tier?

[lilfishi22]

Does Zion have the most positively impactful college season in history?

[bwgood77]

I see a lot of Ja talk here. I get it, but I honestly just dont see the fit at all with you guys and Booker. He is a high usage guard that doesnt play defense and has 0 to no game off the ball. I also question how much of his assists come from really good facilitating or just from the fact the entire offense runs through him every possession. I get Ja for Cleveland (if they arent sold on Sexton), NY or Orlando. I just dont see a ball dominant guard with no jumper and defense as a great fit for you guys.

I also get BPA over fit early in the draft. But is there really all that big of a gap between the guys in that 2nd tier?

I agree...IF we are building a team around Booker (and Ayton), Ja doesn't make much sense at all. I haven't watched much college ball yet though..usually get more into around now since conference play is under way.

Do you think Zion is going to develop a jump shot? Who do you think would be a better fit in Phoenix, Zion or Ben Simmons? Obviously he doesn't have the jump shot either but has the facilitation and defense and would be a nice pairing with Book. I imagine you are sky high on Zion though.

[Duke4life831]

I see a lot of Ja talk here. I get it, but I honestly just dont see the fit at all with you guys and Booker. He is a high usage guard that doesnt play defense and has 0 to no game off the ball. I also question how much of his assists come from really good facilitating or just from the fact the entire offense runs through him every possession. I get Ja for Cleveland (if they arent sold on Sexton), NY or Orlando. I just dont see a ball dominant guard with no jumper and defense as a great fit for you guys.

I also get BPA over fit early in the draft. But is there really all that big of a gap between the guys in that 2nd tier?

I agree...IF we are building a team around Booker (and Ayton), Ja doesn't make much sense at all. I haven't watched much college ball yet though..usually get more into around now since conference play is under way.

Do you think Zion is going to develop a jump shot? Who do you think would be a better fit in Phoenix, Zion or Ben Simmons? Obviously he doesn't have the jump shot either but has the facilitation and defense and would be a nice pairing with Book. I imagine you are sky high on Zion though.

Easily Zion fits better. Zion is statistically having one of the best starts ever in college ball and he's doing that as basically the 3rd option. He doesn't need the ball to have a drastic impact on the game.

I'm pretty iffy on his jumper. I don't ever see him being a guy that can hit 3s off the bounce. His shot is a set shot and a very slow one. But he has good touch on them. I think he will get to the point where defenses can't just play 5 on 4 and they will have to close out to him.

Honestly defensively is one of Zion's best attributes. He gambles a little much. But overall the dude has tremendous awareness, makes a huge impact and has shown a ton of versatility.

[Duke4life831]

Does Zion have the most positively impactful college season in history?

College advanced stats don't go that far back. I believe only to 2010 and you might get some WS stats for guys before that. But ya dating back to 2010, Zion is on pace to shatter the top guys for stats like BPM/WS/PER.

Zion's PER at the moment is 43. The best at the moment for a single season is 36. The guy at the 100th spot has a PER of 29. So if the season ended today, the gap between Zion and 2nd place, would be the same size as the gap between 2nd and 101st.

But with that said Zion still had basically all of ACC play and I'm sure these numbers are going to take a hit during that time.

College advanced stats don't really transfer all that great either. A bunch of guys you have never heard of (AD and KAT are very high). Also Michael Beasley ended up with like a WS/48 of like .413. So it's great and all, but doesn't mean much.

[Mischa]

Similar to Doncic. Barrett has been playing against older players all his life. Alot more savvy. Zion probably sells more tickets

[GoodBehavior]

I see a lot of Ja talk here. I get it, but I honestly just dont see the fit at all with you guys and Booker. He is a high usage guard that doesnt play defense and has 0 to no game off the ball. I also question how much of his assists come from really good facilitating or just from the fact the entire offense runs through him every possession. I get Ja for Cleveland (if they arent sold on Sexton), NY or Orlando. I just dont see a ball dominant guard with no jumper and defense as a great fit for you guys.

I also get BPA over fit early in the draft. But is there really all that big of a gap between the guys in that 2nd tier?

I agree...IF we are building a team around Booker (and Ayton), Ja doesn't make much sense at all. I haven't watched much college ball yet though..usually get more into around now since conference play is under way.

Do you think Zion is going to develop a jump shot? Who do you think would be a better fit in Phoenix, Zion or Ben Simmons? Obviously he doesn't have the jump shot either but has the facilitation and defense and would be a nice pairing with Book. I imagine you are sky high on Zion though.

