The 2019 Draft

[CardsSunsDbacks]

I no longer am “convinced” anyone will be an nba star. I was sold on Wiggins and that taught me my lesson.

That said I’m talking about potential. He oozes nba star potential.

Well of course, anyone in the discussion for #1 overall pick this early in the season has star potential. If he dominates like he has all year long and shows those skills on a more regular basis I will likely be sold on him being a star, but just not yet.

 

[Errntknght]

My recollection is that it was a big surprise when Bennett went #1. I was relieved when it happened because it meant we couldn't draft him - up until then he'd been projected near where our pick fell. I can't say that I projected him to be a total bust but he didn't move smoothly, indicating poor coordination. An undersized Kwame Brown...

From the bits I've seen of Zion there is nothing like that showing.up. For his bulk he moves gracefully.

 

[Russ Smith]

Speaking of freshmen bigs, and I'm still not sure how good he actually is, but UCLA's Moses Brown has surprised teh hell out of me so far. 23 14 and 8 blocks last night against St Francis. Admittedly a small team but they were 2 and 3 teaming him the whole game, he got most of his points off offensive putbacks. He's still gangly and awkward but man he's long and surprisingly athletic and his footwork is so much better than in HS. We'll see against Mich State how he handles better and stronger player, I fully expect his stats falling off but I can see now why the pros at UCLA this summer were all saying he was a one and done lock, just too big and athletic to not go 1 and done.

He's had 4-5 already this year where he either doesn't catch the lob clean or a rebound and yet somehow puts the ball in, the first two I thought were flukes but he keeps doing it.

Very pleasant surprise.

If he somehow stays in college for 2 years UCLA could be REALLY good next year but I know he won't he'll be in the NBA

 

[overseascardfan]

If PHX doesn't get #1 pick to take Williamson, I would trade down and take Bol. Barrett can't shoot and Reddish adds to log jam on the wing.

 

[Hoop Head]

If PHX doesn't get #1 pick to take Williamson, I would trade down and take Bol. Barrett can't shoot and Reddish adds to log jam on the wing.

If the Suns can't get Zion they should trade out for a player that is between 25 and 29 to help them win now. We don't need projects like Bol Bol will likely be. We also don't really need more youth or to gamble on someone else. We need established players in their prime that can help win now.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

If the Suns can't get Zion they should trade out for a player that is between 25 and 29 to help them win now. We don't need projects like Bol Bol will likely be. We also don't really need more youth or to gamble on someone else. We need established players in their prime that can help win now.

Give us an example. Like what player in their prime would be available and of equal value to a high lottery pick?

 

[SirStefan32]

Give us an example. Like what player in their prime would be available and of equal value to a high lottery pick?

Kemba Walker comes to mind, though he will be a free agent. Mirotic, Randle come to mind too. Tobias Harris is another one. All of them are free agents of some sort, I think, though.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

Kemba Walker comes to mind, though he will be a free agent. Mirotic, Randle come to mind too. Tobias Harris is another one. All of them are free agents of some sort, I think, though.

But you would trade like the 5th or 6th pick in the draft for mirotic or randle? Or Harris? I think maybe Harris but he’s the only one. Kemba is a free agent, and if he had a long term contract he would be worth our pick+ likely. Not to mention the trading team would have to want to trade. And what team wants to trade an in-their-prime likely reasonably-priced producing vet for a 5th or 6th pick?

I understand what you’re desiring. The reason I asked for examples is that I’m unsure I know of any scenario that reflects what you want.

 

[Hoop Head]

Give us an example. Like what player in their prime would be available and of equal value to a high lottery pick?

That I don't know. I'd need to look at contracts but I think of the Spurs trade a few years back that involved George Hill to Indiana for Kawhi. At the time, it looked like Indiana was getting a good starting PG who was stuck behind Parker but was definitely prepared to start in the league. Somewhat similar to how Bledsoe was viewed when we traded for him. He was in the league long enough on a good team, with good coaching, to produce enough that giving him a starting job somewhere wasn't seen as gifting him anything. So I guess a quality starter. Someone that would cost a little over the midlevel exception if they were a free agent.

 

[AzStevenCal]

That I don't know. I'd need to look at contracts but I think of the Spurs trade a few years back that involved George Hill to Indiana for Kawhi. At the time, it looked like Indiana was getting a good starting PG who was stuck behind Parker but was definitely prepared to start in the league. Somewhat similar to how Bledsoe was viewed when we traded for him. He was in the league long enough on a good team, with good coaching, to produce enough that giving him a starting job somewhere wasn't seen as gifting him anything. So I guess a quality starter. Someone that would cost a little over the midlevel exception if they were a free agent.

