College basketball and 2017 draft - One more poll after last game

[Weemsickew14]

We have no need for a pg, I'm Really hoping we get Jackson but we are winning so it doesn't seem likely. Taytum is better than Issac but I don't want us to give up on TJ, he has so much potential

[bwgood77]

Obviously, our biggest need is a defensive C for the future. I wonder if Robert Williams can be a 5. He's so good defensively and can switch onto guards.

I'm going to disagree on drafting a center high. The majority of NBA centers (many of whom were drafted quite high) are mediocre and overpayed. I'd rather take a flyer pick late on a senior who had a good career or a left-too-early freshman with physical tools. I'd take Amida Brimah in round 2 over Robert Williams in the top 10.

EDIT: Also, I think Chandler stays and starts next season, we don't re-sign Len, and Williams has been a fairly serviceable bench big. Not saying that we've got the position shored up, but we've got short-term solutions at that spot that we don't need to gamble on a big early.

Ideal rotations for next season:
Bledsoe/Ulis
Booker/DJJr/Barbosa
[Jackson/Tatum/Isaac]/TJ
Chriss/Bender/Dudley
Tyson/Williams/2nd Round Center

don't think this is the draft to go big anyway. Don't know how good you guys expect to be next year but the crop near the top is much better.

Crop of bigs near the top in 18? I know Ayton. Or overall crop near the top this draft?

As for 18. what do you think of Jarrett Allen and Ike Anigbogu? The latter looks like he could end up being a good defensive presence/shot blocker.

[Zelaznyrules]

EDIT: Also, I think Chandler stays and starts next season, we don't re-sign Len, and Williams has been a fairly serviceable bench big. Not saying that we've got the position shored up, but we've got short-term solutions at that spot that we don't need to gamble on a big early.

Ideal rotations for next season:
Bledsoe/Ulis
Booker/DJJr/Barbosa
[Jackson/Tatum/Isaac]/TJ
Chriss/Bender/Dudley
Tyson/Williams/2nd Round Center

I really hope you're wrong. I'm fine with keeping Chandler but he's no better than an average backup big man at this stage of his career. I'm hoping the days of starting players such as Chandler, Tucker and Dudley are soon behind us. I'm okay with saying goodbye to Len and I'm fine with keeping Williams to back up the position. But we need an upgrade at starter or we're in trouble again next year and will once again be plotting our path to a quality draft pick by the time the mid-season trade deadline comes around.

[MrMiyagi]

We have no need for a pg, I'm Really hoping we get Jackson but we are winning so it doesn't seem likely. Taytum is better than Issac but I don't want us to give up on TJ, he has so much potential

It's not giving up on him. It's adding perimeter defense to a team that desperately needs it. TJ might even start next year, but we need perimeter defense, because right now we're banking on Bender and Jones Jr and neither has proven consistency on guarding 3s (and I love me some Bender and DJJr).

I don't get the vibe that this team is petty and selfish. They would love to be a team like Golden State where they ride the hot hand. Adding Jackson/Tatum/Isaac/Anyone else really isn't going to mean someone is out the door. Well, not entirely true, I think Knight and Len are both on their way out, but everyone else is pretty locked in place, IMO.

[Marcus]

I'm going to disagree on drafting a center high. The majority of NBA centers (many of whom were drafted quite high) are mediocre and overpayed. I'd rather take a flyer pick late on a senior who had a good career or a left-too-early freshman with physical tools. I'd take Amida Brimah in round 2 over Robert Williams in the top 10.

EDIT: Also, I think Chandler stays and starts next season, we don't re-sign Len, and Williams has been a fairly serviceable bench big. Not saying that we've got the position shored up, but we've got short-term solutions at that spot that we don't need to gamble on a big early.

Ideal rotations for next season:
Bledsoe/Ulis
Booker/DJJr/Barbosa
[Jackson/Tatum/Isaac]/TJ
Chriss/Bender/Dudley
Tyson/Williams/2nd Round Center

don't think this is the draft to go big anyway. Don't know how good you guys expect to be next year but the crop near the top is much better.

Crop of bigs near the top in 18? I know Ayton. Or overall crop near the top this draft?

