2021 Draft

[RedIndian]

Dosunmu I've seen play a few times. I think he's a really great, high character kid, which will appeal to Jones. But I've not been impressed with his feel for the game. Seems a bit mechanical out there. Some people have thrown out the Jrue Holiday comparisons, but frankly he looks more Mudiay to me. I don't know - by all accounts he's a hard worker, and there's a chance he develops into a good player over time. I just don't think we'll have much developmental time to offer to a player who needs to iron out several parts to his game.

The best fit for us is a guy who can play a role straight away, and work on his game simultaneously, kind of the like the way Mikal and Cam have done. Ayayi is the guy who fits that role perfectly at the spot we'll be picking.

Duarte ticks that box as well, but I think he'll be gone before #29.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) Tweeted:
Link to watch today's NBA G League Elite Camp scrimmages on Twitch, starting in 30 minutes. Two games on tap https://t.co/wr7ACYsGlr

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Twitch link for anyone who is interested in watching the GLeague combine scrimmages.

[Ghost of Kleine]

G league ignite camp.

Scrimmage# 1

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Scrimmage # 2

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[Ghost of Kleine]

As far as shooting guards go, IF Duarte is obviously already gone before 29 ( * AND HE WILL BE)!!! Then after Trey Murphy 3rd, Weiscamp would be a very solid consideration to backup Booker. He's got a bit of Joe Harris/ Kevin Huerter to his game and is pretty tenacious defensively too.
Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) Tweeted:
42" max vertical for Joe Wieskamp who also came in 6'7" in shoes with a 6'11" wingspan. Pretty good for a 46% 3PT shooter.

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[Ghost of Kleine]

If we go with a frontcourt multipositional defender that can also hit the three, I really like JT Thor! He's been compared by some to be a high end rich man's version of Al Fariq Aminu. How perfect would that be for Monty Williams? As he coached Aminu back in the day along with Paul and Gordon, etc. as the coach for New Orleans. He'd surely know how to maximize Thor's 3 and D versatility too!

Overall, I think he could provide greater defensive versatility on the perimeter in guarding the bigger scoring wings such as Paul George, Porter Jr, etc. Due to his size at 6'10, As opposed to the likes of Bridges, Crowder,
and Craig that are slightly smaller. Hopefully, Smith can replace Saric ( on the cheap) in a year or two. And then Thor could be Smith's backup? Or perhaps play alongside him, With Thor as a small ball 4, And Smith as a small ball 5. Smith could cover the paint ( rim protection/ rebounding) and Thor AND Bridges could lock down the perimeter perhaps? And all can hit the three still! Imagine a multipositional defensive frontcourt bench unit of Bridges/ Thor/ Smith? Our entire frontcourt would be filled with very athletic, versatile multipositional 3 and D defenders that are highly interchangeable.


Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) Tweeted:
Auburn's JT Thor had a nice showing in the first day of the NBA Combine. Shot the ball well in drills and flashed a lot of intrigue on the defensive end with his 7'3 wingspan and 9'2 standing reach. Almost 6'10 in shoes, doesn't turn 19 until August. https://t.co/YgxOYBeKDG

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Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) Tweeted:
Another (better) look at Auburn's JT Thor in the NBA Combine shooting drills today. Really nice stroke for a 6'10 guy clearly. https://t.co/hTHnXzPsTp

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[Flying Colors]

Watching the lottery, my god, does OKC have so many 1st round picks

[MrMiyagi]

Pistons 1st overall. Cade-Killian might be an interesting back court, same with a Mobley-Grant front court.

[AtheJ415]

Guys I'd be okay with in our projected range: Shannon, Ayaji, Petrusev, Greg Brown, McBride, maybe Queta (I'm not a huge fan given competition but if he plays well in the combine we do need a backup 5 still since Smith is apparently unplayable).

I'd probably lean Petrusev right now assuming Smith is playable next year. I think his experience will help him be able to play right away, and he can be the backup 4/5, saving money relative to Dario. Maybe Greg Brown in Kaminsky's place as a project big.

McBride with some surprising measurables which may move him higher for me. He was great for WVU

[DRK]

Ive done no draft research, but I hope the Suns draft an older (Junior/Senior) wing, that can hit the 3 ball and defend multiple positions.

[Ghost of Kleine]

Ive done no draft research, but I hope the Suns draft an older (Junior/Senior) wing, that can hit the 3 ball and defend multiple positions.

Trey Murphy 3rd says Hi!

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If you don't care too much about scoring and efficiency, Then for defense and hustle, Herbe et t Jones is a solid choice. But if we're being honest, JT Thor is better overall than both in terms of overall multipositional teo way versatility.