To me that's an example for why we shouldn't make this kind of trade - high pick for established player.

I agree we don't need another prospect, we need someone ready to play now. But no way would I give up a high pick for a dime a dozen starter. If our pick can net us someone we'd really consider part of our core, fine, but I'd even prefer a raw prospect to another George Hill in the making.

 

[Hoop Head]

To me that's an example for why we shouldn't make this kind of trade - high pick for established player.

I agree we don't need another prospect, we need someone ready to play now. But no way would I give up a high pick for a dime a dozen starter. If our pick can net us someone we'd really consider part of our core, fine, but I'd even prefer a raw prospect to another George Hill in the making.

Ok, George Hill didn't turn out to be who Indiana would have liked but he was ready to be a starter and that wasn't happening in San Antonio behind Tony Parker. It made sense for all parties but didn't work out that well for Indiana based on who Kawhi became and who George Hill ended up being. It's a gamble, sure, but it's really a better gamble that a younger player that can play that needs more playing time turns into a good starter than a mid to late lottery pick becomes a part of our core. We don't have years to wait for them to develop and this draft won't be like last years. It's not as deep as last year's was at the top and unless there is a Mikal Bridges type of older prospect that is ready to contribute, I'll take my chances on an established or semi-established player than our front office, whoever that may be, in filling a need through the draft. The upside to trading rather than picking is we can fill a need rather than going with the best player available also.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Ok, George Hill didn't turn out to be who Indiana would have liked but he was ready to be a starter and that wasn't happening in San Antonio behind Tony Parker. It made sense for all parties but didn't work out that well for Indiana based on who Kawhi became and who George Hill ended up being. It's a gamble, sure, but it's really a better gamble that a younger player that can play that needs more playing time turns into a good starter than a mid to late lottery pick becomes a part of our core. We don't have years to wait for them to develop and this draft won't be like last years. It's not as deep as last year's was at the top and unless there is a Mikal Bridges type of older prospect that is ready to contribute, I'll take my chances on an established or semi-established player than our front office, whoever that may be, in filling a need through the draft. The upside to trading rather than picking is we can fill a need rather than going with the best player available also.

I guess if you thought Hill was going to become a plus starter but all I ever saw in him was quality backup/borderline starter. At the time of that trade it never dawned on me that anyone would see him as anything more than that. In fact, I thought he actually exceeded expectations in his post SA career. And we are looking at a much higher pick than the one Indiana gave away so like I implied, trade for a future star or keep the pick.

 

[Hoop Head]

I guess if you thought Hill was going to become a plus starter but all I ever saw in him was quality backup/borderline starter. At the time of that trade it never dawned on me that anyone would see him as anything more than that. In fact, I thought he actually exceeded expectations in his post SA career. And we are looking at a much higher pick than the one Indiana gave away so like I implied, trade for a future star or keep the pick.

I was only using that trade as example as I didn't look for any players like Ouchie asked for and was using that as a trade from memory that was similar to what I was thinking. I don't think we'll have a top 5 pick unless the lottery gods smile on us again. I think we'll have a couple of runs and get some wins to put some distance between us and some of the worse teams in the East and possibly the west also. The injury bug hasn't hit anyone but it usually does and cost a team a playoff spot every year. I think this team might hit 30 wins, with 30 being a goal of sorts for them after this bad start. We had the 2nd strongest schedule in the league so far and it will get easier. I know we should have gone 2-2 in this road trip but we're still getting things together. Barring TJ's ejection I think we would have won tonight also.

I'll have to look at some players and contracts to find a more realistic scenario because our pick will be higher than the Pacers in that trade and see who might be available for a pick between 5-10. I still thought George Hill was a good player that could have been more than he became. I'm not sure what stopped that from happening. Perhaps being traded and no longer being in Popovich's system any longer stunted his development. I remember Popovich always speaking very highly of Hill after trading him, even saying he was the hardest trade he ever made, or something close to that because he really liked George Hill and the sort of player he was.
He would have had a much better career if he did stay there.

Anyway, I talked about Hill too much. I think a trade would be the right move if we don't land top 2 or 3. We'll see how this season plays out.

 

[AzStevenCal]

Anyway, I talked about Hill too much. I think a trade would be the right move if we don't land top 2 or 3. We'll see how this season plays out.

Okay. We certainly need to turn the corner soon, as in next season, but I'm not comfortable with the idea of trading a lottery pick for an average or below average starter, or for a star in decline or close to it. Maybe it's because the bad always draws more attention than the good but just about every team in the league has a horror story about trading away a decent pick for an established player.