Morant is a really good PG prospect. Not Westbrook-good, but pretty darn good.

He solves the absolute biggest weakness on this team: a guard that can dribble penetrate, finish around the rim, and happens to be an exceptional passer. Suns' guards can't do any of those things; Booker being only so-so in those departments. Morant's ball handling is exceptional, his ability to finish at the rim proficiently is huge, and he's going to spoon fed ayton like it's second nature to him. A Morant / ayton PNR is very tantalizing. The combination of speed (and proficiency at the rim > 60%) between the two looks nearly unstoppable, on paper at least.

Concerns about his shooting and defense looks standard. And honestly doesn't look that bad. He's shooting 80% from the line and his form is shaky but not broken. Above average rebounder for a PG. Looks to coast on defense at times but that's because he has to save his energy on the other end. Block and steals numbers are fine. Motor looks solid. He has all the tools to be a plus on defense.

He hasn't faced a lot of good competition, so the read-through is dicey. But I see his floor at as someone in the Dennis Schroder / Lou William strata. I don't think that's bad considered how weak this draft is turning out to be. His upside is too good to pass up if he's available.

[bwgood77]

I see a lot of Ja talk here. I get it, but I honestly just dont see the fit at all with you guys and Booker. He is a high usage guard that doesnt play defense and has 0 to no game off the ball. I also question how much of his assists come from really good facilitating or just from the fact the entire offense runs through him every possession. I get Ja for Cleveland (if they arent sold on Sexton), NY or Orlando. I just dont see a ball dominant guard with no jumper and defense as a great fit for you guys.

I also get BPA over fit early in the draft. But is there really all that big of a gap between the guys in that 2nd tier?

I agree...IF we are building a team around Booker (and Ayton), Ja doesn't make much sense at all. I haven't watched much college ball yet though..usually get more into around now since conference play is under way.

Do you think Zion is going to develop a jump shot? Who do you think would be a better fit in Phoenix, Zion or Ben Simmons? Obviously he doesn't have the jump shot either but has the facilitation and defense and would be a nice pairing with Book. I imagine you are sky high on Zion though.

Morant is a really good PG prospect. Not Westbrook-good, but pretty darn good.

He solves the absolute biggest weakness on this team: a guard that can dribble penetrate, finish around the rim, and happens to be an exceptional passer. Suns' guards can't do any of those things; Booker being only so-so in those departments. Morant's ball handling is exceptional, his ability to finish at the rim proficiently is huge, and he's going to spoon fed ayton like it's second nature to him. A Morant / ayton PNR is very tantalizing. The combination of speed (and proficiency at the rim > 60%) between the two looks nearly unstoppable, on paper at least.

Concerns about his shooting and defense looks standard. And honestly doesn't look that bad. He's shooting 80% from the line and his form is shaky but not broken. Above average rebounder for a PG. Looks to coast on defense at times but that's because he has to save his energy on the other end. Block and steals numbers are fine. Motor looks solid. He has all the tools to be a plus on defense.

He hasn't faced a lot of good competition, so the read-through is dicey. But I see his floor at as someone in the Dennis Schroder / Lou William strata. I don't think that's bad considered how weak this draft is turning out to be. His upside is too good to pass up if he's available.

Yeah, his competition is EXTREMELY weak. It's hard for me to have a good read on him due to that...but his numbers are impressive. He's also not a very good shooter. In some ways like Fox without the defense...though he shoots better from deep than Fox did in college. Fox was playing against top tier talent in college though and also came out as a freshman. Morant is in his 2nd year.

[Duke4life831]

I agree...IF we are building a team around Booker (and Ayton), Ja doesn't make much sense at all. I haven't watched much college ball yet though..usually get more into around now since conference play is under way.

Do you think Zion is going to develop a jump shot? Who do you think would be a better fit in Phoenix, Zion or Ben Simmons? Obviously he doesn't have the jump shot either but has the facilitation and defense and would be a nice pairing with Book. I imagine you are sky high on Zion though.

Morant is a really good PG prospect. Not Westbrook-good, but pretty darn good.

He solves the absolute biggest weakness on this team: a guard that can dribble penetrate, finish around the rim, and happens to be an exceptional passer. Suns' guards can't do any of those things; Booker being only so-so in those departments. Morant's ball handling is exceptional, his ability to finish at the rim proficiently is huge, and he's going to spoon fed ayton like it's second nature to him. A Morant / ayton PNR is very tantalizing. The combination of speed (and proficiency at the rim > 60%) between the two looks nearly unstoppable, on paper at least.

