With the 4th pick, the Phoenix Suns Select

[Chaplin]

We must be watching different video. I just re-watched. He lacks strength especially when he slashes. He struggles to score when someone even remotely his size is in his face. Not to mention when on catch and shoots he stands straight up. Often when he drives to the rim, if you give him any contact he throws the ball up. The scouting report says he defends better away than at the basket even those he is a 7+footer. Limited leaping ability. Disappears on the glass for long stretches.

Who does that sound like to you?

Did you not see any video where he runs the floor? I'm amazed you haven't seen it.

 

[Covert Rain]

Did you not see any video where he runs the floor? I'm amazed you haven't seen it.

Yes. I watched all the draft videos. He looks great when he has a clear lane or his towering over other players who really can't defend him in the post. Guess how often that is going to happen in the NBA? Have you not watched the weakness videos? If not, I am amazed you have not seen those.

 

[JCSunsfan]

I am convinced people see what they want to see when they watch these videos.

 

[Covert Rain]

I am convinced people see what they want to see when they watch these videos.

I personally don't have a favorite player this year. These guys are so close and bunched together I really don't have one player I am pining for at all. Nobody stands out where we are picking. So I am probably more ambivalent this year then in previous years were I was drooling over a particular draft pick.

 

[overseascardfan]

I'm just hoping for a PF who can rebound. If we get a good PF in either a trade or FA then I would care if PHX drafted Chriss because he wouldn't be the starter. I'm worried #4 is going to come down to either Bender or Chriss, 2 guys not known for their rebounding.

 

[AzStevenCal]

I personally don't have a favorite player this year. These guys are so close and bunched together I really don't have one player I am pining for at all. Nobody stands out where we are picking. So I am probably more ambivalent this year then in previous years were I was drooling over a particular draft pick.

I don't really have a favorite player either, if I did it would probably be Buddy Hield. But we need him less than we need a front-court player and the fact he didn't excel until his senior season is also a bit worrisome. At 4 I'm more in favor of gambling on Chriss and Bender but as I've said before, it's at least in part because we have the 13 pick as a safety net.

 

[slinslin]

I'm just hoping for a PF who can rebound. If we get a good PF in either a trade or FA then I would care if PHX drafted Chriss because he wouldn't be the starter. I'm worried #4 is going to come down to either Bender or Chriss, 2 guys not known for their rebounding.

It might surprise Suns fans since I always see fans focusing on rebounding but we were 7th in rebounding last season and that is with Teletovic playing a lot of PF minutes.

We outrebounded our opponents by 1.1rpg.

 

[raptor100]

13th pick

If it's Bender or Chriss so be it but I want Sabonis at 13. Yes he has some warts but he knows HOW to position himself to get rebounds, he plays with fire and is a very good passes.

His shot needs some development but the basics are there.

 

[overseascardfan]

It might surprise Suns fans since I always see fans focusing on rebounding but we were 7th in rebounding last season and that is with Teletovic playing a lot of PF minutes.

We outrebounded our opponents by 1.1rpg.

That 1.1 differential places us 11th overall, could you imagine if we get a strong rebounding PF how much better we would be? Why would you be happy with a PF who averages less rebounds per game than your starting PG?

 

[Phrazbit]

That 1.1 differential places us 11th overall, could you imagine if we get a strong rebounding PF how much better we would be? Why would you be happy with a PF who averages less rebounds per game than your starting PG?

What we need is guys who can score easy baskets. I'm far more worried about building a cohesive offensive team than becoming an elite rebounding one.

I'm not sure how I feel about Chriss overall but Washington was one of the top rebounding teams in the country, which would imply that he isn't the train wreck out there he is being made out to be.

 

[Mainstreet]

I'm just hoping for a PF who can rebound. If we get a good PF in either a trade or FA then I would care if PHX drafted Chriss because he wouldn't be the starter. I'm worried #4 is going to come down to either Bender or Chriss, 2 guys not known for their rebounding.

I know where you are coming from. This draft is all about potential at PF. Chriss and Bender seem to have the most upside but are the least ready to play. This is when I became interested in Ellenson, because he appears more ready to play with his ball handling skills. If the Suns want to select another player who seems more ready to play it might be Sabonis. There does not seem to be much doubt about his ability to rebound which should carry over to the NBA. However, do not think the Suns draft Ellenson or Sabonis at #4.

The Suns have options with their picks to move around in the draft or do a trade. I'm expecting the Suns to make a trade with one or more of their picks and/or a player to yield a starting PF.

If they keep the #4 pick I think they go with upside in Chriss or Bender.

 

[GatorAZ]

I know where you are coming from. This draft is all about potential at PF. Chriss and Bender seem to have the most upside but are the least ready to play. This is when I became interested in Ellenson, because he appears more ready to play with his ball handling skills. If the Suns want to select another player who seems more ready to play it might be Sabonis. There does not seem to be much doubt about his ability to rebound which should carry over to the NBA. However, do not think the Suns draft Ellenson or Sabonis at #4.

