2019 Draft Discussion - Suns with 6th pick!

[kennydorglas]

I'm running numbers for all combine participants. WHEW.
That's all I can say.

[Crives]

I would like to see us try to move 6 for smart

[Crives]

Remember, these lottery odds really hurt this summer, but they could really help next year if we are a sub 40 win team.

We can still get the 2nd best player in the draft at 6

[WeekapaugGroove]

I’m with you. I have Barrett over Morant by a decent margin.

I don't think there's even a remote chance that Memphis will pass on Morant for Barrett honestly. They have a chance a a potential star point guard, So that they can also flip Conley whilst he's at his highest value vs. Keeping him?
Fairly easy choice.

How is his value at its highest when teams desperate for a lead PG like us don't want to touch him and his "awful contract"?

Given they lose their pick next season, and they have a very capable PG rotation (Conley and Delon Wright) and likely PF and C locked up with JJJ and Jonas, a high potential wing makes far and away the most sense.

All the more while you have an experienced, loyal veteran PG to develop them.

Speaking of Memphis if they do take Ja and Kyrie leaves Boston they should call up the Celtics and offer them Conley for their pick back and heyward. Makes some sense for both sides. Boston still competes with Conley and moves the Heyward contact. Memphis can rebuild without that pick hanging over their head and heyward would be a decent flyer who if he got right could be a trade chip, if not no big deal he comes off the books in two years when they are hopefully ready to start the upswing.

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[Blonde]

I would like to see us try to move 6 for smart

I think that would be a really terrible move tbh. I like Smart but he’s not worth that. I’d rather take our chances on Culver/Garland/Clarke.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Didn't think you were part of the conspiracy crew too

The problem is you can ALWAYS create a story or narrative around why something happens. Always. Why did the Suns get Ayton last year? Oh it's to keep us away from Zion. Why give the smallest market in the league the most marketable player since Lebron? Uhhh....because....it makes them a slightly bigger market? It would make so much more sense to give that pick to the Knicks and the odds were already in their favor.

You can literally create a narrative around anything to make it look like a conspiracy.



C'mon Ghost, you're better than that.

It's not even that we fell to 6th man that gets me honestly. It's just that it's obvious to me, even though not that obvious to others, because it's always the big market money making teams like the Lakers that miraculously get bailed out in the draft.

You know it's hard enough for small market teams trying to compete in free agency against much bigger markets.

But to change the draft rules ( by the league office) to try and mask their intent to control where the top prospects go, in order to influence and maintain marketing profits and tv revenue for bigger markets continually is disengenous, and unethical as a business model.

But i do understand, in that's what it's all about, Marketing and profits.

And honestly, The media was making it far too obvious about Zion. So of course the league isn't going to make it so blatantly obvious as to give New York Zion.

The Lakers needed the Pels to get Zion, in order for the Pels to be more open to finally trading Davis to LA.

And New York still got Barrett, as they already new that Durant was intent on signing there. So having in having Durant/ and Barrett and another max spot, they could easily still get Kemba too.

Both big Markets gets advanced.

Memphis was just placed in the top 3, as compensation for being willing to move Conley. Most likely to Boston.

To help them also remain relevant. And also in rebuilding from moving Conley, ensures that Boston will likely get a top 3 pick from Memphis, that they can use on Wiseman( The next Anthony Davis) and rebuild super fast.

Bottom line, this was set up by the league to get the Lakers/ Davis deal done. And to compensate the Pels for the whole fiasco too.

It's basically the league realizing that their favorite money making franchise is in total disarray currently.

And No big names are wanting to come there. So they're once again bailing them out with Davis. To help get their top money making market back on track.

Just good business. Just wait till the draft and see if I'm right???.........As for us getting Ayton, two things:

First, Ayton to Phoenix was a feel good marketing story for the league with him being from Phoenix.

Second, The Flakers were still heavily favored ( expected) to be getting Davis at that time, along with other big names too back then.

So the league wasn't needing to intervene on their behalf.

It's only after they both botched the Davis trade and fell out of the playoffs that they ONCE AGAIN miraculously defied the odds to rise back up to the top end of the lottery. ( Why not one of the Hawks/ Wizards/ Timberwolves honestly???)

Simple, Because they're not the Big market Lakers!

The league positioning the exact team that needs compensation in order to consider trading Davis sooner than July being the Pels.

Now in getting Zion, exactly the perfect prospect that would cushion them in exchange for being willing to move Davis, along with the Lakers getting a top 4 pick too( added sweetener for the trade!)

