RealGM

If the Suns don't draft Luka or a PG with their pick what is their route for the position next season?

Here's the thing in looking at data, Booker and Chriss were the best on court tandem (only -3.6) and you want to help propel that momentum. Booker isn't a 1, as his turnover rate was high in units and he's proven far more efficient with a lower USG. Finally, who are the remaining choices at the 1?

Ulis isn't a viable starter. His units are weaker defensively. Payton? Will he be retained? He had some strong offensive showing when he played, but the shooting of his units were poor.

So what are we left with? I would consider utilizing Jackson at the 1.

Jackson played better when his USG was higher. He has shown strong abilities in transition to make great passing decisions. And has further developed his penetrating game and outside shot.

The Suns could roll with Jackson/Booker/Dudley/Chriss/Draft Pick (assuming a big). They could then throw Warren as 6th man with Bender, Ulis off that bench.

Such a rotation has solid depth, but starts with unreal athletic ability, tremendous D and rebounding. Dudley is added in there for better spacing while still maintaining size.

While the unit looks un-orthodox, we have seen successes obviously with Philly and Washington (Tomas) having non traditional PGs who were big at the 1.

Josh can pass well for a wing and defend opponent PGs, but it is far-fetched, for now, to assume he would handle full time playmaking duties. Specially before he develops a more consistent outside shot, as defenders would just guard him from a distance.

No.

/thread

I'm not quite sure what our point guard position will look like if we don't draft one this year, but I'd pretty much guarantee it won't be Josh. I'm a big believer in his playmaking, but I don't think he's going to be on the level that Simmons is. He'll be a very good second/third playmaker with Booker though.

Nah.... he could, but he wouldn’t be at his best.

No. He doesn't have the handle. It would be a really bad use of him and stunt his development.

Knight will probably be our opening night starting PG.

Knight
Booker
Jackson
Ayton
Bender

he can defend them.... best out of the Suns roster anyways


but offensively, he's more of a point forward at best... he can pass but he's missing true PG instincts of dribbling under pressure while setting someone up

Not a bad idea.

Jackson needs more experience, better handles and change a little bit his mentality (he looks too much to score) but I can see him playing PG in the future if that is needed for sure.

Iguodala has been playing PG in the last few games for GSW and he is a similar player.

But Dudley as starting SF is crazy IMO. He is really slow, he can not play that position anymore. Probably he can play a few minutes there in the second unit, but he can not defend starting SFs.

No, he turns it over more than he assists.

I used to think that he could, but this was before he ever played an NBA Game. Watching him now, I just don't see it. He can run the fast break just fine, but he would be lost running a half court set. It's just not his game.

He's got good court vision and passing skills, for a wing. For a PG, he's well below average. Rather have Booker there if we must

No, he doesn't have the handle. It would be a turnover waiting to happen, when other teams would aggressively trap him. Seeing how much a guy like Oladipo was in trouble against Cavs trapping, JJ wouldn't stand a chance in the long run.

How about using the 16th pick to acquire said PG, but still make that player have some size who can help pace the unit. What about 16th pick for Tomas Satornsky?

I kind of like him next to Booker, and helping maintain pace and movement for a 1st unit.

eitanr wrote:How about using the 16th pick to acquire said PG, but still make that player have some size who can help pace the unit. What about 16th pick for Tomas Satornsky?

I kind of like him next to Booker, and helping maintain pace and movement for a 1st unit.

Thread derail!

I actually like the idea a bit, but maybe move it to the off season thread?

eitanr wrote:How about using the 16th pick to acquire said PG, but still make that player have some size who can help pace the unit. What about 16th pick for Tomas Satornsky?

I kind of like him next to Booker, and helping maintain pace and movement for a 1st unit.

Oh heavens no.

16 in this draft is still a solid player, not giving that up for a career back up.

TOO wrote:

eitanr wrote:How about using the 16th pick to acquire said PG, but still make that player have some size who can help pace the unit. What about 16th pick for Tomas Satornsky?

I kind of like him next to Booker, and helping maintain pace and movement for a 1st unit.

Oh heavens no.

16 in this draft is still a solid player, not giving that up for a career back up.

Sato put up really good #s when starting for John Wall. To dismiss him as a career back up is silly considering many of the guys being discussed like Smart, FVV, McConnell etc have all been backups for all of their NBA careers thus far.

I don't like his handles for it. If he improves on it significantly then maybe.