2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watch - Revised Poll

[Kerrsed]

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Thats a great article on Terry, and i have to admit that this read has me moving him up my charts.

[WeekapaugGroove]

Not a big fan of Kira Lewis. He's a tweener that would be abused on the defensive end. I don't see him as a starting PG in the NBA.

He's probably like a Jason Terry. Tyrell Terry too. Depending on who is available I'd prefer trying to trade down with Boston to get 14 and 26 and take Bane who has the defense, phenomenal shooting, better size, great passer and set up guy, and can play with Book or Rubio and then take a backup big at 26 or possibly a backup PG if a good one falls and sign a cheap backup big with cap money or an exception.

Yeah, Terry isn't a bad comparison. I don't see the De'Aaron Fox comparisons. Lewis is quick but Fox is unreal. Fox was much better at getting into the paint and to the line in college. I think he's a better playmaker and definitely has a better handle as well. Lewis is obviously a better shooter though.

But until he gains 20-25lbs, he'd just switched onto constantly on defense, so it wouldn't make sense to start him.

He's supposedly already added like 10-15 lbs since last season. Even though he's a sophomore he's very young so will probably fill out even more.

Terry is a decent comp and if that's the outcome I'd be thrilled because Terry had a really nice career and would probably have been even better in today's NBA.



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[Ghost of Kleine]

98.7 Arizona Sports (@AZSports) Tweeted:
A look at the latest scuttlebutt around the NBA as it pertains to the #Suns picking No. 10 overall.
https://t.co/igZDkXxyMG

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?s=20

[Frank Lee]

Why does drafting Lewis or Terry feels like drafting Rod Foster ?

May be there has been too much draft info to process, but I rate 4-5 guards ahead of them now. I don’t think we’d pass up Haliburton, Ball, or Hayes for them (likely gone anyway) ... and I lean to Riller and Anthony next. I guess what I’m saying is I put them in the 2nd tier of PGs. I think I’d rather see us draft a 1st tier wing. Then go FA if we absolutely have to have a PG. So does this pick come down to the BPA or a need? My assumption there will be BPA-ers than the ‘Foster kids’. Even if ‘a need’, seems bigger the better is the way forward. The wheels have to be spinning in the war room. Without the internal knowledge of what the intentions are for Oob... it’s virtually impossible to see any clear path.

Hey GoK.... have you broke down Okoro lately? I’m kind of warming up to adding a baddazz defender. We still have to deal with Bron, 5-6 hard scoring guards, and Zion. Scoring won’t be our problem. Those guys will be.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Why does drafting Lewis or Terry feels like drafting Rod Foster ?

May be there has been too much draft info to process, but I rate 4-5 guards ahead of them now. I don’t think we’d pass up Haliburton, Ball, or Hayes for them (likely gone anyway) ... and I lean to Riller and Anthony next. I guess what I’m saying is I put them in the 2nd tier of PGs. I think I’d rather see us draft a 1st tier wing. Then go FA if we absolutely have to have a PG. So does this pick come down to the BPA or a need? My assumption there will be BPA-ers than the ‘Foster kids’. Even if ‘a need’, seems bigger the better is the way forward. The wheels have to be spinning in the war room. Without the internal knowledge of what the intentions are for Oob... it’s virtually impossible to see any clear path.

Hey GoK.... have you broke down Okoro lately? I’m kind of warming up to adding a baddazz defender. We still have to deal with Bron, 5-6 hard scoring guards, and Zion. Scoring won’t be our problem. Those guys will be.

Rillers' a great option man. As for Okoro, He's pretty equal actually to Vassell in terms of defensive value and projected upside. Only differences being Okoro is an elite on ball " point of attack " defender. And Vassell is widely viewed more as an elite disruptive off ball defender. Both Okoro and Vassell are high energy, constant tenacity, And both have very elite work ethics.

For Okoro, The primary concern is his shooting efficiency and mechanics. But his form doesn't really look broken, So the potential is there. He gets the Jimmy Butler comparison often for his strength, and relentless drives to the hoop. I see his median floor as being Justice Winslow with a modicum of Gerald Wallace utility defense and athleticism. Even though his shooting is a concern in today's NBA, It's important to remember that elite lockdown defenders like Okoro who fits the Jimmy Butler/ OG Anunoby mold still play a crucial role in swinging the momentum of games with their elite defensive plays they make.

