2019 Draft Discussion - Suns with 6th pick!

[darmani]

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[Crives]

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This could be a really fun front court.

[bwgood77]

Yeah, not sure why so many are sleeping on him. I mean people talk about Zion's stats being historically impressive, and I know I posted this before, but look at their comparisons...Clarke isn't that far off. I might actually take him 2nd. No one else is really wowing me, but admittedly I haven't watched a ton.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=brandon-clarke--zion-williamson

[sunsbg]

Yeah, not sure why so many are sleeping on him. I mean people talk about Zion's stats being historically impressive, and I know I posted this before, but look at their comparisons...Clarke isn't that far off. I might actually take him 2nd. No one else is really wowing me, but admittedly I haven't watched a ton.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=brandon-clarke--zion-williamson

One has to wonder what is his ceiling and potential for improvement being almost 23. One mock compares him to Kenyon Martin.

On offense looks purely a post player, so not really a great fit next to Ayton. At 6"8 215 it's questionable how his rim protection will translate to NBA.

A bit strange you will take him 2nd as you appear to love the trend of shooting bigs (based on your takes on Bender and Ayton).

[bhawk]

Some nice write ups by the Stepien...

https://www.thestepien.com/2019/01/18/draft-notes-easy-case-brandon-clarke/

https://www.thestepien.com/2018/12/03/analyzing-brandon-clarkes-nba-potential/

[darealjuice]

I like Clarke but I have too many questions about his game at the next level to consider taking him over RJ or Morant. I could see him being considered around the same spot as guys like DeAndre Hunter and Jarrett Culver around the draft though, if he isn’t already.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Yeah, not sure why so many are sleeping on him. I mean people talk about Zion's stats being historically impressive, and I know I posted this before, but look at their comparisons...Clarke isn't that far off. I might actually take him 2nd. No one else is really wowing me, but admittedly I haven't watched a ton.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=brandon-clarke--zion-williamson

He is definitely intriguing Bgood, And I know that you have an eye for undiscovered talent too. Any good Comps for him that you see, I've heard Shane Battier mentioned on the draft thread before.

Seems to have great defensive intstincts though. I wonder if his 3 point shooting has improved though from when he was shooting around 30% or so? And hopefully he can improve on his 68% from the free throw line.

At 6'8 with not too much size, he really needs to add/improve on his shooting range to become a more complete player. But having said that, he's not bad for our needs defensively, within reason i think.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/brandon-clarke-1.html .

http://stats.washingtonpost.com/cbk/players.asp?id=131612 .


Hopefully he's improving on it. He could definitely be a steal for the right team perhaps?

If we continue to go for undersized, yet defensively productive power forwards, He's definitely one of my top 3 favourites outside of the lottery.

With the others being :

Sagabe Konate- http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/sagaba-konate.html?m=1 .

https://youtu.be/aIvkuXylreY .

https://youtu.be/-xEm881S7jo. ( a serviceable jumpshot, and it's said that he's working hard on his jumpshot as well. He's like a better shotblocking Holmes with a 3 point shot to open up the paint for Ayton.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/sagaba-konate-1.html . He's also a top shotblocker in the NCAA. And is hitting on 39% of his threes, and 81%at the free throw line too. Plays defensively like Ben Wallace.




Eric Paschal of (Villanova)- http://www.nbadraftroom.com/p/eric-paschall.html?m=1 .

https://www.sports-reference.com/cbb/players/eric-paschall-1.html . Check out his big time shot making for a 6'9 255 lb. Big man!!! And his basketball I.Q. and energy.

https://youtu.be/zazT04t9t5g .

My top choice, for added bench depth should we not keep Holmes. He could be our Draymond Green.

https://youtu.be/ljF8f8TXh_4 .

https://youtu.be/zazT04t9t5g.




He's not a great shotblocker like Clarke or Konate, But he's a really good versatile positional defender in the mold of a Draymond Green. And he's still shooting 52%of his 2pt fgs', 36% on his threes, and 77% of his free throws. Overall, he could add some really nice depth and basketball IQ as another glue guy in the 2nd round.



who defends a lot like Draymond Green, versatile and good rebounder who can really hit the 3.

Also has the championship connection with Bridges. So that's something to consider, Especially since these players sans Clarke could be had dirt cheap in the 2nd round.

And lastly,

P.J. Washington:

He's hitting on 55% of his 2 point fgs, 43% of his threes though. But only around 66% of his free throws currently. But still has good defensive fundamentals and can hit the three.

http://www.nbadraftroom.com/2017/02/pj-washington.html?m=1 .

https://youtu.be/FrgOdoAr8k8 .

https://youtu.be/DQu9MSl-W7A . He should be able to be grabbed at the end of the first round, or even in the early 2nd.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I like Clarke but I have too many questions about his game at the next level to consider taking him over RJ or Morant. I could see him being considered around the same spot as guys like DeAndre Hunter and Jarrett Culver around the draft though, if he isn’t already.

