Draft Thread: Who do you want with the 13th pick? Stanley Johnson and WCS added..change votes if you want

[MathiasPW]

Kaminsky is not a post-up player nor a rebounder at NBA level. He is a shooter with great passing and brains. Like a central piece on a flowing offense. Dirk without the stepback, Frye without the (controversial) rim protection.

[MathiasPW]

As for the low ceiling, I disagree. Players that depend on smarts rather than physicals can always be awesome, although it is very hard to see how they would develop that. Nash with his constant dribble without the jumping passes and Dirk with his stepback are great examples of smart players who figured out a way to outplay their opponents without having the physical tools to do so

[bwgood77]

I'm an absolute no to Kaminsky.

I'm higher on Kristaps Porzingis or Christian Wood than most other non top 4 names. High ceiling players.

Yeah, I have a good feeling about Porzingis for whatever reason. Maybe because I've read that a handful of GMs think he is the third best prospect behind Towns and Mudiay, but he is the type of player we need if he lives up to the hype.

I don't know if the Knicks would give up on Towns if they got him, but if they drafted 4th or 5th and took Porzingis, I think at that point they would prefer the twins, and definitely the twins and Bledsoe...maybe we get back Langston Galloway in that type of deal. That would leave us cap space to sign a PF free agent if we could too.

I still don't know if I would pull the trigger on this but if the front office is ready to rid themselves of the twins, and McD loves Knight, who knows? But then again, McD just told the public those are our best two players. I seriously doubt he would do it even if the option is available.

I don't even know if the twins would be free to leave town if they were awaiting trial or something....and if they were awaiting trial, no team would trade for them...though my bet is they are cleared...hopefully.

Melo said he hopes the team keeps the pick. That might not mean much, but I'm thinking we're unlikely to swing a deal for the Knicks pick.

As always happens, I'm starting to warm up to players in this draft. Usually I go for the high-ceiling players, but I'm starting to warm up to Kaminsky based on that draft express profile and our desperate need for a big who can hit shots. A lot of boom/bust guys in this draft - Turner, Looney, Johnson, Oubre all come with big question marks, IMO. Fortunately, we have McMiracle, and he knows what he's doing.

While I would love to move Bled in a trade that brings back considerable value, I don't see that value coming back in the form of a star player or a stud 2-guard, which makes me doubt that we'll make a move. In any case, we have to find a third guard who can pair with either Bled or Brandon in the back court - a bigger guard who can shoot but who is also okay coming off the bench. That said, if the Kings are willing to send Stauskas and the #6 or 7 (depending), Bled is theirs. Bled-McLemore-Gay-???-Cousins would be a talented line-up, but also a stupid one. You know the Rox would love Bled, too. He's just perfect for that team. I'd hate to help the Rox like that, but we'd have to listen. Pretty sure they'd make Motie available, as well as Capela and their pick in this draft - an inadequate package, IMO, but it's probably there.

All of that is really a tangent; my real response to your post is as follows. You seem to think we'll deal the Morris twins to the same team. I think that's unlikely. Prior to the incidents this season, we might have owed it to them to keep them together, but I think they're ruined that. Who would fault us for dealing them after all the techs, the tantrums, and now the felony charges? Unlikely that we'd get back the most value by dealing them together rather than separately, and even harder to believe we'd deal one without dealing the other. In a sense, their conduct this season has freed us to deal with them as we please. Given that, when, to whom and for whom are they most likely to be dealt? I have no idea what Marcus could fetch in a trade, but I do think he's an asset rather than a liability. Markieff, on the other hand, could fetch quite a lot I would think. I hesitate to think he could be combined with Bled for an asset, but on his own, I think he could bring back two solid role players, or a player and a pick, or a high lottery pick (Detroit? Indiana?).

In any case, if we're willing to move these guys, we have options. I (like most Suns fans, I think) would love to move forward with a Knight-Warren-Len core and add one or two pieces to that, along with the vets necessary to give that team a chance to compete and so grow together. Another aside, I'd love to see Khris Middleton at the 2 for us next year (how funny would that be?), however it could be managed. We have plenty of ways to move forward, provided we're willing to shake it up. This season has given us every excuse to do so. And McD has not disappointed me yet in terms of the direction he's wanted to take this team. I hope we're on the same page this offseason as well.