Concerns about his shooting and defense looks standard. And honestly doesn't look that bad. He's shooting 80% from the line and his form is shaky but not broken. Above average rebounder for a PG. Looks to coast on defense at times but that's because he has to save his energy on the other end. Block and steals numbers are fine. Motor looks solid. He has all the tools to be a plus on defense.

He hasn't faced a lot of good competition, so the read-through is dicey. But I see his floor at as someone in the Dennis Schroder / Lou William strata. I don't think that's bad considered how weak this draft is turning out to be. His upside is too good to pass up if he's available.

Yeah, his competition is EXTREMELY weak. It's hard for me to have a good read on him due to that...but his numbers are impressive. He's also not a very good shooter. In some ways like Fox without the defense...though he shoots better from deep than Fox did in college. Fox was playing against top tier talent in college though and also came out as a freshman. Morant is in his 2nd year.

Fox also had much better form on his jumper.

[lilfishi22]

I agree...IF we are building a team around Booker (and Ayton), Ja doesn't make much sense at all. I haven't watched much college ball yet though..usually get more into around now since conference play is under way.

Do you think Zion is going to develop a jump shot? Who do you think would be a better fit in Phoenix, Zion or Ben Simmons? Obviously he doesn't have the jump shot either but has the facilitation and defense and would be a nice pairing with Book. I imagine you are sky high on Zion though.

Morant is a really good PG prospect. Not Westbrook-good, but pretty darn good.

He solves the absolute biggest weakness on this team: a guard that can dribble penetrate, finish around the rim, and happens to be an exceptional passer. Suns' guards can't do any of those things; Booker being only so-so in those departments. Morant's ball handling is exceptional, his ability to finish at the rim proficiently is huge, and he's going to spoon fed ayton like it's second nature to him. A Morant / ayton PNR is very tantalizing. The combination of speed (and proficiency at the rim > 60%) between the two looks nearly unstoppable, on paper at least.

Concerns about his shooting and defense looks standard. And honestly doesn't look that bad. He's shooting 80% from the line and his form is shaky but not broken. Above average rebounder for a PG. Looks to coast on defense at times but that's because he has to save his energy on the other end. Block and steals numbers are fine. Motor looks solid. He has all the tools to be a plus on defense.

He hasn't faced a lot of good competition, so the read-through is dicey. But I see his floor at as someone in the Dennis Schroder / Lou William strata. I don't think that's bad considered how weak this draft is turning out to be. His upside is too good to pass up if he's available.

Yeah, his competition is EXTREMELY weak. It's hard for me to have a good read on him due to that...but his numbers are impressive. He's also not a very good shooter. In some ways like Fox without the defense...though he shoots better from deep than Fox did in college. Fox was playing against top tier talent in college though and also came out as a freshman. Morant is in his 2nd year.

I know this isn't the trade thread and while I haven't done a ton of research on Morant (or the prospects after #3) so this is kind of a warm take, but it does seem like his weaknesses (shooting/defense) would make a Booker/Morant pairing potentially difficult to swallow. If we do end up #4 or #5 and he's available, do you take him or would you move that pick and another asset for someone like....Beal for example, if he was available.

I feel like the drop off between #1 and #2 is pretty steep and after #2 it gets even steeper with a solid drop off after that

[bwgood77]

Morant is a really good PG prospect. Not Westbrook-good, but pretty darn good.

He solves the absolute biggest weakness on this team: a guard that can dribble penetrate, finish around the rim, and happens to be an exceptional passer. Suns' guards can't do any of those things; Booker being only so-so in those departments. Morant's ball handling is exceptional, his ability to finish at the rim proficiently is huge, and he's going to spoon fed ayton like it's second nature to him. A Morant / ayton PNR is very tantalizing. The combination of speed (and proficiency at the rim > 60%) between the two looks nearly unstoppable, on paper at least.

Concerns about his shooting and defense looks standard. And honestly doesn't look that bad. He's shooting 80% from the line and his form is shaky but not broken. Above average rebounder for a PG. Looks to coast on defense at times but that's because he has to save his energy on the other end. Block and steals numbers are fine. Motor looks solid. He has all the tools to be a plus on defense.