Okoro would actually be really solid as a defensive playmaker alongside of Booker because of Booker's elite perimeter and Iso scoring ability. Also it would give him a huge advantage to surrounded by shooters, As he's very strong and nearly unstoppable when going downhill and driving to the hoop. Again, The only big concern is his shooting. Here's some info to reference for him:

https://www.thestepien.com/2020/02/17/isaac-okoro-scouting-report-2/

Watch on YouTube

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.brightsideofthesun.com/platform/amp/2020/9/19/21444878/phoenix-suns-2020-nba-draft-spotlight-isaac-okoro

https://valleyofthesuns.com/2020/08/18/draft-forward-prospects-phoenix-suns/amp/

Draft Talk: How Patrick Williams and Issac Okoro fit in with the Suns.

by Corban Ford11w ago

Watch on YouTube

For what it's worth, I believe that he's not in there top 3, But I do agree that he'd be an awesome defensive compliment to Booker. I'd also love to see him play alongside of Kennard too IF there was a way to swing that deal and still get them both. Otherwise, Should we pass on either Okoro or Vassell for a scoring guard. Then I'd look to the next best elite wing defender in Tyler Bey. He's actually really underrated. And only 2nd really to Vassell as an elite disruptive off ball defender.

[lilfishi22]

9 days out, still haven't gotten around to looking into the prospects in depth yet.

Where should I start?

[Ghost of Kleine]

9 days out, still haven't gotten around to looking into the prospects in depth yet.

Where should I start?

Just an opinion of course, But I'd start with the prospects in the poll ( Kira Lewis, Desmond Bane, and Tyrell Terry) only because those three are the prospects that we actually have reports of Jones and the front office showing interest in. Also, I'd look at the prospects most frequently mentioned to be in our range from say 10- 14 or so, And see which of those prospects best check the boxes outlined by James Jones himself with interest in high IQ, versatile players that are really good shooters, and can make plays for themselves and others.Whether that's a backcourt or a frontcourt player. Versatile defense, And players that possess an elite nba skill, And can demonstrate that consistently.

- Kira Lewis
Elite speed and penetration ability.

- Desmond Bane
Elite 3 pt shooting and versatile defense with solid playmaking too.

- Tyrell Terry
Elite perimeter shooter with limitless range. Underrated playmaking, And IMMENSELY HIGH ELITE basketball IQ.

Basically players that fit in James Jones 0.5 offensive scheme?

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.brightsideofthesun.com/platform/amp/2020/8/22/21396633/james-jones-still-looking-for-mature-high-bball-iq-prospects-at-no-10-in-the-2020-nba-draft

James Jones still looking for mature, high bball IQ prospects in the 2020 Draft. Focusing on the young talent at hand, James Jones gives his thoughts on how the Suns will move forward into the off-season.Aug 22, 2020

All those things require a guys that can think on their feet. Guys that have great ball skills. Not necessarily great ball handing skills, but knowing how to move their body and how to move the ball and how to share the game. It takes a level of basketball IQ and maturity.”

Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) Tweeted:
Full quote from James Jones on this year's NBA Draft for the Suns: https://t.co/EYea9PSv4m

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?s=20

And finally, consider the best value options for prospects that check those boxes in a potential trade back range? But definitely start with those 3 prospects above all.

[DirtyDez]

Nesmith would be an awful pick but I thought the same about Cam in real time. I still think it’s Saddiq Bey if Halliburton is gone. Fits the winner/experienced criteria and might have the ability to be a stretch four in 2-3 years.

[sunsbum]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

[Saberestar]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

I get the comparison, not bad, but Marion was such a unique player. Just comparing his college stats you can find a big difference between them...

Marion in his lone season at UNLV he averaged 18.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.9 blocks. AMAZING.

Bey in his freshman season was a bench player at Colorado. Then in the next couple of years he got the starting role and he averaged solid numbers as a PF, but nothing special to talk about it. In his junior year 13.8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks.

[sunsbum]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

I get the comparison, not bad, but Marion was such a unique player. Just comparing his college stats you can find a big difference between them...

Marion in his lone season at UNLV he averaged 18.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.9 blocks. AMAZING.

Bey in his freshman season was a bench player at Colorado. Then in the next couple of years he got the starting role and he averaged solid numbers as a PF, but nothing special to talk about it. In his junior year 13.8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks.

Eh, I wouldn't call it it nothing to talk about. Is he shawn marion 2.0? Who knows. Does he pass MY personal eye test for a modern day run and gun powerforward? sure. I'd take a flyer if we had a 20 pick. But then again I liked ty jerome. I'm just a guy after all.