I don't really think we will move the twins at all, and I don't know that they would be necessarily moved together. Kieff would have a lot of value by himself, but Marcus might be tougher to move alone, though his contract isn't that bad, especially with the rising cap. I don't know if the Rockets would want Bledsoe. They don't need a ballhandler who can't shoot at the point. They need a guy that can spread the floor and hit 3s since Harden is the primary ballhandler. Beverly is a good 3 pt shooter and a solid defender and not expensive.

Bledsoe to Sacramento would make some sense if they want to move him and liked their SG (and maybe one of their PFs) and a pick, but I don't think McD wants to move Bledsoe.

[NavLDO]

Yeah, I have a good feeling about Porzingis for whatever reason. Maybe because I've read that a handful of GMs think he is the third best prospect behind Towns and Mudiay, but he is the type of player we need if he lives up to the hype.

I don't know if the Knicks would give up on Towns if they got him, but if they drafted 4th or 5th and took Porzingis, I think at that point they would prefer the twins, and definitely the twins and Bledsoe...maybe we get back Langston Galloway in that type of deal. That would leave us cap space to sign a PF free agent if we could too.

I still don't know if I would pull the trigger on this but if the front office is ready to rid themselves of the twins, and McD loves Knight, who knows? But then again, McD just told the public those are our best two players. I seriously doubt he would do it even if the option is available.

I don't even know if the twins would be free to leave town if they were awaiting trial or something....and if they were awaiting trial, no team would trade for them...though my bet is they are cleared...hopefully.

Melo said he hopes the team keeps the pick. That might not mean much, but I'm thinking we're unlikely to swing a deal for the Knicks pick.

As always happens, I'm starting to warm up to players in this draft. Usually I go for the high-ceiling players, but I'm starting to warm up to Kaminsky based on that draft express profile and our desperate need for a big who can hit shots. A lot of boom/bust guys in this draft - Turner, Looney, Johnson, Oubre all come with big question marks, IMO. Fortunately, we have McMiracle, and he knows what he's doing.

While I would love to move Bled in a trade that brings back considerable value, I don't see that value coming back in the form of a star player or a stud 2-guard, which makes me doubt that we'll make a move. In any case, we have to find a third guard who can pair with either Bled or Brandon in the back court - a bigger guard who can shoot but who is also okay coming off the bench. That said, if the Kings are willing to send Stauskas and the #6 or 7 (depending), Bled is theirs. Bled-McLemore-Gay-???-Cousins would be a talented line-up, but also a stupid one. You know the Rox would love Bled, too. He's just perfect for that team. I'd hate to help the Rox like that, but we'd have to listen. Pretty sure they'd make Motie available, as well as Capela and their pick in this draft - an inadequate package, IMO, but it's probably there.

All of that is really a tangent; my real response to your post is as follows. You seem to think we'll deal the Morris twins to the same team. I think that's unlikely. Prior to the incidents this season, we might have owed it to them to keep them together, but I think they're ruined that. Who would fault us for dealing them after all the techs, the tantrums, and now the felony charges? Unlikely that we'd get back the most value by dealing them together rather than separately, and even harder to believe we'd deal one without dealing the other. In a sense, their conduct this season has freed us to deal with them as we please. Given that, when, to whom and for whom are they most likely to be dealt? I have no idea what Marcus could fetch in a trade, but I do think he's an asset rather than a liability. Markieff, on the other hand, could fetch quite a lot I would think. I hesitate to think he could be combined with Bled for an asset, but on his own, I think he could bring back two solid role players, or a player and a pick, or a high lottery pick (Detroit? Indiana?).

In any case, if we're willing to move these guys, we have options. I (like most Suns fans, I think) would love to move forward with a Knight-Warren-Len core and add one or two pieces to that, along with the vets necessary to give that team a chance to compete and so grow together. Another aside, I'd love to see Khris Middleton at the 2 for us next year (how funny would that be?), however it could be managed. We have plenty of ways to move forward, provided we're willing to shake it up. This season has given us every excuse to do so. And McD has not disappointed me yet in terms of the direction he's wanted to take this team. I hope we're on the same page this offseason as well.

