In the 2006 draft I would love to see the Suns..

[nowagimp]

I like Randy Foye from Villanova as a '2', or point in progress, for the future. He can penetrate and create, dish and shoot the 3. At 6'4" and 205 he can also play D against 2's. He already has the teardrop runner and was using it and some big hops to shoot over Horford and Noah in the lane almost at will. He may be available at no 20. I dont think any skilled power players will be there at 20. When I was watching D Wade a few years ago with Marquette I though he seemed to move so well on the court. I can even remember saying at that time that Wade might end up a better player than Melo. Foye reminds me of D Wade, though Wade was a better open court player as a collegian. If Foye slips to 20, the suns should take him. He could play some point with Diaw in the game and he has a better array of offensive moves for dishing or shooting the ball than LB. I really like LB, but he's too predictable. Once he gets his "ears pinned back" of the dribble he is not likely to make an effective pass. I think that the league has learned to force the drive and then use help D to shut down the shot, passing lanes on him. LB needs to learn the teardrop, the pull up jumper, and to just dribble through traffic and out if the passing lanes are shut down(like Nash).

 

[hcsilla]

I disagree with the Foye/Wade comparison.

Wade was a more fluid and intelligent player. Foye reminds me of Mike James and/or Flip Murray.

 

[nowagimp]

If Daniel Gibson, Marcus Williams, or Hilton Armstrong are there, I would very disappointed with Horford.

Just to be clear I am taking about Armstrong(Uconn). I watched many games of the tourney as I had the CBS(?) cable package(3 channels, all the time). Armstrong could not handle Jai Lewis(6'7") of George Mason on the low block, he will be devoured in the NBA. He wasnt strong enough and didnt have the footspeed to guard lewis, it was ugly. Boone(uconn) was an unskilled, useless, big as well, pat burke is probably better than either in the suns system. The best big was Noah and he will be gone in the first 5 picks. Noah is sure to be a good NBA center, he has all the tools and smarts. LaMarcus Aldridge is a project, needs alot of strength and several repeat Pete Newell Big man camps. He appeared to have very limited footspeed. "Baby Shaq" just pushed him around in the lane. Tyrus Thomas(LSU) looked like a potential NBA star with his athleticism and quickness, but he will be gone in the first 7 picks if he signs for the draft. Larry Brown has Tyrus rated as the top player in the draft.

 

[nowagimp]

I disagree with the Foye/Wade comparison.

Wade was a more fluid and intelligent player. Foye reminds me of Mike James and/or Flip Murray.

Read that Foye is not the open court player that Wade was, and he is smaller at 6'3". He shoots about 3-4% better from '3' than Wade did. He has great hops and a very good first step, rebounds for a guard(5.8rpg vs Wade at 6rpg) and averaged one assist less than Wade(3apg vs 4apg). He also did it in a tougher conference(big east vs conference USA). He scored right over(with hops) everyones, (including Horford and Noah of florida) 7' players in the lane during the tourney. What I like about Foye is that he penetrates, but does not give up the dribble too soon. He can dish, shoot the runner or teardrop, or just jump over planted big guys to finish. He is also a physical defender. He is not DWade, I dont think anyone is, but he could be a go to scorer, creator in the NBA with some work. Many scouts think he will have to learn the point in the NBA at 6'3". At pick #20 he may be the best talent available(excepting sleepers). I expect him to be a better defender at the 1,2 positions than House, Jones or Barbosa. Everyone is talking about bigs, cause the suns bigs are injured, but there are few bigs that have enough talent for the next level and they will all be gone by the 10th pick.

 

[elindholm]

The Suns' only chance to get Noah is if he stays in school another year, he doesn't improve much as a junior, and the Suns wind up at #4 or #5 with the Hawks pick.

 

[myrondizzo]

what about millsap his write up sounds interesting. draft express and nbadraft have him as still on the board when we pick. he sounds like he might and some strength inside.

 

[myrondizzo]

I feel like a player like Hollins can come in and make an immediate impact. Which means the Suns will pick some 6-9 Brazillian jump shooter.

like this guy.
http://www.nbadraft.net/profiles/marcusvieira.asp
sounds like he'd fit right in on D.

 

[Russ Smith]

It's likely Armstrong will be gone before the 20th pick.

I don't know how you could pass on Daniel Gibson or Marcus Williams there. Both are perfect for the Suns system. Both are likely to produce immediatley. Williams would be the ideal young backup PG, I think. He led the nation in assists and is also an outstanding rebounding guard.