Even if we don't land the first pick and Zion(which would kind of suck) But still........I'd be quite happy with Morant at 2, or Barrett at 3. I really think Morant will be a star by his 3rd or 4th year personally!

But worst case scenario, We land at 3 and take Barrett, One question that I have been asking myself is.......as crazy as it may sound,

Would/could anyone consider using Barrett at the point guard next to Booker, given his playmaking, and ball handling skills?

With the hope of developing him there into big time mismatch alongside Booker, due to his size, aggressiveness and athletic ability???

I know that it's unconventional, but considering the direction of the league going towards a positionless style of play anyways, why not???

If he could develop there next to Booker, we'd have a supremely dominant backcourt. With great size, scoring ability and intensity (from Barrett).

Just a wild consideration, but what if ???

And then we could package Jackson/Warren/Johnson and our Milwaukee pick for a premier veteran power forward like Ibaka, Aaron Gordon, or hopefully Griffin (My top trade choice).

The point is that there are many great options for us IF we utilize our picks and assets wisely I think?

I'd personally pick in this order:

1- Zion.
2- Morant.
3- Barrett.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I am very glad to hear that we're out there scouting these top prospects. Based on everything I've read, Sarver has a better eye for talent than McD ever did. It would be a shame to descend so far into basketball hell and fail to reap the reward.

[bwgood77]

Yeah, not sure why so many are sleeping on him. I mean people talk about Zion's stats being historically impressive, and I know I posted this before, but look at their comparisons...Clarke isn't that far off. I might actually take him 2nd. No one else is really wowing me, but admittedly I haven't watched a ton.

http://www.tankathon.com/players/compare?players=brandon-clarke--zion-williamson

One has to wonder what is his ceiling and potential for improvement being almost 23. One mock compares him to Kenyon Martin.

On offense looks purely a post player, so not really a great fit next to Ayton. At 6"8 215 it's questionable how his rim protection will translate to NBA.

A bit strange you will take him 2nd as you appear to love the trend of shooting bigs (based on your takes on Bender and Ayton).

The post right after yours here has a link "the easy case for Brandon Clarke" that goes over his shooting and why there is a very good chance it will translate well. I'm not saying I'd definitely take him over Ja or Barrett, but I'd probably look closely at them all. I imagine he falls after them, but he seems vastly underrated. If Zion is a clear cut #1, and this guy's #s are better, and he's a better shot blocker and probably the better defender overall, and the better shooter, then he really shouldn't be THAT far behind, even with the big age difference.

Our interior defense, shot blocking, team defense, rebounding, etc, would get a MASSIVE upgrade. With Barrett it's another wing that can't shoot 3s. Ja perhaps makes a lot of sense, but I do have questions with him...not a good shooter or defender, tons of turnovers against bad competition, etc. Ja seems like a nice player, but I could also see him being disappointing or more of a 6th man type. Just a bit unsure on him.

I think there is a very good chance we end up with Morant though, because we could potentially take him anywhere from like 2-4. I don't see NY, Atl of Cleveland taking him if they end up top 3.

[TheLogician]

I would be happy with Brandon Clarke. He's for sure a defensive upgrade over TJ/JJ.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I would be happy with Brandon Clarke. He's for sure a defensive upgrade over TJ/JJ.

Personally, I really don't see why we couldn't land both Ja and Clarke. If his projections put him in the mid to late first round, then we should be able to trade a package of maybe Jackson/ okobo and the Milwaukee pick for him I believe. Or even just perhaps the Milwaukee pick could get it done.

But i would in no way trade a top 3 pick for Clarke or many others in that range without the other teams' pick and an asset or two coming back as well.

Having said that, I think that it would be a great night if we could draft Morant at 2, Then move the Milwaukee pick and Jackson or the Milwaukee pick and Okobo or whatever for Clarke in the mid to late first round.

Finally, then we use our 2nd on Eric Paschall for added power forward depth, and defensive versatility.

Of course, if we can move Jackson in a deal for Clarke, then we can open up salary for a veteran such as Collison or Joseph for Morant to study under I think.

Just no Rozier under any circumstances.

[jcsunsfan]

I would be happy with Brandon Clarke. He's for sure a defensive upgrade over TJ/JJ.

Personally, I really don't see why we couldn't land both Ja and Clarke. If his projections put him in the mid to late first round, then we should be able to trade a package of maybe Jackson/ okobo and the Milwaukee pick for him I believe. Or even just perhaps the Milwaukee pick could get it done.