As for 18. what do you think of Jarrett Allen and Ike Anigbogu? The latter looks like he could end up being a good defensive presence/shot blocker.

just bigs, my bad. Bigs next year will be better than this year. Ayton, Carter, Bamba, Ike (as you mentioned) should be more refined, if Allen goes back to Texas he's in the mix.

As far as your question. I like the shot blocking of both Allen and Ike. I think Allen gives you more to play with offensively, he'll need to add size. Ike is a genetic lottery winner just needs to add skill to go with that. Not sure how well he develops next year without Lonzo setting table but defensively he's scary wouldn't say he's that far behind Bam at UK and Raw Williams at A&M. A PnR shot blocker that can roll and finish could provide value.

I know his heart was set on OAD but if Bolden decides to go back to Duke and this season scares him into getting his stuff together he could be much better next year. Jefferson will be gone. Jeter and Giles more than likely will be as well. He'll have to share with Carter but there could be enough inside out to make it work with Carter's game being so versatile. I just think Bolden will need to show out to keep up with what Wendell is going to bring to the table.

[MrMiyagi]

EDIT: Also, I think Chandler stays and starts next season, we don't re-sign Len, and Williams has been a fairly serviceable bench big. Not saying that we've got the position shored up, but we've got short-term solutions at that spot that we don't need to gamble on a big early.

Ideal rotations for next season:
Bledsoe/Ulis
Booker/DJJr/Barbosa
[Jackson/Tatum/Isaac]/TJ
Chriss/Bender/Dudley
Tyson/Williams/2nd Round Center

I really hope you're wrong. I'm fine with keeping Chandler but he's no better than an average backup big man at this stage of his career. I'm hoping the days of starting players such as Chandler, Tucker and Dudley are soon behind us. I'm okay with saying goodbye to Len and I'm fine with keeping Williams to back up the position. But we need an upgrade at starter or we're in trouble again next year and will once again be plotting our path to a quality draft pick by the time the mid-season trade deadline comes around.

Look, you're not just going to have studs at every position after one offseason. I think the SF class is vastly superior than the centers this draft, and we have a need for perimeter defense. We address our need for a center in the second round with guys who have done well in college. Maybe we strike gold and land Gobert-Lite with one of our two seconds. Or maybe Bender demonstrates the ability to play the 5 and we start him. I'm all for benching Chandler in favor of a better option, but right now I'm not seeing that better option.

[Weemsickew14]

We have no need for a pg, I'm Really hoping we get Jackson but we are winning so it doesn't seem likely. Taytum is better than Issac but I don't want us to give up on TJ, he has so much potential

It's not giving up on him. It's adding perimeter defense to a team that desperately needs it. TJ might even start next year, but we need perimeter defense, because right now we're banking on Bender and Jones Jr and neither has proven consistency on guarding 3s (and I love me some Bender and DJJr).

I don't get the vibe that this team is petty and selfish. They would love to be a team like Golden State where they ride the hot hand. Adding Jackson/Tatum/Isaac/Anyone else really isn't going to mean someone is out the door. Well, not entirely true, I think Knight and Len are both on their way out, but everyone else is pretty locked in place, IMO.

However, if you draft a player in the top 5 that means you're giving them a lot of playing time. TJ has shown a great improvement on defense all year and if we re-sign him, he will expect to start. We really need to improve our defense and Taytum isn't a pick that'll help that. Issac could be a great defender but I see him more as a stretch 4. There aren't too many defenders for us to pick in the top 6 besides Jackson or Issac. I do like the idea of going with a C late in the draft however. Who else besides Brimah do you like? What do you think about Motley?

[Zelaznyrules]

EDIT: Also, I think Chandler stays and starts next season, we don't re-sign Len, and Williams has been a fairly serviceable bench big. Not saying that we've got the position shored up, but we've got short-term solutions at that spot that we don't need to gamble on a big early.