He hasn't faced a lot of good competition, so the read-through is dicey. But I see his floor at as someone in the Dennis Schroder / Lou William strata. I don't think that's bad considered how weak this draft is turning out to be. His upside is too good to pass up if he's available.

Yeah, his competition is EXTREMELY weak. It's hard for me to have a good read on him due to that...but his numbers are impressive. He's also not a very good shooter. In some ways like Fox without the defense...though he shoots better from deep than Fox did in college. Fox was playing against top tier talent in college though and also came out as a freshman. Morant is in his 2nd year.

I know this isn't the trade thread and while I haven't done a ton of research on Morant (or the prospects after #3) so this is kind of a warm take, but it does seem like his weaknesses (shooting/defense) would make a Booker/Morant pairing potentially difficult to swallow. If we do end up #4 or #5 and he's available, do you take him or would you move that pick and another asset for someone like....Beal for example, if he was available.

I feel like the drop off between #1 and #2 is pretty steep and after #2 it gets even steeper with a solid drop off after that

Beal won't be available unless he asks out and if he does I don't see us trading for him.

I wouldn't mind moving our pick for someone if they were worth it...not sure who that is though. I don't see any star quality players being available and/or wanting to play for the Suns.

I wouldn't mind potentially trading down since I think there might be a huge 2nd and 3rd tier and picking up a pick or a decent player to do so. If you could trade down and pick up a Brandon Clarke it might be nice.

I hate speculating too much on trading for players because I want to see how all of our rookies progress this season.

[Blonde]

Barrett is out there chucking haha. Had a really nice game going for him in the first half but got trigger happy like he often does. Zion is really transcendent. He’s really the only prospect I’m interested in at this point, but outside of Beal I can’t think of anyone worth trading our top 1 protected pick for (that might be available).

[Mischa]

I can think of several instances where a great offensive coach brought in a defensive assistant and let him do his thing. But I can't think of situations where it is the other way around. Defensive coaches are usually ultra conservative. What I am looking for is instances of defensive coaches who give the offense over to some bright assistant who pushes the pace and runs creative sets.

Can anybody think of an instance like that?

[ATTL]

I really want to like ja, but im not seeing it. He jumps high but he doesnt look fast to me. We need a point guard but right now I'm more inclined to trade the pick if we don't get Zion.

[Funky Tut]

This draft is looking like it’s going to bed a good one. I guess is a consolidation prize for another abysmal Phoenix Suns season. we get a top 5 pick, we have some tantalizing options .

[Bogyo]

This draft is looking like it’s going to bed a good one. I guess is a consolidation prize for another abysmal Phoenix Suns season. we get a top 5 pick, we have some tantalizing options .

Outside of Zion and Ja, the rest are wings, which we do not really need - unless we package one or two of ours in a trade, and let Oubre go... Book/JJ/Mikal/TJ/Kelly are all sg/sf basically. Sure, TJ and Oubre can play strech 4, but they are not as good at it that this should be a long term solution for that position.

[darealjuice]

Read on Twitter

Ja Morant with 40 points and 11 assists, 21/21 from the freethrow line. He’s had a big year, hope they’re able to make the tournament so we see him on a big stage.

[Damkac]

Do R.J. Barrett reminds Josh Jackson a bit? I got this impression when reading about him but I don't watch college games so I might be wrong. How do those two compares? IIRC bwgood77 likes Barrett a lot?
(I really got day of asking questions today)

[sunsbg]

Do R.J. Barrett reminds Josh Jackson a bit? I got this impression when reading about him but I don't watch college games so I might be wrong. How do those two compares? IIRC bwgood77 likes Barrett a lot?
(I really got day of asking questions today)

I also don't watch college games, but there are the Youtube highlights.

To me his offensive game will translate to NBA. He is not all speed like JJ, which worked in college, but not in NBA.

Based on stats defense is a concern, which was supposedly a strength of JJ coming out of college.

Both are good passers, not much other similarity to me.

Looks like top 3 heavy draft - Zion, RJB, Morant. Looking at other player's stats, all of them are meh, so hope the Suns trade the pick if not top 3.

[bwgood77]

Do R.J. Barrett reminds Josh Jackson a bit? I got this impression when reading about him but I don't watch college games so I might be wrong. How do those two compares? IIRC bwgood77 likes Barrett a lot?
(I really got day of asking questions today)

I haven't watched enough of anyone in the draft yet. Going into the season, based on profiles, I liked Reddish though.