The Suns have options with their picks to move around in the draft or do a trade. I'm expecting the Suns to make a trade with one or more of their picks and/or a player to yield a starting PF.

If they keep the #4 pick I think they go with upside in Chriss or Bender.

Chriss was largely clueless on the court outside of spectacular athletic highlights but he hasn't been playing basketball for very long. Whoever takes him needs to hope he's just so athletically gifted that he can make an early impact like Amare did. The way the kid is growing he could look somewhat like Anthony Davis does physically in a few years minus the freaky arm-length.

As for the trade possibilities I am hoping that McDonough doesn't make any drastic win-now moves b/c of the fact he has 1-yr remaining on his contract.

 

[GatorAZ]

Some serious creepers on Twitter today...

https://mobile.twitter.com/ScottHoward42/status/744005804626305025

 

[overseascardfan]

What we need is guys who can score easy baskets. I'm far more worried about building a cohesive offensive team than becoming an elite rebounding one.

I'm not sure how I feel about Chriss overall but Washington was one of the top rebounding teams in the country, which would imply that he isn't the train wreck out there he is being made out to be.

If your looking for a scoring PF then its either Ellenson or Sabonis.

WAS may have been one of the top rebounding teams in the county but his teammate PG Murray averaged more rebounds than him. So much for the theory that he didn't rebound so well because he spent most of his time on the perimeter. Murray may have played more mpg but that is because Chriss was always in foul trouble, that ain't going to improve in the NBA where he will be guarding bigger, stronger and more talented players. Again if PHX can swing a deal for an Ibaka or Love or somehow land Horford then whatever...take Chriss at #4, he isn't going to start over any of those guys.

I also read a rumor that PHX may be trying to deal Bledsoe and if it happens then they would take Dunn at #4, which would make sense if they can land a PF for him.

 

[AzStevenCal]

If your looking for a scoring PF then its either Ellenson or Sabonis.

WAS may have been one of the top rebounding teams in the county but his teammate PG Murray averaged more rebounds than him. So much for the theory that he didn't rebound so well because he spent most of his time on the perimeter. Murray may have played more mpg but that is because Chriss was always in foul trouble, that ain't going to improve in the NBA where he will be guarding bigger, stronger and more talented players. Again if PHX can swing a deal for an Ibaka or Love or somehow land Horford then whatever...take Chriss at #4, he isn't going to start over any of those guys.

I also read a rumor that PHX may be trying to deal Bledsoe and if it happens then they would take Dunn at #4, which would make sense if they can land a PF for him.

I hadn't heard that, at least not exactly that. I did see where supposedly Rich Paul is going to ask or has asked that we trade Bledsoe. But I despise the Dunn part of that rumor.

 

[Mainstreet]

Chriss was largely clueless on the court outside of spectacular athletic highlights but he hasn't been playing basketball for very long. Whoever takes him needs to hope he's just so athletically gifted that he can make an early impact like Amare did. The way the kid is growing he could look somewhat like Anthony Davis does physically in a few years minus the freaky arm-length.

As for the trade possibilities I am hoping that McDonough doesn't make any drastic win-now moves b/c of the fact he has 1-yr remaining on his contract.

If you want to salivate about drafting Chriss read the article from Chad Ford of ESPN today at the link below. It also speaks very well about Bender. Surprisingly Ford feels Bender is more ready to play.

“I think those are the two guys that they should consider,” Ford said. “They have a huge hole at the four ever since they moved Markieff Morris. Both of those guys are modern-NBA power forwards in their ability to not only play inside, but be able to step out and shoot the three. I think this decision comes down to the Suns on how patient are they willing to be? If they’re willing to be patient, Marquese Chriss is one of the best freakiest athletes I’ve ever seen at (six-feet 10-inches). You guys are used to A’mare Stoudemire and Shawn Marion? You guys are going to see this guy and go, ‘Wow,’ and even after seeing those guys, he’s that.”

Chriss played just one year at the University of Washington, where he averaged 13.7 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. He also put up four 20-point games and was named an honorable mention on the Pac-12 All-Freshman team.

“But he’s 18,” Ford said. “He’s a bit immature. He’s got some real basketball skills, but the learning curve there is going to be pretty big. He’s not going to be ready to come in and really dominate the game day one. You’re going to have to be patient, but the payoff could be huge for him. I’ve heard some scouts compare him to a bigger Shawn Marion, and I think he has that ability at the next level. But there’s a lot of work to do there.”