[Biff]

He's probably like a Jason Terry. Tyrell Terry too. Depending on who is available I'd prefer trying to trade down with Boston to get 14 and 26 and take Bane who has the defense, phenomenal shooting, better size, great passer and set up guy, and can play with Book or Rubio and then take a backup big at 26 or possibly a backup PG if a good one falls and sign a cheap backup big with cap money or an exception.

Yeah, Terry isn't a bad comparison. I don't see the De'Aaron Fox comparisons. Lewis is quick but Fox is unreal. Fox was much better at getting into the paint and to the line in college. I think he's a better playmaker and definitely has a better handle as well. Lewis is obviously a better shooter though.

But until he gains 20-25lbs, he'd just switched onto constantly on defense, so it wouldn't make sense to start him.

He's supposedly already added like 10-15 lbs since last season. Even though he's a sophomore he's very young so will probably fill out even more.

Terry is a decent comp and if that's the outcome I'd be thrilled because Terry had a really nice career and would probably have been even better in today's NBA.



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Well that's good news then. 6'3" and 165lbs is just crazy skinny. He really needs to be about 190lbs in order to handle the physicality of the NBA game. Nash was the same height but 195lbs in his prime.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

Actually it's funny you say that, Because I have been mentioning him for awhile now. And had made the Marion comparison awhile back. And I'm not McD and others have said I might need to temper such comparisons a bit, As they feel that I might be getting carried away in that aspect of my evaluations. But I'm still very high on him, And strongly endorse trading back for an additional pick, to add him to our frontcourt as he's an statistical Monster. And I believe that he'd be an elite disruptive multipositional defensive playmaker for us. I still prefer trading the 10th pick to Boston ( If available) for Lewis or Bane or Terry at 14, And then Tyler Bey at 26.

So if we go with a point guard first, I strongly endorse grabbing Bey with the secondary pick.

[LV-Suns]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

I get the comparison, not bad, but Marion was such a unique player. Just comparing his college stats you can find a big difference between them...

Marion in his lone season at UNLV he averaged 18.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.5 steals and 1.9 blocks. AMAZING.

Bey in his freshman season was a bench player at Colorado. Then in the next couple of years he got the starting role and he averaged solid numbers as a PF, but nothing special to talk about it. In his junior year 13.8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.2 blocks.

Shawn Marion also played a few seasons at a junior college before transferring to UNLV. So he was technically a junior.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2020/11/10/21557663/five-potential-2nd-round-targets-2020-nba-draft-phoenix-suns

Five Potential 2nd Round Targets for the Phoenix Suns

The Suns do not own a 2nd round pick at the moment, but with what figures to be a wildly active draft night it’s worth covering some names that could make sense just in case.

By Zona Sports  Nov 10, 2020, 6:00am MST

@AZSportsZone


The Targets:

1. Grant Riller-
PG, Charleston (ESPN rank: 39th)

Riller is someone I am exactly 21 spots higher than on my board than ESPN is, as he’s well within my top 20 and someone I believe will be a positive contributor from day one. His combination of burst, explosiveness and finishing ability makes him an intriguing flamethrower off the bench.

The bottom line with him is that he can flat out score the basketball in a variety of ways. He averaged 21-5-4 on a .601 TS% in 31 games last season. There were only 3 players in the entire NCAA last year to post a BPM of 7 or higher, a TS% of 60 or higher and an AST% of 30 or higher: Tyrese Haliburton, Payton Pritchard and Grant Riller.

2. Malachi Flynn-
PG, San Diego St. (ESPN rank: 31st)

Flynn, like Riller, is someone that is a bit older and projects to be an impact guy from day one. His shot-making and self creation would really give the Suns’ second unit a much needed boost. He led one of the best offenses (and teams) in the country last season at San Diego State, averaging 17.6 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.5 RPG and 1.8 SPG on 44/37/86 shooting splits.

While there are physical limitations with him (size, lack of athleticism) and he is on the older side, he projects (to me) as a potential elite backup point guard or low-end starter with the ability to swing a game off the bench with his scoring ability off the bounce. If Phoenix wants to find a point guard that can create for himself and others later in the draft, Flynn is the guy.

3. Killian Tille-
PF/C, Gonzaga (ESPN rank: 54th)

Tillie is legitimately a perfect big for Monty Williams’ offensive system and would give them the dynamic they were hoping Frank Kaminsky would bring as a floor-spacing big that makes good decisions. If you could grant Tillie a clean bill of health, he’s a lottery level talent and probably someone Phoenix would even consider with the 10th overall pick in this alternate universe.