But i would in no way trade a top 3 pick for Clarke or many others in that range without the other teams' pick and an asset or two coming back as well.

Having said that, I think that it would be a great night if we could draft Morant at 2, Then move the Milwaukee pick and Jackson or the Milwaukee pick and Okobo or whatever for Clarke in the mid to late first round.

Finally, then we use our 2nd on Eric Paschall for added power forward depth, and defensive versatility.

Of course, if we can move Jackson in a deal for Clarke, then we can open up salary for a veteran such as Collison or Joseph for Morant to study under I think.

Just no Rozier under any circumstances.

One rookie is enough.

[darealjuice]

Can’t wait to see what Ja Morant does in the tournament. Really exciting player to watch.

[sunsbg]

Watch on YouTube

Just get this guy in Phoenix. Exciting player, the block @ 1:25 was sweet.

Some here complain Ayton is not a winner, you don't have such worries with Morant.

[Damkac]

But worst case scenario, We land at 3 and take Barrett, One question that I have been asking myself is.......as crazy as it may sound,

Would/could anyone consider using Barrett at the point guard next to Booker, given his playmaking, and ball handling skills?

With the hope of developing him there into big time mismatch alongside Booker, due to his size, aggressiveness and athletic ability???

I know that it's unconventional, but considering the direction of the league going towards a positionless style of play anyways, why not???

If he could develop there next to Booker, we'd have a supremely dominant backcourt. With great size, scoring ability and intensity (from Barrett).

Just a wild consideration, but what if ???

Was going to ask this myself. Would Barret and Booker sharing ballhandling duties without a pure PG work?

I hope Suns won't get another project after all those draft busts. If BPA is not somebody who can help you immediately then trade the pick.

[sunsbg]

But worst case scenario, We land at 3 and take Barrett, One question that I have been asking myself is.......as crazy as it may sound,

Would/could anyone consider using Barrett at the point guard next to Booker, given his playmaking, and ball handling skills?

With the hope of developing him there into big time mismatch alongside Booker, due to his size, aggressiveness and athletic ability???

I know that it's unconventional, but considering the direction of the league going towards a positionless style of play anyways, why not???

If he could develop there next to Booker, we'd have a supremely dominant backcourt. With great size, scoring ability and intensity (from Barrett).

Just a wild consideration, but what if ???

Was going to ask this myself. Would Barret and Booker sharing ballhandling duties without a pure PG work?

I hope Suns won't get another project after all those draft busts. If BPA is not somebody who can help you immediately then trade the pick.

On paper it may work. On paper Booker should pass to Ayton more. Then you add another player, who despite good assists number, many consider a chucker. So yeah, I would prefer a real PG like Morant. May require trade to get him though, but it's not like there are not enough assets to do it. Also most teams in the top don't need a PG.

[Bogyo]

Just take Ja and don't second guess it-if we re not at #1. He'll have one year behind Tyler (or at least a half year if he is really good early), learns from Koko, and battles with Melton. Should be a good enough school for a rookie.
He has more than enough ball handling we need next to Booker, attacks the rim, athletic, has the killer instinct that intensity that some of our other players seem to lack. I'm sure he'll improve over the years, and becomes about a Westbrook-light, with better passing and obviously no triple-double seasons. If he learns to shoot better he might even become more valuable.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I would be happy with Brandon Clarke. He's for sure a defensive upgrade over TJ/JJ.

Personally, I really don't see why we couldn't land both Ja and Clarke. If his projections put him in the mid to late first round, then we should be able to trade a package of maybe Jackson/ okobo and the Milwaukee pick for him I believe. Or even just perhaps the Milwaukee pick could get it done.

But i would in no way trade a top 3 pick for Clarke or many others in that range without the other teams' pick and an asset or two coming back as well.

Having said that, I think that it would be a great night if we could draft Morant at 2, Then move the Milwaukee pick and Jackson or the Milwaukee pick and Okobo or whatever for Clarke in the mid to late first round.

Finally, then we use our 2nd on Eric Paschall for added power forward depth, and defensive versatility.

Of course, if we can move Jackson in a deal for Clarke, then we can open up salary for a veteran such as Collison or Joseph for Morant to study under I think.

Just no Rozier under any circumstances.

One rookie is enough.

I get what you're saying, and mostly agree. But the reason that i like Paschall with the 2nd rounder is because it's very low cost and low risk as it's a non guaranteed contract.

Yet with Paschall for instance, you have a 6'9 255 lb. power forward who is mobile, versatile defensively, has a high basketball IQ, and is a winner on the same Villanova team that won with Bridges, PLUS......He's a big time shot maker. Hitting on 43% of his threes.