- Trey Murphy 3rd is basically the offensive version of Mikal Bridges. Or a slightly bigger Cam Johnson, But with better perimeter defense, Athleticism.

- Herbert Jones is basically Mikal Bridges in terms of length, defensive versatility, But with worse efficiency on offense. Still pretty solid though!

JT Thor is actually like a bigger, more talented version of Al Fariq Aminu. Or a not yet polished/ more raw version of Pascal Siakim. Great size and length at 6'10 with a 7'3 wingspan. Solid on offense, very solid and versatile defensively and especially on the perimeter and around the rim. He's a bit on the younger side as a freshman, But still, He's a genuine multipositional defender with a smooth developing offensive skillset.
He'd be an ideal wing/ forward option for our team.

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[Mr Puddles]

One positive about not being in the lottery for the first time in 11 years (other than the obvious benefit of enjoying playoff basketball) is that given James Jones draft track record, we'll probably still get the same player at 29 that we would have gotten in the lottery anyway.

[Ghost of Kleine]

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2944895-nba-combine-results-2021-tuesday-measurements-highlights-and-top-prospects.amp.html

Prospect Measurements:
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-anthro/


Speed/ agility:
https://www.nba.com/stats/draft/combine-strength-agility/

By the way, Jericho Sims recorded an absurd 44inch vertical for a 6'10 prospect. Could he be another solid backup 5 consideration?


Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) Tweeted:
Texas' Jericho Sims put on an absolute show for NBA teams at the NBA Combine today, dunking everything in sight. No question he helped himself with how aggressive he came out and the explosiveness and power he displayed. https://t.co/quJziprxh6

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[suns12345]

One positive about not being in the lottery for the first time in 11 years (other than the obvious benefit of enjoying playoff basketball) is that given James Jones draft track record, we'll probably still get the same player at 29 that we would have gotten in the lottery anyway.

True, thats great news. We will be picking in the lottery for the foreseeable future (effectively)

[Mr Puddles]

One positive about not being in the lottery for the first time in 11 years (other than the obvious benefit of enjoying playoff basketball) is that given James Jones draft track record, we'll probably still get the same player at 29 that we would have gotten in the lottery anyway.

True, thats great news. We will be picking in the lottery for the foreseeable future (effectively)

Perhaps this was some sort of Jedi Mind Trick that James Jones played on us all. He wanted to practice drafting late first-round draftees because he knew the Suns would be a top team for the foreseeable future, so the ability to draft late in the first round would be a skill that would benefit our team long term. So these two years of practice will benefit us moving forward.

[RunDogGun]

I was really glad Detroit got the number one pick.

[bwgood77]

I go best PG...somewhat who can shoot, defend and handle with decent size and high bbiq.

If there is a big significantly better big than that, we could go that route but I don't think it's nearly as important with Ayton, Saric, Smith and maybe signing a cheap vet for a bruiser backup.

Plus, being here with Paul is invaluable experience.

[Ghost of Kleine]

I go best PG...somewhat who can shoot, defend and handle with decent size and high bbiq.

If there is a big significantly better big than that, we could go that route but I don't think it's nearly as important with Ayton, Saric, Smith and maybe signing a cheap vet for a bruiser backup.

Plus, being here with Paul is invaluable experience.

I go best PG...somewhat who can shoot, defend and handle with decent size and high bbiq.

Hard to tell who that might be that could fall to 29 that encompasses all of those attributes. Dosunma is definitely solid. Although Miles "Duece" McBride has apparently been really impressive and gaining traction via the combine.


Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) Tweeted:
West Virginia's Deuce McBride was absolutely on fire to start the shooting drills at the NBA Combine. Really popped physically and defensively, recently moving into the late first round of the ESPN mock draft. https://t.co/ahIi9YThaG

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He'd be a really solid option as well. Recently there was rumors of Butler being medically red flagged and not participating in the combine as a result. Although the reason wasn't specified. But it would be ideal for him to fall to us if possible because of that? (though I doubt it happens).

If there is a big significantly better big than that, we could go that route

Actually, People should familiarize themselves with Sandro Mumakashevili more as I think he actually fits that context you mentioned! I believe that we could really enhance our bench even further by taking Sandro at 29, As he can actually facilitate our offense as a backup center option, And Smith can cover defensively as a complimentary weakside defender/ rim protector. Sandro would add a deeper more versatile dimension to our frontcourt playmaking in addition to Payne.