I don't think McDonough will make any desperate moves in the draft because of his contract but I do expect the Suns to get a PF that can start included in a trade.

http://arizonasports.com/story/7015...rquese-chriss-could-be-a-bigger-shawn-marion/

 

[Mainstreet]

Another tidbit:

Paul Coro ‏@paulcoro 11h11 hours ago

Paul Coro Retweeted Troy B

Suns Spies strike again. Lunch with Chriss

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Dinner with Bender

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[Sunburn]

Ummm Shawn Marion was one of the best defender/rebounders in the NBA. He had inherent, natural defensive/rebounding ability coming straight out of college. Chriss does not to say the least.... Where T F is Ford getting this comparison? Clickbait?

Shawn Marion in one year at UNLV: 18.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 1.9 bpg, 2.1 personal fouls/game

Marquese Chriss in one year at Washington: 13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.9 spg, 1.6 bpg, 4.1 personal fouls/game

Doozy of a comparison Chad. Thumbs way up!

 

[JCSunsfan]

Ummm Shawn Marion was one of the best defender/rebounders in the NBA. He had inherent, natural defensive/rebounding ability coming straight out of college. Chriss does not to say the least.... Where T F is Ford getting this comparison? Clickbait?

Shawn Marion in one year at UNLV: 18.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 1.9 bpg, 2.1 personal fouls/game

Marquese Chriss in one year at Washington: 13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.9 spg, 1.6 bpg, 4.1 personal fouls/game

Doozy of a comparison Chad. Thumbs way up!

To be fair. Marion with 33 mpg. Chriss with 25 mpg. But still Marion is much better.

 

[Ouchie-Z-Clown]

To be fair if you project the numbers with the additional 8 minute difference Chris's never reaches Marion's numbers because he fouls out before reaching the full additional 8 minutes.

 

[slinslin]

Shawn Marion was a junior, he was 21 when he was drafted.

Marquese Chriss turns 19 in July.

Chad Ford was also drawing the comparison based on athletic ability because Chriss is an insanely quick leaper and a monster on the offensive glass.

 

[Covert Rain]

Ummm Shawn Marion was one of the best defender/rebounders in the NBA. He had inherent, natural defensive/rebounding ability coming straight out of college. Chriss does not to say the least.... Where T F is Ford getting this comparison? Clickbait?

Shawn Marion in one year at UNLV: 18.7 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.5 spg, 1.9 bpg, 2.1 personal fouls/game

Marquese Chriss in one year at Washington: 13.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 0.9 spg, 1.6 bpg, 4.1 personal fouls/game

Doozy of a comparison Chad. Thumbs way up!

I have to be honest that was my first reaction as well (to compare him to Marion). Not because I thought that he had Marion defensive skills or put up Marion type numbers. I thought his raw leaping ability looked similar, they way he slashes to the lane for example. Looked very Marion like to me as well. Plus I liked the upside he didn't have as ugly of a shot as Marion.

 

[sunsfan88]

It's hardly a loaded draft class unless you're just talking about it being deep. And it is deep, you're likely to find a few starter or near starter players at the bottom of the round. But usually when we say "loaded" we're talking about identifiable stars and this class is light in that. An awful lot of maybes, very few probables.

So what's your reasoning for not wanting Bender? To the best of my knowledge, no one here has any reason to think highly or poorly of him unless you just want to write him off because he's a white guy from Europe. And it's hard to argue against that point. But we really know nothing about him and it's not because he wasn't a good enough prospect to warrant playing time.

I know you aren't asking me but I don't want Bender because I feel like he's a SF trapped in a big man's body. I don't think he has the toughness or ability to bang in the post. Even undersized big men like Green bang in the post and have the muscle and strength to defend the skilled 4s...most scouts don't think Bender has the frame to add much more weight or strength to it.

He's a perimeter oriented SF through and through however he has no where close to the mobility or athleticism required to play SF at a high level in the NBA.

I think he's a poor man's Danillo Galinarri without the 3pt shooting that Gallo has.

 

[sunsfan88]

I don't get it... is Okafor just like the biggest idiot in the world off the court? To give up on a skilled big man this early... and apparently not be able to get anything much for him seems really weird.

Its not really weird, you may have missed it but Byron Colangelo is the their GM now so any "really weird" move is typical for him.

 

[sunsfan88]

Chad Ford was just on a local Philadelphia radio station for a 13 minute interview. He confirmed the 76ers can't land a top 5-6 pick for Okafor and now are pivoting toward finding a young guard (23-25) for Okafor...

He specifically only mentioned maybe Avery Bradley and the #16 for Okafor, but said guards are so in demand and there just aren't that many young guards that fit their core...

While there has been tremendous backlash wanting to deal Knight, I think it's becoming more and more clear that he might be more of an asset than a liability to unload.

Based on Ford's comments and what he is hearing, if the Suns offered Brandon Knight and the #13 pick, it sounds like it would be the best offer the Sixers might ultimately get...

http://www.libertyballers.com/2016/...mors-jahlil-okafor-top-five-pick-nerlens-noel

It would be absolutely amazing if we could flip Knight and #13 for Okafor. Hell I'll even throw in PJ Tucker or maybe the #27 pick too.