Ideal rotations for next season:
Bledsoe/Ulis
Booker/DJJr/Barbosa
[Jackson/Tatum/Isaac]/TJ
Chriss/Bender/Dudley
Tyson/Williams/2nd Round Center

I really hope you're wrong. I'm fine with keeping Chandler but he's no better than an average backup big man at this stage of his career. I'm hoping the days of starting players such as Chandler, Tucker and Dudley are soon behind us. I'm okay with saying goodbye to Len and I'm fine with keeping Williams to back up the position. But we need an upgrade at starter or we're in trouble again next year and will once again be plotting our path to a quality draft pick by the time the mid-season trade deadline comes around.

Look, you're not just going to have studs at every position after one offseason. I think the SF class is vastly superior than the centers this draft, and we have a need for perimeter defense. We address our need for a center in the second round with guys who have done well in college. Maybe we strike gold and land Gobert-Lite with one of our two seconds. Or maybe Bender demonstrates the ability to play the 5 and we start him. I'm all for benching Chandler in favor of a better option, but right now I'm not seeing that better option.

I think you're assuming something here. I'm not against drafting a small forward if that's where the talent lies when we pick, I was just arguing against the idea of Chandler starting. I think his presence really limits us on both sides of the ball and if we're going to struggle again I'd much rather struggle with Chriss, Bender, Williams or whoever we can grab in this draft. I'm not a fan of Chandler as a starter at this stage of his career. I'm okay if we keep him as a backup although I'd love a trade too if a reasonable one comes around. But now that you've expounded on your position, we're really not saying anything all that different.

[MrMiyagi]

We have no need for a pg, I'm Really hoping we get Jackson but we are winning so it doesn't seem likely. Taytum is better than Issac but I don't want us to give up on TJ, he has so much potential

It's not giving up on him. It's adding perimeter defense to a team that desperately needs it. TJ might even start next year, but we need perimeter defense, because right now we're banking on Bender and Jones Jr and neither has proven consistency on guarding 3s (and I love me some Bender and DJJr).

I don't get the vibe that this team is petty and selfish. They would love to be a team like Golden State where they ride the hot hand. Adding Jackson/Tatum/Isaac/Anyone else really isn't going to mean someone is out the door. Well, not entirely true, I think Knight and Len are both on their way out, but everyone else is pretty locked in place, IMO.

However, if you draft a player in the top 5 that means you're giving them a lot of playing time. TJ has shown a great improvement on defense all year and if we re-sign him, he will expect to start. We really need to improve our defense and Taytum isn't a pick that'll help that. Issac could be a great defender but I see him more as a stretch 4. There aren't too many defenders for us to pick in the top 6 besides Jackson or Issac. I do like the idea of going with a C late in the draft however. Who else besides Brimah do you like? What do you think about Motley?

True, but I think this group of guys is special. I think they value winning and camaraderie over "getting mine". I mean, who on this team goes around flaunting their money? There are some guys who do that, but I don't see it from anyone on this squad. Not that they don't have nice, expensive things, just that they don't seem exceedingly extravagant. TJ will get a very good contract, he'll get minutes, and I think he'll be happy.

Disagree on Tatum, but to each his own.

Honestly, I haven't done much research into the centers. I've seen UConn play and was impressed by Brimah - not a flawless player, but can block some shots, grab some boards (not a great rebounder by any means, which is a bit of a downer), and finish some lobs. I just feel that there are veteran bigs who can contribute. I mean, centers are a dying breed and those taken high tend not to pan out too well, why not reserve that gamble for later in the draft on guys who have a more refined game?

[darealjuice]

Honestly, I haven't done much research into the centers. I've seen UConn play and was impressed by Brimah - not a flawless player, but can block some shots, grab some boards (not a great rebounder by any means, which is a bit of a downer), and finish some lobs. I just feel that there are veteran bigs who can contribute. I mean, centers are a dying breed and those taken high tend not to pan out too well, why not reserve that gamble for later in the draft on guys who have a more refined game?

Honestly there aren't a lot of centers in this draft projected where we'll be picking. Jarrett Allen is probably my favorite prospect at center for this draft (if he ends up declaring); he's got insane length (6'11" with 7'5" wingspan and 9'3" standing reach), good defensive instincts, solid mobility, smart passer, and decent touch on inside of the 3-point line, but he's going to need to pack on a lot of muscle before he's ready for a lot of playing time at center. Robert Williams is pretty similar to him as a prospect except with some muscle, without a couple inches, and a bit more of a plodder in my eyes. They're interesting projects, but as you said they're a dying breed and there are other projects at center like Jonathan Jeanne that should be available in the second round and are also worth a gamble without sinking a lottery pick.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I don't see adding a SF like Jackson, Isaac, or Tatum being a problem with Warren. The NBA is becoming so positionalless that it's good to have multiple guys 6'7-6'10 that can switch everything. There would be plenty of minutes for both the rookie and Warren as you can play so many different types of lineups.

