Republic: Rush might be Suns' top prospect

[Irish]

I'm sure this sounds like old news, but Coro has not really said much about Rush. As usual, he buries it in a "kitchen sink" piece with good things said about all the prospects

http://www.azcentral.com/sports/suns/articles/2008/06/16/20080616suns0616.html

Rush might be Suns' top prospect

25 commentsby Paul Coro - Jun. 16, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
The Suns don't have any more draft workouts scheduled yet, but Phoenix is not done evaluating with 10 more days available for workouts and callbacks before the NBA draft.

Fast-rising UCLA point guard Russell Westbrook canceled a visit today, but the Suns just might need some time to take in what they saw this weekend, when they attended a 24-player, multiteam workout in Oakland.

Kansas swingman Brandon Rush entered as clearly the best prospect in the weekend's group, which featured players who could go anywhere from the middle of the first round to the second round. Rush enhanced that standing, showing off his shooting and defense that comes with a long 6'foot-6 frame.

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Rush played in a group that had him competing with swingmen Gary Forbes of Massachusetts, Courtney Lee of Western Kentucky and Bill Walker of Kansas State.

Of those who worked out in Oakland, Rush headlined a quartet of possible picks for Phoenix to consider at No. 15 along with Rider power forward Jason Thompson, Florida power forward Marreese Speights and French swingman Nicolas Batum.

Speights, a fluid 6-10 big man who can face up and shoot; and Batum, a skilled 19-year-old who may need more French pro-league seasoning, already had worked out for the Suns in Phoenix.

Thompson is a late bloomer who grew 4 inches in college. He became an intriguing open-court player with skills but has not been tested by top competition.

If the Suns get a chance to work out Kansas' Darrell Arthur, that would make for an impressive list of June big-man evaluations after having seen Speights, Thompson, Nevada's JaVale McGee, Stanford's Robin Lopez and North Carolina's J.J. Hickson.

Thompson solidified his standing with his showing in Oakland, while three shooting guards - Arkansas' Sonny Weems, Washington State's Kyle Weaver and New Mexico's J.R. Giddens - all helped themselves there.
Memphis' Joey Dorsey was the most productive in a group including Speights and versatile wings. Dorsey's particulars were unique - 6-7, 273 pounds, 8.6 percent body fat and a wingspan of 7-1 3/8.

The Suns also will spend this week on assembling the rest of the coaching staff with new coach Terry Porter.

Draft Express also reported that Rush did well:
http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/Jonathan-Givony/

Brandon Rush also drew some extremely high praise, as his size, length and skill-level were mentioned as big pluses, as was the fact that he can play two positions and looks to be in terrific shape athletically. He played strong defense, shot the ball well from outside, and even showed some nice craftiness with a few hook shots inside. Most executives we spoke with have Rush going either at 15 (Phoenix) or 17 (Toronto) in their personal mock drafts, but there is a chance that a team like Seattle or Cleveland for example could jump up ahead of them and take him at 13th if they can strike a deal with Portland (whose pick is clearly on the block).

 

[The Commish]

I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed with Rush as our pick. However, the one thing that I don't like about Rush is that he doesn't create his own shot very well. That's often the most overlooked aspect of losing Joe Johnson - having another guy create for himself really helped us offensively when we faced tough defensive teams and plays broke down. Guys like Paul Pierce are invaluable come playoff time because the pace of play slows down. Not saying that Rush can't learn to create for himself, but I think we need a SG or SF that has that ability.

 

[Irish]

I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed with Rush as our pick. However, the one thing that I don't like about Rush is that he doesn't create his own shot very well. That's often the most overlooked aspect of losing Joe Johnson - having another guy create for himself really helped us offensively when we faced tough defensive teams and plays broke down. Guys like Paul Pierce are invaluable come playoff time because the pace of play slows down. Not saying that Rush can't learn to create for himself, but I think we need a SG or SF that has that ability.

I

If the rumor about wanting to use Rush at SG is correct, then it leaves Hill and Diaw at SF who are guys who can create their own shot. Griffin said they really missed James Jones, another guy who couldn't make his own shot.