Is setting them up perfectly for the Davis trade to finally go through.

The NBA, as a multi- billion dollar business entity isn't going to realistically leave anything this marketable up to chance.

So much wrong in this. I don't know where to start.

You tried. I'll give you that but learn about Memphis/Boston protections first.

I like that you can disagree so vehemently, But can't offer valid reasons for your opinion.

And honestly, what's so hard to understand that in having Morant, and thusly moving Conley and rebuilding.....That they most certainly be in the lottery, and if Wiseman ends up in the 2021 draft instead of 2020, then having an unprotected 2021 lotto pick, would obviously give them a great chance at him.

But even If the pick falls outside of the top 6 in 2020, They'll still get a high potential lottery player in that draft either way.

The point is in that with Memphis moving Conley, Due to being able to rebuild with Morant, it benefits Boston with another lotto pick in a much better draft.

But thanks for your opinion and triggered response.

[Young gun 6]

I know a few on here want Clarke. I’ve seen him on two mocks at 18 and 24.

If that’s who we are wanting surely we trade down and pick up some assets instead of reaching at 6.

[Crives]

I know a few on here want Clarke. I’ve seen him on two mocks at 18 and 24.

If that’s who we are wanting surely we trade down and pick up some assets instead of reaching at 6.

I don’t think he’s a reach at 6. I think he could be 2nd best player in this draft if he improves his shot.

[Crives]

I would like to see us try to move 6 for smart

I think that would be a really terrible move tbh. I like Smart but he’s not worth that. I’d rather take our chances on Culver/Garland/Clarke.

Maybe.. I feel it’s going to be a lot tougher to land our pg now..

[KLEON]

George Hill

[Wilber85]

Stay away from Culver and Clarke

We need to trade the pick.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I’m with you. I have Barrett over Morant by a decent margin.

I don't think there's even a remote chance that Memphis will pass on Morant for Barrett honestly. They have a chance a a potential star point guard, So that they can also flip Conley whilst he's at his highest value vs. Keeping him?
Fairly easy choice.

How is his value at its highest when teams desperate for a lead PG like us don't want to touch him and his "awful contract"?

Given they lose their pick next season, and they have a very capable PG rotation (Conley and Delon Wright) and likely PF and C locked up with JJJ and Jonas, a high potential wing makes far and away the most sense.

All the more while you have an experienced, loyal veteran PG to develop them.

Agree to disagree, They only lose their pick, If it falls outside the top 6 in 2020, and unprotected in 2021.


Ummmhhh I don't know, Maybe because he's been putting up near all star numbers, and managed to play close to 70 games. And is still a veteran proven all star caliber guard???

Also I wouldn't say that we wouldn't have interest in him, If I'm wrong, that's cool though, show me where the suns have said that they "wouldn't touch him" ??? Or don't have any interest in him.

But again, I guess we'll just have to see where there value lies.....well see who they'll prefer at the draft huh?...lol

[AtheJ415]

I would like to see us try to move 6 for smart

That would be very not smart imo.

[AtheJ415]

I know a few on here want Clarke. I’ve seen him on two mocks at 18 and 24.

If that’s who we are wanting surely we trade down and pick up some assets instead of reaching at 6.

That works in football but less so in basketball. All it takes is 1 team to lose him and there aren't a ton of rounds and players so you don't have a ton of things to trade with. Most teams value their pick over moving down.

IIIRC Clarke has a higher PER in college this season that only Zion and Anthony Davis have accomplished before.

He's also a freak athlete so while older, his ceiling is as high as any non-Zion / Morant player in this draft. He has to fix his shot, but frankly if that wasn't an issue he'd be going #2.

I don't mind trading the pick for the right player, but Clarke is a defensive monster and I don't think we'll be getting any PF as good defensively as him in FA since Klieber will stay. I'd rather just take him. He can help us win now. Sign a PG or use the Bucks pick to get one. Don't reach for a bad PG with Clarke on the table. I'd only risk moving down maybe 1 spot or 2 to get more assets, and I'd have to be certain he'd still be there.

[bwoolf2]

I would like to see us try to move 6 for smart

I think that would be a really terrible move tbh. I like Smart but he’s not worth that. I’d rather take our chances on Culver/Garland/Clarke.

not only that but Boston already has more 1st round picks than they know what to do with, why would they want another in a mediocre draft

[Frank Lee]

Is there a better point guard than Conley for Ja to play behind? Groom him for a year, then deal MC when he’s an expiring.
That’s what I’d do.