I don't really think we will move the twins at all, and I don't know that they would be necessarily moved together. Kieff would have a lot of value by himself, but Marcus might be tougher to move alone, though his contract isn't that bad, especially with the rising cap. I don't know if the Rockets would want Bledsoe. They don't need a ballhandler who can't shoot at the point. They need a guy that can spread the floor and hit 3s since Harden is the primary ballhandler. Beverly is a good 3 pt shooter and a solid defender and not expensive.

Bledsoe to Sacramento would make some sense if they want to move him and liked their SG (and maybe one of their PFs) and a pick, but I don't think McD wants to move Bledsoe.

Honestly, I don't see Kieff, Marcus, or Bledsoe as having much value at all. Bledsoe due to his contract cost this next season BEFORE the big jump in Cap Space. Next season? Yep, much higher value, but if I was a GM, I'd definitely wait a year before offering anything of value for Bledsoe.

The Morri? There recent legal issues will have to be cleared up before any GM is going to give anything up for them--they aren't 'uber' talented, and both regressed some this past year.

So to me, McD definitely does NOT seem like a guy who will sell 'low'. He's smarter than that, and will wait until he can sell 'high'.

The only player we have that we could sell 'high' on is Len. Warren or Goodwin haven't shown enough; Knight is an RFA; Wright, Thornton, and Green are UFA; Granger is 'injured'; Rights to Bogdanovic are worth didli until next summer, when he's set to come over; Alec Brown has shown squat--the other half of 'didlisquat' (ha ha). honestly, PJ is probably our best trade chip this summer, other than Len.

So what I'm basically saying is that I wouldn't get anyone's hopes up that we will be able to trade for a top 6 pick in the draft. If I'm the Kings, looking to get something for my 6th overall pick, why would I want a low BBIQ turnover machine and two felony assault cases? Yeah, I'm being a tad harsh on Bledsoe, but let's face the facts--Bledsoe did not 'break out' this year as a guy worth more than his $13M salary. Honestly, can anyone with a straight face actually say he was? Why would he be worth $13.5M this next season? His D isn't transformational--it's good, but it doesn't make up for his other detractors. Next year, when the Cap jumps $30M (??)? Sure, but not right now.

We'll pick 13th this year; and hopefully get one of Portis/Lyles/Turner/Looney/Harrell, pick up a FA or two (hopefully a PG and another PF), and try to develop what we have, as well as, hopefully increase the Morri, Knight, and Bledsoe's value for some potential trades next summer. To me, that's how this all plays out.

[bwgood77]

Honestly, I don't see Kieff, Marcus, or Bledsoe as having much value at all. Bledsoe due to his contract cost this next season BEFORE the big jump in Cap Space. Next season? Yep, much higher value, but if I was a GM, I'd definitely wait a year before offering anything of value for Bledsoe.

The Morri? There recent legal issues will have to be cleared up before any GM is going to give anything up for them--they aren't 'uber' talented, and both regressed some this past year.

So to me, McD definitely does NOT seem like a guy who will sell 'low'. He's smarter than that, and will wait until he can sell 'high'.

The only player we have that we could sell 'high' on is Len. Warren or Goodwin haven't shown enough; Knight is an RFA; Wright, Thornton, and Green are UFA; Granger is 'injured'; Rights to Bogdanovic are worth didli until next summer, when he's set to come over; Alec Brown has shown squat--the other half of 'didlisquat' (ha ha). honestly, PJ is probably our best trade chip this summer, other than Len.

So what I'm basically saying is that I wouldn't get anyone's hopes up that we will be able to trade for a top 6 pick in the draft. If I'm the Kings, looking to get something for my 6th overall pick, why would I want a low BBIQ turnover machine and two felony assault cases? Yeah, I'm being a tad harsh on Bledsoe, but let's face the facts--Bledsoe did not 'break out' this year as a guy worth more than his $13M salary. Honestly, can anyone with a straight face actually say he was? Why would he be worth $13.5M this next season? His D isn't transformational--it's good, but it doesn't make up for his other detractors. Next year, when the Cap jumps $30M (??)? Sure, but not right now.

We'll pick 13th this year; and hopefully get one of Portis/Lyles/Turner/Looney/Harrell, pick up a FA or two (hopefully a PG and another PF), and try to develop what we have, as well as, hopefully increase the Morri, Knight, and Bledsoe's value for some potential trades next summer. To me, that's how this all plays out.