 

[Mainstreet]

If the Suns really like Rush at #15 why are they putting it out there in flashing lights? I know the Suns did it with Zarko as well. IMO, if the Suns are really high on a player, they should be promoting another player they don't want. I can only hope the Suns have a player on their radar they hope will drop... or several they like at #15. I just can't understand how putting this information out there helps the Suns.

 

[Mainstreet]

Also see Westbrook didn't work out for the Suns. I guess he's locked in earlier as expected.

 

[JCSunsfan]

If the Suns really like Rush at #15 why are they putting it out there in flashing lights? I know the Suns did it with Zarko as well. IMO, if the Suns are really high on a player, they should be promoting another player they don't want. I can only hope the Suns have a player on their radar they hope will drop... or several they like at #15. I just can't understand how putting this information out there helps the Suns.

We're talking about a completely different Suns mgmt team than in the past. The only constant is Griff. So, I don't think we have any idea what kind of telegraphing and feinting they will do in the draft.

 

[Mainstreet]

We're talking about a completely different Suns mgmt team than in the past. The only constant is Griff. So, I don't think we have any idea what kind of telegraphing and feinting they will do in the draft.

However, the Suns are doing a lot of telegraphing and feigning now on Rush before the draft. So do you think this is a mirage? Kerr has not shown me much any ability to out think another GM. Actually, just the opposite.

 

[Rab]

Maybe Rush is a coverup for someone else....probably not, but I can't see why they are pubbing him so much.

 

[Mainstreet]

Despite the lack of hype, I think Kosta Koufos 7' center could well be the next Vlade Divac. I think a lot of teams will be sorry for not drafting him. Divac was a good NBA player when he entered the league but he did not like to bang much and he loved the outside shot. However, Divac still contributed right away. Koufos is only a freshman but I think he will improve by leaps and bounds... and yes, even contribute this coming season.

 

[Irish]

In another thread, I looked at the lottery and the others who are just out of the lottery or only picked in a few mocks. I don't see projected lottery types falling and only Gallinari uncertain because he may return to Europe.

http://www.arizonasportsfans.com/vb/f7/who-might-slip-113928.html

I don't think Suns interest in Rush will change anything unless a playoff team trades up.

 

[The Commish]

If the rumor about wanting to use Rush at SG is correct, then it leaves Hill and Diaw at SF who are guys who can create their own shot. Griffin said they really missed James Jones, another guy who couldn't make his own shot.

If you're talking about just next year then yes Hill can create. However long term we don't have anyone that fits that bill. I hate to say it but we can't count on Hill to be there for us. If our title hopes rest on him then we're screwed...well we're probably screwed anyway.

 

[nowagimp]

I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed with Rush as our pick. However, the one thing that I don't like about Rush is that he doesn't create his own shot very well. That's often the most overlooked aspect of losing Joe Johnson - having another guy create for himself really helped us offensively when we faced tough defensive teams and plays broke down. Guys like Paul Pierce are invaluable come playoff time because the pace of play slows down. Not saying that Rush can't learn to create for himself, but I think we need a SG or SF that has that ability.

Amare stoudemire creates his own shot fine. With a 3 pt shooter like rush, amare with either get more room in the lane or they leave rush open for the 3. Im not sure how much you can expect with the #15 pick.

 

[Mainstreet]

If you're talking about just next year then yes Hill can create. However long term we don't have anyone that fits that bill. I hate to say it but we can't count on Hill to be there for us. If our title hopes rest on him then we're screwed...well we're probably screwed anyway.

Although I'm not sure about creating, I think that's the beauty of selecting Rush. He could play at the 2 and 3 as needed now. I'm not pushing Rush, because I'm presently liking 7' freshmen center Kosta Koufos for the future.

The Suns need another first round pick so they can not only deal with the need for now (like Rush) but the future as well in a player like Koufos.