Just check out his tournament performance:

https://youtu.be/ljF8f8TXh_4 . Check out his shot making under pressure.

https://youtu.be/zazT04t9t5g . Check out his ball handling, passing, and post play.

https://youtu.be/b4mPT5Zizsw . Check out his winning plays.

He plays with a maturity, poise, and championship pedigree, He could be our Draymond Green for us, But on a low cost, unguaranteed contract.( He also played alongside Bridges, so they're familiar with each other.

And both have leadership qualities that could help our team progress. He'd be basically a no cost low risk/ high reward for us in the 2nd round.

All while giving us an insurance policy at the power forward spot, in case we can't land a quality power forward in free agency!


My consideration is also based upon the unpredictability of us getting quality players in free agency at sn affordable cost as influenced by market value, as well as our franchises tarnished image influencing free agents decisions to sign with us.

I just want us to be able to add tangible depth to our brnch at minimal cost and on a controlled contractual basis that will add value as it progresses hopefully too.

Again, Personally I would prefer for us (should we not get Zion) draft Morant if possible at #2 or #3. Then use the Milwaukee pick to get Brandon Clarke, Or P.J. Washington.


Thusly addressing both holes on our roster with players with massive potential on cost efficient contracts , And adding depth for our bench with size, versatility, and high basketball IQ players (Paschall).

Then in free agency, We pick up a veteran such as Darren Collison, Patrick Beverley, or Cory Joseph to be our starter, and mentor Morant.

And then during the season, We can build a trade package around Jackson/ T.J. Warren/Tyler Johnsons' expiring/ A first rounder for a premier veteran power forward such as Blake Griffin, Serge Ibaka , Or Aaron Gordon, etc.

Since we're not realistically going to be ready to compete by next season anyways, We still need to add depth as well as replenish our tradable assets on low cost/valuable contracts that we can use to build a tantalizing package for a star veteran player.

That's my thinking in regards to adding those players and contracts during the draft.

Having said that, I would be totally fine with just keeping our one lotto pick( Morant, IF not Zion) and add our lottery pick, and grabbing Paschall in the 2nd round (for insurance at power forward) And then get our veterans in free agency.

If we can, go get Collison or Joseph to be our starting guard, and mentor Morant for a season, Then pick up either Taj Gibson, Thaddeus Young, or Whoever we can get at the 4.

Then roll into the season building more experienced and progress.

[Djedefre]

I brought up Garland several times already. Kinda scared of Temetrius and his development which seems to me right now like a long and painful process similar to Jackson's. Before the season start, Garland was pretty much a consensus #1 PG i this class, and he really delivered until that cursed injury. Average vision and passing ability but excels at shooting, off ball play and creating for himself. Already said i'm totally down with the idea of trading down and picking him in that 7-10 range.

Gotta be honest, I do not like this class at all. We have Zion who still bears a ton of question marks, Barrett and Reddish who both disappointed, Little who was touted as a top4 prospect and showed close to nothing, Langford who is solid but nothing special and a whole bunch of sophomores/juniors that rose very high (maybe even historically) because of the poor performance by many frosh prospects. So many players in the 1st round with ROLE PLAYER written on their foreheads.

What makes you think Temetrius is a long and painful process? Are you that worried about his shot? Turnovers? I mean he hasn't shot well, and I know there are questions but he is a very good FT shooter which is better than say Barrett, as an indication that shot will come around. And his 3pt shooting has gotten better in conference play at 37% which is encouraging (though maybe conference play is easier yet more recent).

#1 He plays totally out of control. Those ridiculously wild moves and reckless style he's getting away with in OVC won't fall in NBA. I mean he's a friggin turnover supermachine! Trae turned the ball over a lot, but he was CONSTANTLY double/triple-teamed and trapped all around the court for pretty much 3/4 of the season while playing in arguably the best (at that time) conference in college bball. In that regard, Ja is totally like Jackson - if he decides he's going to do something, he's going to do it, no matter what. If it means dunking on three 7 footers from the FT line, so be it.

#2 He's rail thin and it pops up as a major concern because of his playstyle. Again, unlike Young he's not much of a shooter and relies heavily on drives and playing through contact. How will that work in the NBA against Smarts, Holidays, Simmonses of this world, god knows.

#3 He's shooting is questionable. Percentage itself is not a problem, it's certainly below average but still somewhat decent. Slow and a little funky release is what concerns me. He doesn't have exactly the same shot mechanic when he's shooting threes like he has behind the charity stripe. I have trouble seeing him as a legit threat off the dribble or in half court offense against NBA competition.

Not trying to say he's necessarily a bust, but all this brings me to a conclusion that it'll take a lot of time and patience if we want to give him the keys of our offense.