I don't know that Karl would want Bledsoe or if he would go after Lawson since he coached him with his offense. If they did want Bledsoe, I seriously doubt that his salary would be a deterrent as long as we took back one of their pfs in Thompson, Landry or Williams. That way they would be unloading half of Bledsoe's salary, so the net salary addition would be less than $7 million. Plus they plenty of cap space to absorb him without sending anyone out, if they were trading their pick.

I have a feeling Denver might be more likely to trade Lawson to Sacramento for that pick, and Sacramento would likely prefer him anyway.

I don't think Sacramento really should want to add another draft pick since they have Cousins and need to get an immediate contributor to help him out instead of another project.

I don't think it's worth trading for a pick unless we could get Porzingis though, and it might be better to keep our guys and just add one of Looney/Turner/Portis/Lyles.

Kevon Looney, F, Fr., UCLA
Looney's draft stock is all tied to upside. He's a long, athletic forward who can play both the 3 and the 4. He led all freshmen in the NCAA in double-doubles this year and was especially effective on the offensive glass. He's also a good shooter from 3, shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc (albeit with a small sample size). He needs to get stronger and figure out what position he'll ultimately play in the NBA, but his upside will be too tantalizing for teams to pass in the lottery. Look for Looney to go somewhere in the No. 7 to 14 range.

Trey Lyles, F, Fr. Kentucky
Lyles played more of a complementary role on Kentucky this season, but that hasn't stopped scouts from drooling over what he might become once he starts playing power forward, his true position, in the NBA. He's an old-school power forward who makes up for his lack of elite athleticism with a high basketball IQ, an array of moves in the post and a very solid midrange game. He should go somewhere from No. 13 to No. 20.

Bobby Portis, F, So., Arkansas

Portis has been one of the steadiest players on our Big Board. Although he doesn't do any one thing at an elite level, he's one of the most well-rounded big men in the draft. He can score in the post, step out and hit the 3, rebound, and protect the rim. If he were a little taller, a little more explosive or a little more dominant at any of those skills, he'd be a top-five pick. But as it stands, he's more likely in the 13-20 range.

Myles Turner, F/C, Fr., Texas
Turner announced via YouTube that he'll declare for the draft, though the announcement isn't a huge surprise. Turner has been ranked in our top 10 all season and has the talent of a top-five pick (especially when judged by analytics). He's long, mobile, an elite rim-protector, good rebounder and has an offensive game that includes a terrific 3-point shot. His lack of strength, wild inconsistency and concern about how he runs keep his draft stock out of the top five right now, though teams may fall in love with him during upcoming workouts -- especially if his knees check out. Look for him to go in the six-to-12 range.

Christian Wood, PF, So., UNLV
Wood recently entered our Top 30, and there is upside for him to rise higher with great workouts. He is an athletic big man who runs the floor, blocks shots and and can even step out and hit jumpers. The fact that he's just 19 also works in his favor. If he gets stronger and improves his shot selection, he could be a big-time talent. While his stock is in the 20 to 30 range right now, he could work his way into the late lottery or middle of the first round if he wows in workouts. He has that kind of talent.

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/inside ... draft-list

[MathiasPW]

Kevon Looney, F, Fr., UCLA
Looney's draft stock is all tied to upside. He's a long, athletic forward who can play both the 3 and the 4. He led all freshmen in the NCAA in double-doubles this year and was especially effective on the offensive glass. He's also a good shooter from 3, shooting 46 percent from beyond the arc (albeit with a small sample size). He needs to get stronger and figure out what position he'll ultimately play in the NBA, but his upside will be too tantalizing for teams to pass in the lottery. Look for Looney to go somewhere in the No. 7 to 14 range.

Trey Lyles, F, Fr. Kentucky
Lyles played more of a complementary role on Kentucky this season, but that hasn't stopped scouts from drooling over what he might become once he starts playing power forward, his true position, in the NBA. He's an old-school power forward who makes up for his lack of elite athleticism with a high basketball IQ, an array of moves in the post and a very solid midrange game. He should go somewhere from No. 13 to No. 20.