The reality is with him is that the injury concerns are more than fair due to his extensive injury history, with the list of injuries stacking up longer than a CVS receipt. There is some risk involved, but if he can stay on the court there is no question he will be a productive NBA player.

4. Isaiah Joe- SG, Arkansas (ESPN rank: 48th)

Joe is one of my favorite value plays in the 2nd round for a team that is looking for an NBA-ready floor spacer. Some of his shot-making off the dribble is absurd from deep NBA range and beyond. In his 2 years at Arkansas (on an extremely high volume) he shot just under 38% from 3 point range, and 82.7% from the charity stripe.

The role he figures to serve in the NBA will be as a microwave scorer off the bench that comes in ready to shoot from anywhere on the court like the gunslinger he is. He’s a plus defender, though nothing special on that end. He has solid length and plays sound team-defense, and if he really hits a high-end shooting outcome due to his defensive ability he could be someone that plays his way into starter minutes in the right situation. His shot selection can be a bit wild at times, but the tough shot making is a major part of what makes him so intriguing.

I consider him quite easily a top 5 shooter in this class, so that alone should put him on the James Jones radar.

5. Naji Marshall- F, Xavier (ESPN rank: 67th)

Standing at 6’7” with a 7’0” wingspan, Marshall has displayed the ability to comfortably guard 1 through 3 and even has the potential to occasionally hold his own against 4’s. He’s shown the ability to cut and slash at a high level, which as a plus finisher at his size makes him intriguing. He can pass a bit as well, averaging 4 assists per game in his junior year at Xavier. If he figures the shot out he could be a solid rotational wing for years to come. I was able to watch him in a private draft workout in Phoenix last month and the base of his jumper looks much better along with a noticeable improvement on his form which is encouraging.

Marshall has an NBA-ready body and some skills that make him a worthwhile gamble in the 2nd round. His projected range seems to be in the 40-60 range, and with how shallow the “true wing” depth is in this class, I could see him returning tremendous value if you take him in that mid-2nd round range. If Phoenix moves Oubre or just wants to add some cheap wing depth, Marshall is a guy that makes sense.

Honorable Mentions (potential UDFA’s):

Ty-Shon Alexander- G, Creighton.
Nate Hinton- G/F, Houston.
Sam Merrill- G, Utah State.
Justinian Jessup- G/F, Boise St.
Freddie Gillespie- F/C, Baylor.

[ImNotMcDiSwear]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

Actually it's funny you say that, Because I have been mentioning him for awhile now. And had made the Marion comparison awhile back. And I'm not McD and others have said I might need to temper such comparisons a bit, As they feel that I might be getting carried away in that aspect of my evaluations. But I'm still very high on him, And strongly endorse trading back for an additional pick, to add him to our frontcourt as he's an statistical Monster. And I believe that he'd be an elite disruptive multipositional defensive playmaker for us. I still prefer trading the 10th pick to Boston ( If available) for Lewis or Bane or Terry at 14, And then Tyler Bey at 26.

So if we go with a point guard first, I strongly endorse grabbing Bey with the secondary pick.

SRPs: I've cooled on Bey. Plenty of players I like better in the late first/early second. He's just not extraordinary enough to make me think he'll be an elite role player, which would have to be his niche. There are lots and lots of guys projected to go in the second round who interest me: What happened to Paul Reed? Nnaji looks like he might be able to carve out a niche as a stretch backup 5. Dotson looks like an NBA player, on and on and so forth.

PGs: Why not Hayes at 10, since it's starting to look like he'll be there? Are we worried that he doesn't give us enough speed next to Devin (and thus our apparent interest in Lewis)? Hampton is interesting, too, though I'd feel better taking a swing with a later pick than 10. I don't think Lewis is as fast as the hype machine leads one to believe. And I'm not sure Terry has enough in his game to merit a high selection: I just haven't seen enough; he scares me.

Wings: Is Vassell still an option, or is that hitch for real? I think Bane is one of the most fun players in the draft, but no way can you take him ahead of Vassell, right? I think Nesmith has fringe all-star potential. I know people say he's just a shooter, but I see more than that. I don't see a playmaker, and I think he'll need a lot of work defensively, and I worry about injuries, but I think he could be a terror on offense. Is Okoro not just Stanley Johnson 2.0?

