Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Phoenix Suns Draft Review

14. T.J. Warren, SF North Carolina State So. (6-8, 220)
One of the best scorers in the draft, many didn't know what to make of Warren because he isn't a very good shooter yet was so successful putting the ball in the basket. His style may be unorthodox, but when Warren is on the court he plays his tail off trying to score, attacking in transition, working off the ball, and hunting for offensive rebound putbacks. Warren is exactly what you want from a bench scorer and that is exactly the role he should play for Phoenix, who can anchor their second unit around Warren and Markieff Morris. This is a great pick for the Suns who have significantly improved with this draft.

18. Tyler Ennis, PG Syracuse Fr. (6-3, 182)
Another excellent pick for Phoenix, Tyler Ennis is a great fit in Phoenix's system and fills the need of a third guard who can play alongside with Eric Bledsoe or Goran Dragic and compliment them nicely. Ennis is a steady and smart as they come, and excellent ball handler and passer who should excel in the Suns free flowing offense because he reads the game so well and seemingly always makes the right decision. He is a good shooter who should improve quickly in that area. The only real question for Ennis is his defense, but with a 6-7+ wingspan he should be able to guard on the perimeter at at least and average level. There is also a chance restricted free agent Bledsoe gets signed away from Phoenix, in which case Ennis would be able to step in as the starting point guard alongside Dragic.

27. Bogdan Bogdanovic, SG Serbia (6-6, 205)
The Suns used their last first rounder on an international player because it is difficult for a 48 win team to bring in 3 first round rookies. Bogdanovic was no reach however, he was a legitimate first rounder and I am surprised he didn't go higher because he is an NBA ready wing player with a lot of offensive skills. That is the irony of Bogdanovic, he is ready to come over but was drafted by a team that likely won't bring him, though if Bledsoe walks they might consider it. Offensively, Bogdanovic is an above-average shooter who can also attack close outs and find teammates off the dribble. His lack of top athleticism might lead to some issues defensively but not so much it overshadows his offensive value.

50. Alec Brown, C Wisconsin-Green Bay Sr. (7-1, 220)
In the second round, Phoenix took a chance on a very tall, talented big man who probably will never have an impact, but you never know. Brown has long arms, moves pretty well, and has a lot of skill, especially shooting where he hit on 42% of his 3 point attempts last season. The issue with Brown is strength, his lean frame needs a lot more strength and bulk, but at 22 years old he isn't likely to get strong enough to handle the rigors of being an NBA big man. Add to that a very poor rebound rate and you have to wonder if he will ever be an interior player.

Projected Lineup
PG: Goran Dragic/Tyler Ennis
SG: Eric Bledsoe (RFA)/Gerald Green/Archie Goodwin
SF: Marcus Morris/T.J. Warren
PF: Channing Frye/Markieff Morris
C: Miles Plumlee/Alex Len

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