Bobby Portis, F, So., Arkansas

Portis has been one of the steadiest players on our Big Board. Although he doesn't do any one thing at an elite level, he's one of the most well-rounded big men in the draft. He can score in the post, step out and hit the 3, rebound, and protect the rim. If he were a little taller, a little more explosive or a little more dominant at any of those skills, he'd be a top-five pick. But as it stands, he's more likely in the 13-20 range.

Myles Turner, F/C, Fr., Texas
Turner announced via YouTube that he'll declare for the draft, though the announcement isn't a huge surprise. Turner has been ranked in our top 10 all season and has the talent of a top-five pick (especially when judged by analytics). He's long, mobile, an elite rim-protector, good rebounder and has an offensive game that includes a terrific 3-point shot. His lack of strength, wild inconsistency and concern about how he runs keep his draft stock out of the top five right now, though teams may fall in love with him during upcoming workouts -- especially if his knees check out. Look for him to go in the six-to-12 range.

Christian Wood, PF, So., UNLV
Wood recently entered our Top 30, and there is upside for him to rise higher with great workouts. He is an athletic big man who runs the floor, blocks shots and and can even step out and hit jumpers. The fact that he's just 19 also works in his favor. If he gets stronger and improves his shot selection, he could be a big-time talent. While his stock is in the 20 to 30 range right now, he could work his way into the late lottery or middle of the first round if he wows in workouts. He has that kind of talent.

http://espn.go.com/nba/draft2015/inside ... draft-list

Wood and Turner seem to replicate what Len brings to us (maybe with a bit more range for Turner). Portis is risky, as ALL of his skills might just not be enough for the NBA, Lyles also seems similar to what Kieff brings. I like Looney's skill set a lot, from the little I've read.

[Saberestar]

Kaminsky is not a post-up player nor a rebounder at NBA level. He is a shooter with great passing and brains. Like a central piece on a flowing offense. Dirk without the stepback, Frye without the (controversial) rim protection.

I want Kaminsky at #13 too. I think he is exactly the right rookie to have next year. Senior, high basketball IQ, good passer, great shooter and he can play PF or C ,where we need serious help. Our new Frye....even better putting the ball on the floor and passing the ball.

[bwgood77]

As for the low ceiling, I disagree. Players that depend on smarts rather than physicals can always be awesome, although it is very hard to see how they would develop that. Nash with his constant dribble without the jumping passes and Dirk with his stepback are great examples of smart players who figured out a way to outplay their opponents without having the physical tools to do so

Hey, Larry Bird fits in that category.

When I watched Kaminsky obliterate the Cats in the tourney last year I thought he looked like Dirk. That was probably one of his best games ever (definitely was for the stakes).

I wouldn't be unhappy with Kaminsky. He is the kind of skill set the Suns need. I'm just not totally sure he is the type of player McD would draft. I think Hornacek would love him though. Actually the great examples of "smart players who figured out a way to outplay their opponents without having the physical tools to do so" fits Hornacek too. He was a 6'3 shooting guard who played integral parts on contenders for probably eight years. Hornacek definitely could use smart players.

I think Trey Lyles might be a bit underrated. He is mentioned as a very high IQ player. It's probably easy not to stand out when you are playing with Cauley-Stein, Towns and Dakari Johnson. I wouldn't be surprised if he is a diamond in the rough. Though it would be nice if he had range (if we take him).

[bwgood77]

Kaminsky is not a post-up player nor a rebounder at NBA level. He is a shooter with great passing and brains. Like a central piece on a flowing offense. Dirk without the stepback, Frye without the (controversial) rim protection.

I want Kaminsky at #13 too. I think he is exactly the right rookie to have next year. Senior, high basketball IQ, good passer, great shooter and he can play PF or C ,where we need serious help. Our new Frye....even better putting the ball on the floor and passing the ball.

I think he fits Utah perfectly though. They have two elite rim protector bigs with no range, a great SF, and guards from the last two drafts plus Burks. What more do they need than a stretch big?

[Saberestar]

Kaminsky is not a post-up player nor a rebounder at NBA level. He is a shooter with great passing and brains. Like a central piece on a flowing offense. Dirk without the stepback, Frye without the (controversial) rim protection.