We need to stay far away from that 70 million 32 yr old. We are not that desperate..,. Or foolish

[Ghost of Kleine]

I don't think there's even a remote chance that Memphis will pass on Morant for Barrett honestly. They have a chance a a potential star point guard, So that they can also flip Conley whilst he's at his highest value vs. Keeping him?
Fairly easy choice.

How is his value at its highest when teams desperate for a lead PG like us don't want to touch him and his "awful contract"?

Given they lose their pick next season, and they have a very capable PG rotation (Conley and Delon Wright) and likely PF and C locked up with JJJ and Jonas, a high potential wing makes far and away the most sense.

All the more while you have an experienced, loyal veteran PG to develop them.

Speaking of Memphis if they do take Ja and Kyrie leaves Boston they should call up the Celtics and offer them Conley for their pick back and heyward. Makes some sense for both sides. Boston still competes with Conley and moves the Heyward contact. Memphis can rebuild without that pick hanging over their head and heyward would be a decent flyer who if he got right could be a trade chip, if not no big deal he comes off the books in two years when they are hopefully ready to start the upswing.

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This is a great point!
Which is one of the reasons why I see it happening. Also, there's the consideration in that trading for their pick back,

They also can have a shot at James Wiseman ( the next Davis) who also happens to be from Tennessee.


Has chosen to go to Memphis, And will be coached by Penny Hardaway ( who is also from Memphis).

And may declare for the 2020 draft class possibly. Then they may ask Penny to come coach for them too. Having both Morant and Wiseman, would be huge for them.

And with Boston likely to lose Irving, Conley would be a great get for them too. ( For the reasons that you mentioned).

[Qwigglez]

It's hard to think the Draft Lottery is rigged. If it was, it would have made the most sense to just give the Knicks Zion since they had the worst record in the league. I think it was mentioned last year that the Knicks have never moved up in the draft only stayed in place or moved down, and if true, it continues this year, where they move down two spots.
The Lakers getting lucky is just typical Lakers luck. But like some others have mentioned I feel picks 2-6 talent wise are about the same. With the way the new rookie salaries work, we save a bit of cap room drafting at No 6 then drafting at No 2.

[lilfishi22]

Nothing in a multi billion dollar business entity is really left to chance!...Obviously.

Again, This was why the league office changed the Lottery format.

Not to honestly curb tanking, as much as to give the perception that the bigger markets moving up is only mere chance, and not an arranged decision.

Just consider,

The Pels get Zion.( As a prearranged compensation for them being willing to move Davis to the Lakers this summer). Thus also once again helping out Lebron and the league's favorite "Darling Franchise " and largest money making market!

Memphis moves to 2- Gets Ja ( as pre arranged compensation for moving Conley to Boston). Wherein the league helps them remain relevant, as they already know that Irving intends to join Lebron and Davis on the Lakers.

Bailing them out from their dysfunction and giving them a big 3.

New York still gets the 3rd pick to put Barrett in New York with Durant and Kemba Walker.

The Lakers miraculously land at pick 4 ( because gifting them Zion would've just been to blatantly obvious).And they'll draft Garland and then trade him to the Pels in the deal for Davis, as a sweetener.

The Cavs and Chicago were strategically placed after the Lakers, because they both had interest in Garland as well.

But the Lakers needed to get him, as the Pels could then keep Jrue at shooting guard (his preference) and creates quite a nice core for them . Again as compensation for gifting the Flakers Davis.

We just have to accept it, and now create a contingency plan honestly.

Didn't think you were part of the conspiracy crew too

The problem is you can ALWAYS create a story or narrative around why something happens. Always. Why did the Suns get Ayton last year? Oh it's to keep us away from Zion. Why give the smallest market in the league the most marketable player since Lebron? Uhhh....because....it makes them a slightly bigger market? It would make so much more sense to give that pick to the Knicks and the odds were already in their favor.

You can literally create a narrative around anything to make it look like a conspiracy.



C'mon Ghost, you're better than that.

It's not even that we fell to 6th man that gets me honestly. It's just that it's obvious to me, even though not that obvious to others, because it's always the big market money making teams like the Lakers that miraculously get bailed out in the draft.

You know it's hard enough for small market teams trying to compete in free agency against much bigger markets.

But to change the draft rules ( by the league office) to try and mask their intent to control where the top prospects go, in order to influence and maintain marketing profits and tv revenue for bigger markets continually is disengenous, and unethical as a business model.

But i do understand, in that's what it's all about, Marketing and profits.