Plus even though Warren is playing better as of late I'm still not sure he's an absolute starter in this league. Might be better as a scorer on the second unit.

[The-Power]

I don't see adding a SF like Jackson, Isaac, or Tatum being a problem with Warren.

I see Isaac more as a PF long-term anyway and Jackson can easily play the 4 as well against many match-ups. Really hope you guys add Jackson or Isaac. Would absolutely love your team with Booker, Williams (seriously, this guy has been cheering his ass off on the bench - I've already liked him before I saw him playing meaningful minutes and wish him well for that alone), Bender, Chriss and Jackson/Isaac. And of course my man Barbosa plus Chandler. Not only great potential but also likeable fellas I will root for.

[Zelaznyrules]

I don't see adding a SF like Jackson, Isaac, or Tatum being a problem with Warren. The NBA is becoming so positionalless that it's good to have multiple guys 6'7-6'10 that can switch everything. There would be plenty of minutes for both the rookie and Warren as you can play so many different types of lineups.

Plus even though Warren is playing better as of late I'm still not sure he's an absolute starter in this league. Might be better as a scorer on the second unit.

I still envision TJ as a plus starter but I agree with most of this. I don't see any problem with selecting a small forward especially since the ones at the top of the draft all look capable of playing multiple positions which should appease those that still worry about position labels.

[bwgood77]

I don't see adding a SF like Jackson, Isaac, or Tatum being a problem with Warren. The NBA is becoming so positionalless that it's good to have multiple guys 6'7-6'10 that can switch everything. There would be plenty of minutes for both the rookie and Warren as you can play so many different types of lineups.

Plus even though Warren is playing better as of late I'm still not sure he's an absolute starter in this league. Might be better as a scorer on the second unit.

Warren is a solid starter and has been our scoring key for the last stretch of games. People are really overlooking him. He has averaged 17 ppg (along with 6.6 rpg) on 68.4% shooting over the last 5 (6-10, 6-9, 8-11, 8-13, 11-14).

http://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/2982334/tj-warren

It would be nice if he could improve from 3. Had he not attempted any 3s he would be shooting 76% over last 5.

But I think young depth at the 3 would be good. Jackson or Isaac/Tatum off the bench behind him next year and then later competing for starting job would be nice. Depth is always good to have.

[SC923]

I don't see adding a SF like Jackson, Isaac, or Tatum being a problem with Warren. The NBA is becoming so positionalless that it's good to have multiple guys 6'7-6'10 that can switch everything. There would be plenty of minutes for both the rookie and Warren as you can play so many different types of lineups.

Plus even though Warren is playing better as of late I'm still not sure he's an absolute starter in this league. Might be better as a scorer on the second unit.

Agreed, I think guys who can flat out score the ball, like Tj, make for some of the best bench players in the league (Lou Williams, JCrawford, Gordon) I also think hes best off cuts and in the mid range so him playing with Ulis fits his game nicely.

[jcsunsfan]

Developing like this through the draft is tough. You have to decide which young player is THE ONE to develop. Its like OKC trying to decide what to do with Westbrook and Harden. If you are convinced you have the starters you need, then it might be best to trade the pick for a player really needed.

That's what Cleveland did with KJ. They took him 7th even though they already had Mark Price. But they then moved him for Larry Nance. Nance was a solid player for him. In retrospect, it might have been better to keep KJ and trade Price.

[MrMiyagi]

Developing like this through the draft is tough. You have to decide which young player is THE ONE to develop. Its like OKC trying to decide what to do with Westbrook and Harden. If you are convinced you have the starters you need, then it might be best to trade the pick for a player really needed.