I want Kaminsky at #13 too. I think he is exactly the right rookie to have next year. Senior, high basketball IQ, good passer, great shooter and he can play PF or C ,where we need serious help. Our new Frye....even better putting the ball on the floor and passing the ball.

I think he fits Utah perfectly though. They have two elite rim protector bigs with no range, a great SF, and guards from the last two drafts plus Burks. What more do they need than a stretch big?

We have to trade for #11 then... I think he worths even #10. Probably some of our minor assets have enough value to go up two picks in the draft.

[bwgood77]

Well Ford just came out with a mock...

Myles TurnerIndiana PacersCOLLEGE: TexasHT: 7-0WT: 240POS: PF
Pacers' chances of winning lottery: 0.8 percent

Larry Bird threw down the gauntlet in the Pacers' exit press conference. They are going to play faster next season, and lumbering center Roy Hibbert may no longer fit in the plans. With an aging David West and Luis Scola also occupying the Pacers' front line, it's time for an infusion of youth. While Turner runs awkwardly, he's a very good prospect this late in the draft. He's an excellent post defender and rim protector, and on offense he can shoot the 3 with ease. He needs to get stronger and be more consistent, but he has the talent of a top-five pick.

12Kevon LooneyUtah JazzCOLLEGE: UCLAHT: 6-10WT: 210POS: PF
Jazz's chances of winning lottery: 0.7 percent

The Jazz will probably be pinching themselves if Looney somehow lands here. He was widely regarded by scouts as a top-five pick most of the season, but his uneven finish began to worry scouts about his NBA readiness and position. Still, it's tough to find many players with his combination of skills, length and versatility. He reminds me a bit of a young Lamar Odom and should be perfect backing up both Derrick Favors and Gordon Hayward in Utah.

13Frank KaminskyPhoenix SunsCOLLEGE: WisconsinHT: 7-0WT: 234POS: C
Suns' chances of winning lottery: 0.6 percent

Big man Alex Len really started to come along this season, but the Suns don't have a lot of options in the middle behind him. For a team that will again be eyeing the playoffs next year, Kaminsky should be a good fit. He's a different type of center than Len -- Kaminsky thrives facing the basket and stretching the floor -- but he's an adequate rebounder and shot-blocker to play the middle. Some scouts love him and some think he's a potential bust, but this is the right point in the draft to roll the dice on Kaminsky.

http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft/mo ... ock-Draft-

[ATTL]

Are we really going to be eyeing the playoffs next year with a presumably healthy OKC and an improving Nawlins?

[saintEscaton]

Are we really going to be eyeing the playoffs next year with a presumably healthy OKC and an improving Nawlins?

Wouldn't be surprised if the Jazz /T'Wolves overtake us.

[JMac1]

Kaminsky is not a post-up player nor a rebounder at NBA level. He is a shooter with great passing and brains. Like a central piece on a flowing offense. Dirk without the stepback, Frye without the (controversial) rim protection.

I want Kaminsky at #13 too. I think he is exactly the right rookie to have next year. Senior, high basketball IQ, good passer, great shooter and he can play PF or C ,where we need serious help. Our new Frye....even better putting the ball on the floor and passing the ball.

Yes Sir!!

[Frank Lee]

Are we really going to be eyeing the playoffs next year with a presumably healthy OKC and an improving Nawlins?

Wouldn't be surprised if the Jazz /T'Wolves overtake us.

the Jazz already have

[thamadkant]

Jazz will be a 40+ win next season potentially 45+.... Gobert's play the 2nd half of the season is DPOY candidate material... Jazz also looked real good the last 20 games.

[Mr-Al]

Trade Bledsoe and 13 if necessary.

Move up in the lottery.

Draft D'Angelo Russell

Watch as he becomes James Harden.

[Frank Lee]

I think the Knicks draft Russell, throw the farm to LMA, move Melo to SF. Then snag Asik or Chandler

instant contender

[DirtyDez]

Looney over Kaminsky all day. Very Marion-like with a decent jumper. That body will look spectacular in 2-3 years.

[Mr-Al]

Looney over Kaminsky all day. Very Marion-like with a decent jumper. That body will look spectacular in 2-3 years.

maybe, but that Al-Farouq Aminu comparison he has might be true too, it's all potential I guess

I like him too, Frank is great but his ceiling is way lower than these guys, rather go for them