And honestly, The media was making it far too obvious about Zion. So of course the league isn't going to make it so blatantly obvious as to give New York Zion.

The Lakers needed the Pels to get Zion, in order for the Pels to be more open to finally trading Davis to LA.

And New York still got Barrett, as they already new that Durant was intent on signing there. So having in having Durant/ and Barrett and another max spot, they could easily still get Kemba too.

Both big Markets gets advanced.

Memphis was just placed in the top 3, as compensation for being willing to move Conley. Most likely to Boston.

To help them also remain relevant. And also in rebuilding from moving Conley, ensures that Boston will likely get a top 3 pick from Memphis, that they can use on Wiseman( The next Anthony Davis) and rebuild super fast.

Bottom line, this was set up by the league to get the Lakers/ Davis deal done. And to compensate the Pels for the whole fiasco too.

It's basically the league realizing that their favorite money making franchise is in total disarray currently.

And No big names are wanting to come there. So they're once again bailing them out with Davis. To help get their top money making market back on track.

Just good business. Just wait till the draft and see if I'm right???.........As for us getting Ayton, two things:

First, Ayton to Phoenix was a feel good marketing story for the league with him being from Phoenix.

Second, The Flakers were still heavily favored ( expected) to be getting Davis at that time, along with other big names too back then.

So the league wasn't needing to intervene on their behalf.

It's only after they both botched the Davis trade and fell out of the playoffs that they ONCE AGAIN miraculously defied the odds to rise back up to the top end of the lottery. ( Why not one of the Hawks/ Wizards/ Timberwolves honestly???)

Simple, Because they're not the Big market Lakers!

The league positioning the exact team that needs compensation in order to consider trading Davis sooner than July being the Pels.

Now in getting Zion, exactly the perfect prospect that would cushion them in exchange for being willing to move Davis, along with the Lakers getting a top 4 pick too( added sweetener for the trade!)

Is setting them up perfectly for the Davis trade to finally go through.

The NBA, as a multi- billion dollar business entity isn't going to realistically leave anything this marketable up to chance.

Again, you can literally write anything (with zero actual evidence) to fit a narrative you want to project.

The phrase 'defying odds' doesn't mean there was human intervention. Odds are defied on a daily basis. Someone mentioned the Lakers had like a 2-3% chance of moving up to the top 4, they did it. It's crazy and I'm sure it makes you feel better to know it wasn't just dumb luck but something more sinister occurred for it to happen but the chances of them winning is a hell of a lot higher than those stories of people who rarely play the lottery, picks up a lotto ticket and somehow wins hundreds of millions of dollars. It happens and just because there's a low chance of it happening doesn't mean something sinister or planned had to have occurred for it to take place.

Seriously it's ridiculous. Let's say the draft went like this

#1 Bulls - In need of a true star (like most lotto teams), have a good core, is a big market that suits Zion
#2 Cavs - "too obvious" to give them the #1 pick since they got the #1 pick the last time Lebron left so #2 is what they get. RJ has star potential in him and Cleveland needs stars.
#3 Suns - Suns couldn't get the #1 pick because we already won it (even though statistically, it's irrelevant) last year and it would obvious be a rig job if we got two #1 picks in a row and Morant is the perfect fit. Even though the league hates Sarver, the NBA still wants to revitalize the image of the once glorious Suns and it's also good for the league.
#4 Knicks - They slide out of the top 3 but since they are moving the pick anyway for stars, the NBA gives them just enough to do a S&T for a Kemba or Kyrie
#5 Mavs (keep their pick) - Helps another mid-large market continue adding to their core but also give them S&T options whereas they wouldn't have a pick otherwise. Clear rig job after lucking into a Luka trade last season and since KP is a question market with his injury and off-court issues, the NBA is just giving them an extra helping hand.

Give me literally any team, where they land on arbitrary spot in the draft and I'll make up a story that involves conspiracies, the NBA, lottery rigging and I'll even throw in the Illuminati to spice it up and REALLY give it some legs

[lilfishi22]

It's hard to think the Draft Lottery is rigged. If it was, it would have made the most sense to just give the Knicks Zion since they had the worst record in the league. I think it was mentioned last year that the Knicks have never moved up in the draft only stayed in place or moved down, and if true, it continues this year, where they move down two spots.
The Lakers getting lucky is just typical Lakers luck. But like some others have mentioned I feel picks 2-6 talent wise are about the same. With the way the new rookie salaries work, we save a bit of cap room drafting at No 6 then drafting at No 2.

Yeah but conspiracies, the NBA and big markets though