Personally, I like Ryan Hollins. He's a more athletic, better rebounding Steven Hunter. Teams knock him because he's not strong enough in the post on either end, but the Suns don't ask their centers to play the low-post -- they'd just get in the way of Amare and Nash. The problem is Hollins is neither a passer nor a shooter, but he would be unstoppable on the break. The guy can jump out of the building for a 7-footer ... like Larry Nance vertical. He just so happens to be a kick-ass weak-side defender.

I feel like a player like Hollins can come in and make an immediate impact. Which means the Suns will pick some 6-9 Brazillian jump shooter.

HOllins had a great finish to his career but I question the rebounding comment, he averaged only 4.8 this year in 21.5 minutes. The main reason he doesn't play more is foul trouble, because he's not strong enough, playing in a conference where the best bigman was 6'6" Leon Powe. I'm a huge UCLA fan and nobody appreciates the way Hollins played down the stretch more than me but he's not that good yet. he's not really 7 feet either.

but he's a phenomenal athlete, he's only 21, and he's improved immensely in the last couple of months. UCLA had basically written him off, his dad went to Marques Johnson and said what does Ryan need to do to get more PT, Marques said tell him to play like a C, be tough, dunk the ball inside, defend and rebound, and that's what he did.

He has ok hands, not great. His hands aren't all that big, he usually dunks with 2 hands which is why he so often can't finish when fouled, you get up higher with one hand but when he tries, he loses the ball on contact.

Worth taking for sure but I think expecting immediate contribution from Ryan is a stretch on a good team like the Suns. gotta give him credit though he sure helped UCLA, would have never gotten to the finals without his improved play.

 

[JCSunsfan]

As much as I would love to add a quality big man, if we keep our present picks, I think we should consider Rondo (Kentucky) or Williams (UConn). Both seem to be quick, smart, all-around pg's who get other players involved.

It seems to me that both of them are in the KJ/Nash mold.

 

[Mainstreet]

As much as I would love to add a quality big man, if we keep our present picks, I think we should consider Rondo (Kentucky) or Williams (UConn). Both seem to be quick, smart, all-around pg's who get other players involved.

It seems to me that both of them are in the KJ/Nash mold.

I think the key to drafting is never pass over talent for need.

I remember when the Suns drafted Nash they gave the rationale that he was a safe pick. In other words, the Suns could have reached for need (probably a big man) but chose what they considered the BPA.

In this coming draft I tend to think their best value with the first pick will be at PG. If not, go big first. The description on draftnet of the PG Dee Brown also sounds intriguing. He might be available with the Suns second first round pick.

I guess it all comes down to scouting. I would, however, be disappointed if the Suns drafted a SF or SG unless a trade were in the works. In the year the Suns drafted Stoudemire, I wanted them to go big with both of their first round picks because the draft was deep with quality big men. Too bad they didn't draft Gadzuric (or Boozer) with that second first round pick..

 

[F-Dog]

I wanted them to go big with both of their first round picks because the draft was deep with quality big men. Too bad they didn't draft Gadzuric (or Boozer) with that second first round pick..

Tayshaun Prince would be even better.


The Suns' need is a swingman, preferably someone who can get his own shot. With BC out of the picture, I could see the Suns swinging for the fences with a project big like Josh Boone or O'Bryant, but most likely they'll take a SG/SF (Hassan, Rudy Fernandez, Bobby Jones) if they keep the Lakers' pick.

I can't see the Suns keeping their own pick unless they think Hassan will drop to that spot. I guess there's like a 5% chance they'll keep it and take a 'polished' PG like Dockery, but they'll almost certainly fill that spot with a vet. minimum player instead.


Oh yeah, Ryan Hollins = Jerome Moiso.

 

[Mainstreet]

Tayshaun Prince would be even better.

Yes, Tayshaun would have been a good pick as well, but the Suns could use a Gadzuric or a Boozer about right now. They really need some more size.

I think Gadzuric could have helped the Suns although Tayshaun probably has more upside. I know Gadzuric can run the floor but I am uncertain about the other parts of his game and whether D'Antoni would use him.

The Suns desperately need to acquire a backup PG for Nash unless the Suns rotate parts at this position again next season. They also need another bigman or two upfront either through the draft, trade or FA.

Just a thought, if Phoenix had some more big men upfront I could see Diaw playing some true PG. I think he could do that now but he is too valuable playing as an inside player (or the Suns version of an inside player).

 

[CronosCard]

"..And in this corner.."