Depending upon wherein his range falls post combine, We could ideally walk out of the draft with a Dosunma or McBride to be mentored by Paul as his eventual replacement. Resign Payne with his bird rights, AND move him to our primary 6th man role ( ala Jordan Clarkson). Then whenever Paul sits and our bench unit is on the floor, we'd keep the offense flowing with a combination of:

- McBride or Dosunma. Elite floor general mindset/ game management/ defense/ playmaking.
- Cam Payne.
Elite penetration/ scoring/ playmaking.
- Cam Johnson.
Elite shooting/ perimeter defense.
- Jalen Smith.
Shotblocking/ rebounding/ floor spacing.
- Sandro Mamukelashvili.
Elite playmaking/ offense.

Watch on YouTube

* ( 57 sec video )
And his passing ( ** Elite playmaker).

Watch on YouTube

* ( 1:09 video clip).


** Please keep in mind that this big is 6'11 260 lbs. roughly the same size as Ayton. And can play either frontcourt position.


The overall point being that Sandro is such a rare/ unique playmaker/ ballhandler/ scorer for his size at 6'11 that he'd give our frontcourt bench unit a whole new dynamic to orchestrate our offense and sustain our scoring potency. But Ideally no matter who we draft, I strongly believe that Payne would be best served in a dynamic 6th man role for us.

[darealjuice]

I'm pretty happy with how the lottery turned out. Pistons did some blatant tanking this year, but they've been treadmilling for so long. Warriors won't be ending up with a blue chip prospect. I do feel for the Magic a bit with their poor injury luck, I'm a fair bit higher on Cade, Mobley, Green, and Suggs than guys like Kuminga and Barnes. Thunder have to be pretty upset too.

Rockets have an interesting opportunity in pairing KPJ and Wood with Mobley, Green, or Suggs. Cavs potentially having to choose between Green and Suggs with Sexton and Garlard there, and Mobley with Jarrett Allen there is interesting as well.

Really curious to see the direction we go. I see late first round picks as a good opportunity to aim high on potential and drops due to injury concerns, but I'm never against trying to secure another 3-and-D wing. I wouldn't hate guys like Ayayi, Dosunmu, or Nix either. I don't think being locked into a position is wise given draft picks at that point don't typically amount to much, just take whoever our staff thinks can be the best player and make the minutes work if they're good enough to play early on. Young talent itching for minutes is a good problem.

[bwgood77]

I'm pretty happy with how the lottery turned out. Pistons did some blatant tanking this year, but they've been treadmilling for so long. Warriors won't be ending up with a blue chip prospect. I do feel for the Magic a bit with their poor injury luck, I'm a fair bit higher on Cade, Mobley, Green, and Suggs than guys like Kuminga and Barnes. Thunder have to be pretty upset too.

Rockets have an interesting opportunity in pairing KPJ and Wood with Mobley, Green, or Suggs. Cavs potentially having to choose between Green and Suggs with Sexton and Garlard there, and Mobley with Jarrett Allen there is interesting as well.

Really curious to see the direction we go. I see late first round picks as a good opportunity to aim high on potential and drops due to injury concerns, but I'm never against trying to secure another 3-and-D wing. I wouldn't hate guys like Ayayi, Dosunmu, or Nix either. I don't think being locked into a position is wise given draft picks at that point don't typically amount to much, just take whoever our staff thinks can be the best player and make the minutes work if they're good enough to play early on. Young talent itching for minutes is a good problem.

If Jared Butler is there, do you like him?

[darealjuice]

I'm pretty happy with how the lottery turned out. Pistons did some blatant tanking this year, but they've been treadmilling for so long. Warriors won't be ending up with a blue chip prospect. I do feel for the Magic a bit with their poor injury luck, I'm a fair bit higher on Cade, Mobley, Green, and Suggs than guys like Kuminga and Barnes. Thunder have to be pretty upset too.

Rockets have an interesting opportunity in pairing KPJ and Wood with Mobley, Green, or Suggs. Cavs potentially having to choose between Green and Suggs with Sexton and Garlard there, and Mobley with Jarrett Allen there is interesting as well.

Really curious to see the direction we go. I see late first round picks as a good opportunity to aim high on potential and drops due to injury concerns, but I'm never against trying to secure another 3-and-D wing. I wouldn't hate guys like Ayayi, Dosunmu, or Nix either. I don't think being locked into a position is wise given draft picks at that point don't typically amount to much, just take whoever our staff thinks can be the best player and make the minutes work if they're good enough to play early on. Young talent itching for minutes is a good problem.

If Jared Butler is there, do you like him?

If our medical staff cleared him and he cleared the Fitness-to-Play review I'd take a look at him. I thought I had seen him mocked around us before the medical issue came up though, so I don't know if that'd be the right risk.