PG: Eric Bledsoe
SG: Archie Goodwin/Reggie Bullock/Jerel McNeal
SF: P.J. Tucker/T.J. Warren
PF: Markieff Morris/Marcus Morris
C: Alex Len
2015 Free Agents
G Brandon Knight (RFA)
C Earl Barron
SF Danny Granger (player option)
SG Gerald Green
SG Marcus Thornton
C Brandan Wright
2015 Draft Picks
1-13
2-14(44)
Team Needs
Assuming Brandon Knight is re-signed, which all signs point to, the biggest hole that stands out is backup center. This is especially worrisome because Alex Len has struggled injuries both of his seasons so far and isn't yet a complete player. A third point guard, preferably one that can play alongside both Knight and Bledsoe, is also a need, though this may be a spot Phoenix wishes to fill with a veteran. After Knight, the Suns have a number of intruiging young players there, all with strengths and flaws. If Phoenix can grab a more complete shooting guard the backup Knight, it would allow them more flexibility to use Archie Goodwin more as a ballhandler and Reggie Bullock out on the wing, where his shooting will be more useful.
Potential Fits
If any of the top shelf center prospects fall, Phoenix would be wise to pounce; especially if they compliment Len's game well. Even if they don't, Phoenix will still likely have an excellent option available with Arkansas' Bobby Portis. Portis is a tough, physical, old school big man who should be able to backup Len at center, or play power forward alongside him. Portis is a smart defender that can also help provide driving lanes for Knight and Bledsoe with tough screens and outside shooting touch. If Phoenix is looking to strengthen their backcourt, Notre Dame's Jerian Grant would fit nicely as a third guard able to play either guard spot because of his ability to defend most shooting guards. Kentucky guard Devin Booker is a off-guard only but is a dynamite shooter who would really make defenses pay for helping onto Bledsoe and Knight. In the second round, there are a couple solid backup center types such as Syracuse's Rakeem Christmas or Spanish international Guillermo Hernangomez that could probably play a couple minutes a game as Len's backup, but might be overexposed if they had to start because of a Len injury. Third point guard is another area they could address with their security no round pick, local Arizona prospect T.J. McConnell is far from flashy, but gets the job done when needed. Oregon's James Young, Kentucky's Andrew Harrison, and Olivier Hanlan of Boston College are more combo guards, but would provide some interesting versatility.
Mock Draft
13. Bobby Portis, F/C, Arkansas
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