 

[green machine]

I wouldn't be surprised nor disappointed with Rush as our pick. However, the one thing that I don't like about Rush is that he doesn't create his own shot very well. That's often the most overlooked aspect of losing Joe Johnson - having another guy create for himself really helped us offensively when we faced tough defensive teams and plays broke down. Guys like Paul Pierce are invaluable come playoff time because the pace of play slows down. Not saying that Rush can't learn to create for himself, but I think we need a SG or SF that has that ability.

Very true, but the guys who are really good at creating their own shot rarely fall to 15. Guys like Pierce and Johnson were top 10 picks, if I remember correctly.

 

[Irish]

Very true, but the guys who are really good at creating their own shot rarely fall to 15. Guys like Pierce and Johnson were top 10 picks, if I remember correctly.

Pierce - #10 1998
JJ - #10 2001

 

[Joe Mama]

Right now they need guys to spread the floor and play defense more than anything. Those are the two things he does the best. I think it's either press Rush or Spreight assuming at least one of them is available.

Joe

 

[tobiazz]

I think they probably are high on Rush. He seems like a player Kerr would covet with his D and 3pt shooting. If they are putting up a smokescreen, Batum could be the guy because they have been saying that he needs more time in Europe, which is the only "bad" thing they said about any player.

 

[Treesquid PhD]

What if BC jumps Kerr and takes Rush? That would make me laugh. I think that would be textbook Colangelo.

 

[jlove]

The Suns WILL acquire another 1st round pick THIS year. whether they trade #15 and a player(s), to have 2 first rounders, that is a wait and see. There a a pretty big group of guys throughout this draft (and projected 1st rounders that I would love to see here). I foresee the Suns having 2 picks in the first and picking up a wing and big. I don't think we'll be able to get a PG unless we trade up for Westbrook or Augustin. Unless, they like Chalmers with a late first. Here's the list of guys that would be great here as far as wings and bigs, that just about anywhere in the first outside the Top 5 and in no particular order:

Alexander
R. Lopez
Rush
Greene
Speights
Dorsey
Arthur
Batum
Hickson
Ajinca
Jawai
Thompson
McGee (a little doubtful, although could be a Suns promise and that's why he's played so poorly in tryouts for other teams so he drops and no one trades up for him)

Probably my dream picks (with staying at #15 and getting a late first rounder) would be for wing between Rush and Greene and then a big between Speights, Hickson or Dorsey

 

[Mainstreet]

What if BC jumps Kerr and takes Rush? That would make me laugh. I think that would be textbook Colangelo.

Agreed. I think BC would love to sabotage Sarver. However, sadly I remember the John Salmons fiasco where both the Suns and Toronto were trying to sign him. I really think this had a significant impact in Salmons signing with the Kings rather the reason given... I believe religion.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

10 days until the draft, I hope we make a move before then for another pick.

Maybe we can buy our pick back from seattle!

 

[cly2tw]

Pierce - #10 1998
JJ - #10 2001

Wasn't Marion picked #9 ahead of Pierce in the same year?

I think if we want another 1st rounder, we could always trade a future one to get our own this year back with Sonics. In stead 2008 and 2010 they could get our 2009 and 2011.

 

[Joe Mama]

Wasn't Marion picked #9 ahead of Pierce in the same year?

I think if we want another 1st rounder, we could always trade a future one to get our own this year back with Sonics. In stead 2008 and 2010 they could get our 2009 and 2011.

Nope, Paul Pierce was definitely drafted in 1998... the same year as Mike Bibby, Vince Carter, Antwawn Jamison, and Dirk Nowitzki.

Joe

 

[Joe Mama]

Sorry to double post, but I forgot to say something about another draft pick. If the Phoenix Suns really want to acquire another draft pick the obvious trade partner is probably Portland. They are already so young that they seem like a team that would be ready to package a young player or two along with a draft pick for a veteran.

I'm not looking at any players in particular. Come to think of it I'm not sure the Phoenix Suns really happening veterans that would make sense for Portland. Still, it wouldn't surprise me to see Portland move their draft pick this time.

Joe

 

[Irish]

IMHO, the Suns will not trade for draft pick, but might trade for a guy who has been drafted, ie they will wait to see how things fall on draft day.