 

[CardsSunsDbacks]

Okay. We certainly need to turn the corner soon, as in next season, but I'm not comfortable with the idea of trading a lottery pick for an average or below average starter, or for a star in decline or close to it. Maybe it's because the bad always draws more attention than the good but just about every team in the league has a horror story about trading away a decent pick for an established player.

There is no way it would get traded for those things without protections on it. It would take a very good player coming back for it to be unprotected and that player would also need to have multiple years left on his contract. I could very easily see it being traded for a decent player this year but with a top 10 or even a lottery protection on it.

 

[SirStefan32]

But you would trade like the 5th or 6th pick in the draft for mirotic or randle? Or Harris? I think maybe Harris but he’s the only one. Kemba is a free agent, and if he had a long term contract he would be worth our pick+ likely. Not to mention the trading team would have to want to trade. And what team wants to trade an in-their-prime likely reasonably-priced producing vet for a 5th or 6th pick?

I understand what you’re desiring. The reason I asked for examples is that I’m unsure I know of any scenario that reflects what you want.

First, I must admit I am not up to speed on 2019 draft and how deep it's going to be, which means I am talking in generalities and staying away from the specifics, so take anything I say with a grain of salt.

That said, here is how I see things. Suns have a killer SG right now. They also have a really good Center who is going to keep getting better and better for years. In two or three years, the kid is going to be an all-star level player. If he gets aggressive and develops an attitude, this may end up being HIS team and not Booker's. I am also very high on Bridges. I think he will end up being a better version of Ariza in his prime. I also think Warren is an excellent player on an excellent contract.
I honestly think that this team is one pretty good player away from being scary and getting scarier every year.

Draft is a crap shoot. Not just for the Suns either. Look at Philly- Noel, MCW, Okafor, Fultz- all busts. Bender, Chriss, Len, and probably JJ- all busts, though JJ deserves another year before being declared a bust.
You don't know what you will get in the draft. I am not up to speed on this draft, but it appears to not be filled with PGs or PFs (save for Zion, and I am not as high on him as most people here.)

Suns are a very young team. They are one or two good, experienced players away from being scary. They need two solid veterans. They don't need more teenagers. If the Suns could trade their own pick, Buck's pick, and a future pick to add Walker and Mirotic or Randle, or Harris, I would do it in a heartbeat.

Walker
Booker
Bridges
Randle/ Mirotic/ Harris
Ayton
--------
Warren
Holmes
Jackson
Okobo

That is a scary team for the duration of their contracts.

Again, not up to speed on the draft, not up to speed on free agency and trade availability, so all of this is just a general overview of how I see things in general, strategic terms.

EDIT: Any pick I'd trade would have to be top-five protected at least.

 

[ColdPickleNachos]

I don't think the draft is going to be the place to solve the Suns' point guard issue (I want a veteran), but this is the guy I've got my eye on just in case:

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[Proximo]

I don't think the draft is going to be the place to solve the Suns' point guard issue (I want a veteran), but this is the guy I've got my eye on just in case:

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Yes, this is the guy I am thinking could be our solution to pg.

I don’t think Kemba is realistic. With the contract required to sign him I am not even sure that would be smart.

I like the idea of Mirotich or randle in free agency.

 

[1Sun]

Yes, this is the guy I am thinking could be our solution to pg.

I don’t think Kemba is realistic. With the contract required to sign him I am not even sure that would be smart.

I like the idea of Mirotich or randle in free agency.

We don't need yet another project. Morant is no more a solution than Okobo or Melton.

And if you look at their respective college histories, Morant projects as another...

...Isaiah Canaan.

 

[SirStefan32]

Interesting. I'm gonna need to watch this kid.

 

[Russ Smith]

I don't think the draft is going to be the place to solve the Suns' point guard issue (I want a veteran), but this is the guy I've got my eye on just in case:

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I was just coming over here to post this after watching about 5 minutes of that game and then the highlights. He's an absolute freak of an athlete. Only 31% from 3 last year this year 42 so far. Shooting 87% from the line so he appears to be able to shoot.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio . . . in the wrong direction (that game).

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

2-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio . . . in the wrong direction (that game).

His numbers on the season are pretty incredible.

 

[elindholm]

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A "point guard" with 5 assists and 10 turnovers in a loss, hyped as "overwhelmingly positive." I'll pass.

 

[SirStefan32]

A "point guard" with 5 assists and 10 turnovers in a loss, hyped as "overwhelmingly positive." I'll pass.

I know nothing about this kid, but this is one game. I just looked it up and he averages 10.3 assists and 5.3 turnovers for the season. Last year he was at 6.3 assists and 2.5 turnovers.