That's what Cleveland did with KJ. They took him 7th even though they already had Mark Price. But they then moved him for Larry Nance. Nance was a solid player for him. In retrospect, it might have been better to keep KJ and trade Price.

That's true when you tie up your money in bad contracts, but if we avoid paying Len, get out of the Knight deal, we'll have money to spend on the young guys who'll make a difference without having to sacrifice someone. TJ is the first of our guys we'll re-sign (or at least I hope, because I don't want to throw big money at Len). I think we can convince him he's a big part of the team and that we are trying to build something special. Again, I don't think we have guys who feel the need to be paid the most - not saying they don't want to be paid well, but the camaraderie you see with these guys seems like they genuinely like each other and want to stay together.

EDIT: I mean, if you look around the league, there are so many players stuck in bad situations because they wanted the most money. I think these young guys see it and want to win. I mean, once you're making tens of millions of dollars a year, what is really out there that you need a few million more?

[Christine-In-AZ]

http://www2.kusports.com/news/2017/mar/05/tom-keegan-josh-jackson-gets-point-winning/

He's going to be special. Instant impact and as high of a ceiling as anyone in the draft if his shot continues to improve. I don't know if he'll ever be a PG like that article says, but Bill Self calling him the best passer on a team with the likely NPOY at PG really says something.

Unfortunately we are going to fall from top3. We'll miss JJ and regret it.

Light a candle...say a prayer...recite that trusty incantation...print out the pic, put it on your fridge and watch your wife's The Secret DVD. ....Or hopefully and oh so easily, the Suns brain-trust just sits Bled for 7 or 8 games

[Christine-In-AZ]

Just a wild "what if"

Let say things do continue to go south...er? Is it North? And the Suns end up with the 5th pick. Fultz, Jackson and Ball are gone, but Isaac and/or Tatum are still there. Suns FO aren't terribly enamored with either (or PG Smith), yet the Blazers really want say?..Jonathan Isaac.

Draft day the Blazers have the 11th, 20th and 27th pick.

Blazers offer #11 and #20 for the Suns #5 and #35 or maybe more likely Suns '18 1st round lottery+ protected. In this hypothetical, the Suns like Ntilikina and think he'll still be there at 11, and are also hopeful that (declared) Anunoby is there at 20. They do the trade and come away with Ntilikina & Anunoby in this draft.

Kid Ntilikina can grow without pressure with Bledsoe & Ulis holding down PG duties quite nicely. Bledsoe can be moved eventually when/if Ntilikina grows into the role.

Anunoby can be a future plus 3 and D talent that need not be rushed at all. ACL? Yeah, some risk, but reward could be great.

Yes it's far-fetched and silly specific, but like to hear opinions still...or simply opinions of Ntilikina & Anunoby as prospects for the Phoenix team construction plans.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

Just a wild "what if"

Let say things do continue to go south...er? Is it North? And the Suns end up with the 5th pick. Fultz, Jackson and Ball are gone, but Isaac and/or Tatum are still there. Suns FO aren't terribly enamored with either (or PG Smith), yet the Blazers really want say?..Jonathan Isaac.

Draft day the Blazers have the 11th, 20th and 27th pick.

Blazers offer #11 and #20 for the Suns #5 and #35 or maybe more likely Suns '18 1st round lottery+ protected. In this hypothetical, the Suns like Ntilikina and think he'll still be there at 11, and are also hopeful that (declared) Anunoby is there at 20. They do the trade and come away with Ntilikina & Anunoby in this draft.

Kid Ntilikina can grow without pressure with Bledsoe & Ulis holding down PG duties quite nicely. Bledsoe can be moved eventually when/if Ntilikina grows into the role.

Anunoby can be a future plus 3 and D talent that need not be rushed at all. ACL? Yeah, some risk, but reward could be great.

Yes it's far-fetched and silly specific, but like to hear opinions still...or simply opinions of Ntilikina & Anunoby as prospects for the Phoenix team construction plans.

The last thing I want is multiple firsts in next year's draft. Take one guy - a center or maybe a shooting guard - or trade for future picks. If other GMs think this draft is amazing, let them give up a couple unprotected firsts, or one in exchange for moving up. We just don't have the room to stick a bunch of additional young players on this roster.