Bigs: I'm still curious about Achiuwa, though, again, I'd prefer to take him with a later pick. Ditto for Jalen Smith. I wonder what I'm missing about Patrick Williams that has him leapfrogging into the top 9.

[bwgood77]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

Actually it's funny you say that, Because I have been mentioning him for awhile now. And had made the Marion comparison awhile back. And I'm not McD and others have said I might need to temper such comparisons a bit, As they feel that I might be getting carried away in that aspect of my evaluations. But I'm still very high on him, And strongly endorse trading back for an additional pick, to add him to our frontcourt as he's an statistical Monster. And I believe that he'd be an elite disruptive multipositional defensive playmaker for us. I still prefer trading the 10th pick to Boston ( If available) for Lewis or Bane or Terry at 14, And then Tyler Bey at 26.

So if we go with a point guard first, I strongly endorse grabbing Bey with the secondary pick.

That would be a very nice duo to get. There is real rumor per Zach Lowe that Boston is trying to move up.

[WeekapaugGroove]

I'm a little surprised there hasn't been (or maybe I haven't been around to see it) comps between Tyler Bey and Marion. I think he'd be great here.

Actually it's funny you say that, Because I have been mentioning him for awhile now. And had made the Marion comparison awhile back. And I'm not McD and others have said I might need to temper such comparisons a bit, As they feel that I might be getting carried away in that aspect of my evaluations. But I'm still very high on him, And strongly endorse trading back for an additional pick, to add him to our frontcourt as he's an statistical Monster. And I believe that he'd be an elite disruptive multipositional defensive playmaker for us. I still prefer trading the 10th pick to Boston ( If available) for Lewis or Bane or Terry at 14, And then Tyler Bey at 26.

So if we go with a point guard first, I strongly endorse grabbing Bey with the secondary pick.

That would be a very nice duo to get. There is real rumor per Zach Lowe that Boston is trying to move up.

The problem is most think their target is Okongwu and supposedly Washington loves him so Boston needs to jump them at 9.

My one week out prediction for the Suns, Killian Hayes. I think he drops and the suns pounce.

Sent from my SM-G986U using RealGM mobile app

[bwgood77]

PGs: Why not Hayes at 10, since it's starting to look like he'll be there? Are we worried that he doesn't give us enough speed next to Devin (and thus our apparent interest in Lewis)? Hampton is interesting, too, though I'd feel better taking a swing with a later pick than 10. I don't think Lewis is as fast as the hype machine leads one to believe. And I'm not sure Terry has enough in his game to merit a high selection: I just haven't seen enough; he scares me.

I am pretty sure more on this board would take Hayes than Lewis, Terry, etc, but most hadn't felt he'd be there and there are no Suns rumors (not that it means anything). It's hard to tell what James Jones must do but being that it seems he wants someone ready to contribute more now, that might not help Hayes as much as he might be more of a long term prospect than someone ready now, though Lewis is just about as young and Terry was just a freshman.

I don't know a ton about Hayes, but based on other people's thoughts that I respect, I hope if he's there, we take him.

[bwgood77]

Actually it's funny you say that, Because I have been mentioning him for awhile now. And had made the Marion comparison awhile back. And I'm not McD and others have said I might need to temper such comparisons a bit, As they feel that I might be getting carried away in that aspect of my evaluations. But I'm still very high on him, And strongly endorse trading back for an additional pick, to add him to our frontcourt as he's an statistical Monster. And I believe that he'd be an elite disruptive multipositional defensive playmaker for us. I still prefer trading the 10th pick to Boston ( If available) for Lewis or Bane or Terry at 14, And then Tyler Bey at 26.

So if we go with a point guard first, I strongly endorse grabbing Bey with the secondary pick.

That would be a very nice duo to get. There is real rumor per Zach Lowe that Boston is trying to move up.

The problem is most think their target is Okongwu and supposedly Washington loves him so Boston needs to jump them at 9.

My one week out prediction for the Suns, Killian Hayes. I think he drops and the suns pounce.

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I wonder if there is anyone else they like a lot. I think if they move up to 10 there might be a better chance they can jump up further than if they just try to trade straight to 7 or 8....one of those teams might see 2 guys they like slip to 7 or 8 and figure they can trade down a couple spots and still get them.

However, if Boston is set on a big, which makes sense, and they feel there is little chance they can move up to get Okongwu, then there are probably several options on the next tier that are not as heavy as Okongwu but are as tall with longer wingspans and also PFs who are great shot blockers, like Precious or Jalen Smith. Those guys can both hit the 3 and are better rebounders as well.