Could someone please explain to me about the Suns plethora of picks you all mention, there no mention of Atlanta's lottery pivcks I thought we were getting... I'm confused..

 

[nowagimp]

Tayshaun Prince would be even better.


The Suns' need is a swingman, preferably someone who can get his own shot. With BC out of the picture, I could see the Suns swinging for the fences with a project big like Josh Boone or O'Bryant, but most likely they'll take a SG/SF (Hassan, Rudy Fernandez, Bobby Jones) if they keep the Lakers' pick.

I can't see the Suns keeping their own pick unless they think Hassan will drop to that spot. I guess there's like a 5% chance they'll keep it and take a 'polished' PG like Dockery, but they'll almost certainly fill that spot with a vet. minimum player instead.

I like Hassan, but think that the suns need a swing capable of dribble penetration, pull up jumpers and finishing at the rim. Adams needs to work on ball handling and long range shooting(>17ft) to be a productive pro. He has great potential and will probably be good defensively right away. My concern is with House running the offense when Nash is out. He does not dribble penetrate well, and dish off of it. He also represents a defensive liability whenever he plays. LB is also undersized and is often targeted defensively by more physical players. A more physical guard could prevent the extensive use of those mismatches. Adams could be that guard with better ball handling and a better shot. The suns need someone other than Diaw and Nash to dribble penetrate, but not force passes like LB. LB needs to further develop his game to other gears than full speed and stop. Sometimes the defense backs off at the last minute, take that short pull up jumper over the defense. LB's shot mechanics seem to take too long for shooting in traffic. He needs a quicker shot. He also shoots from in front of his body and not over his head, making it even more difficult to get a shot off in traffic. Because the suns have Diaw, they dont need a pure point to back up Nash. The suns should also have the ability to "go big", or at least not small, at the guard position to counter the "clipper strategy" or pistons strategy of roughing up the "little" guards.

I like Rondo(maybe he'll be there, I doubt it), and would take Williams(he wont be there). Brandon Roy would also be a very good choice(he probably wont be there). Dee Brown is too small to play physical defense, and we already have a player like him. He's like LB, only smaller(less wingspan), a defensive liability in the post. I think that Randy Foye may be there at 20th pick and may develop into a good pro bench player. Scouts have told him he needs to develop into a point guard at 6'3", 205 lbs to get alot of time inthe NBA. He's a better shooter than Dee Brown and is much more physical. He's very quick, and does a real good job probing the defense off the dribble, and he also can finish in the lane using his body and some big hops around and over big guys, unlike LB and House.

The talent level of the bigs(4,5) at the 20th pick will be poor and the pick may be wasted.

 

[Russ Smith]

Tayshaun Prince would be even better.


The Suns' need is a swingman, preferably someone who can get his own shot. With BC out of the picture, I could see the Suns swinging for the fences with a project big like Josh Boone or O'Bryant, but most likely they'll take a SG/SF (Hassan, Rudy Fernandez, Bobby Jones) if they keep the Lakers' pick.

I can't see the Suns keeping their own pick unless they think Hassan will drop to that spot. I guess there's like a 5% chance they'll keep it and take a 'polished' PG like Dockery, but they'll almost certainly fill that spot with a vet. minimum player instead.


Oh yeah, Ryan Hollins = Jerome Moiso.

Hollins doesn't have a shred of the offensive talent Moiso had. The problem for Moiso is he didn't have a shred of the guts Hollins has, he didn't care he skipped practices at UCLA all the time because he felt like it. Hollins started hoops late, and he has to get stronger and be more physical but he gives the effort, moiso never did.

Hollins IMHO is never going to be much offensively, he just doesn't have the shooting touch or the instincts on offense. But he won't wash out of the league because he's lazy like Moiso.

I personally think Brandon Roy may end up as an NBA PG, pretty sure Foye will. Roy would be a nice fit in the Suns system, not a great shooter but a good one with good mechanics, can get his own shot, plays defense. One of my favorite players from the pac 10 in recent memory, very solid. In fact I like Roy so much I would prefer he becomes a Warrior than a Sun although the Warriors need size more than anything.

 

[sunsfn]

Could someone please explain to me about the Suns plethora of picks you all mention, there no mention of Atlanta's lottery pivcks I thought we were getting... I'm confused..

This year the suns have the Lakers pick (about 20th right now) and their own pick.

They have the Hawks pick but this year it is lottery protected, and next year top 3 protected, unprotected in 2008.

 

[CronosCard]

"..And in this corner.."

Thank you, Sunsfn!!