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What to do at pick 22: Top 5 prospects the Suns should consider

© Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NBA Draft is only one day away, and the Phoenix Suns currently hold the No. 22 overall pick.

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The Suns gain the ability to trade the pick tomorrow, and it could be argued that it’s in their best interest to trade down a few spots and acquire more assets. Right now, the only other first-round pick Phoenix will soon gain the ability to trade is its 2031 pick.

Even though most think that the Suns won’t have any draft picks for years to come, they still have a first-round pick in 2026, 2028 and 2030 that are all pick swaps. The only second-round pick they own right now is a 2028 pick from the Boston Celtics (protected 31-45), so it certainly would not hurt to gain some assets one way or another.

Yahoo Sports’ Jake Fischer reports that the Suns are considered a “strong candidate” to move down in this year’s draft to replenish some of this capital.

Make no mistake that the Suns will have to do extremely well in the draft and free agency to improve their roster following last season’s first-round sweep against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

That is way easier said than done given that the team could be returning around 10-11 players next season, will only be drafting in the back half of the first round and can only sign free agents to veteran minimums. This free agency rule is due to the Suns operating over the second-tax apron, as they have the highest projected payroll in the NBA next season at $209 million.

Additionally, the Suns don’t have a good recent track record of draft picks. David Roddy was the only player selected in the last three drafts to play minutes for Phoenix this past season (and he logged 63 minutes total), while Devin Booker is the only player on the roster who the Suns drafted. Phoenix did make a good pick in Toumani Camari at No. 52 overall last summer, but dealt him away before the start of the 2023-24 campaign to the Portland Trail Blazers, where he went on to start 49 games.

In terms of free agency, the Suns also had to fill out their roster with veteran-minimum contract players last offseason, but traded four of them away at the deadline for Royce O’Neale and Roddy.

Right now, Phoenix has seven players under contract for next season: Booker, Bradley Beal, Grayson Allen, Kevin Durant, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little and Roddy. Forbes Sports’ Evan Sidery reports that Eric Gordon will opt out of his player option for next season and that Damion Lee will exercise his player option, while ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski says that Drew Eubanks will opt out of his. According to multiple reports, the Suns are hoping to bring back Royce O’Neale and Bol Bol, who are unrestricted free agents. Josh Okogie’s stance on his player option has not been reported yet, but he is said to love Phoenix, so he could be another returnee.

If Lee, O’Neale, Bol and Okogie are to return, this is how Phoenix’s roster would look next season before any offseason moves or trades take place:

  • PG: Bradley Beal, ?, Josh Okogie
  • SG: Devin Booker, Damion Lee, David Roddy
  • SF: Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale, Nassir Little
  • PF: Kevin Durant, Bol Bol, ?
  • C: Jusuf Nurkić, ?, ?

According to Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro, the Suns will be looking to fill three roster holes this offseason: a point guard who can play more than 20 minutes per game, a backup big upgrade and a young, athletic wing. As you can see by the roster, all of these positions are missing.

With this said, these are our top five players the Suns should consider at 22 to fill one of these holes (or around this range if they choose to trade):

5. Isaiah Collier, Freshman PG, USC

Feb 15, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans guard Isaiah Collier (1) dribbles against the Utah Utes during the second half at Galen Center. Mandatory Credit: Alex Gallardo-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Combine measurements: 6-foot-2.5 (height without shoes) | 204.6 pounds | 6-foot-4.75 wingspan

2023-24 averages: 16.3 PTS on 49% FG | 33.8% 3PT | 67.3% FT splits,  4.3 AST, 2.9 REB, 1.5 STL, 3.3 TOV

Age: 19.6

Big board rank: No. 23 (ESPN), No. 20 (The Ringer), No. 21 (Yahoo Sports), No. 9 (Bleacher Report), No. 15 (NBADraft.net), No. 22 (No Ceilings)

NBA comparison (via NBADraft.net); Jeff Teague/Eric Bledsoe

Collier will likely be labeled as the best overall player of these five if they were all available by the time the Suns pick, but would be a little bit more of a project than the others.

ESPN’s No. 1 high school prospect in the 2023 class was more of a bully-ball, downhill driver and got off to a poor start from 3 in his lone season with the Trojans.

However, Collier possesses a lot of tools that could help him flourish in the NBA. He would need to be a lot more of a playmaker on this current Suns’ team and a 1.3 to 1 assist to turnover ratio would not help in this area.

Collier probably has the highest ceiling out of all of these players given his raw talent, so if he falls to the Suns and they draft him, he would be immediately considered a steal. Falling as low as Phoenix might be considered the floor for Collier’s draft range.

Here’s what HoopsHype lists as Collier’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

  • Decent shooting percentages
  • Solid ball handler with creativity and craftiness, changes speeds well
  • Size and strength advantage at 6-foot-4, making him tough to defend at the point of attack
  • Excellent court vision and facilitation in pick-and-roll situations
  • Quick first step to attack defenders off the dribble, excels at drawing contact and finishing in the paint
  • Effective midrange game, capable of creating space for himself
  • NBA-ready frame with impressive strength
  • Ability to consistently get to the free throw line and draw fouls

Weaknesses

  • Tendency to turn the ball over and struggle with passing accuracy
  • Below-average defender with deficiencies in team defense and lateral quickness
  • Short wingspan limits defensive effectiveness
  • Inconsistent shooting and poor free-throw percentage
  • Lack of elite athleticism and finishing ability above the rim
  • Questions about overall feel for the game and defensive effort

4. Kel’el Ware, Sophomore C, Indiana

Mar 10, 2024; Bloomington, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Kel’el Ware (1) celebrates a made shot in the second half against the Michigan State Spartans at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Combine measurements: 6-foot-11.75 (height without shoes) | 230 pounds | 7-foot-4.5 wingspan

2023-24 averages: 15.9 PTS on 58.6% FG | 42.5% 3PT | 63.4% FT splits,  9.9 REB, 1.5 AST, 1.9 BLK

Age: 20.1

Big board rank: No. 24 (ESPN), No. 19 (The Ringer), No. 23 (Yahoo Sports), No. 16 (Bleacher Report), No. 17 (NBADraft.net), No. 23 (No Ceilings)

NBA comparison (via NBADraft.net); Jarrett Allen

Ware could also be considered a steal for Phoenix if he falls to 22. The big man impressed with his rim protection on defense, while showcasing his ability to not only finish with impressive footwork in the paint, but space the floor offensively.

However, his rim-running highlights are perhaps the most impressive. This is an area where the Suns failed to find any sort of consistency with Eubanks last season, and Nurkić can’t finish like this:

As the Dallas Mavericks showed with Dereck Lively II last season, teams that draft an NBA-ready center can plug them in right away if they have a clear-cut role.

Ware did show some inconsistency at time, but his role, like any of the player the Suns draft or add, is to compliment the Big 3 of Beal, Booker and Durant in the best way possible. From his college tape, Ware possesses a lot of what the Suns were missing last season and could fit in nicely as the backup 5, especially if Phoenix adds a floor general at backup point guard.

Here’s what HoopsHype lists as Ware’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

  • Exceptional rim protection abilities due to length and athleticism
  • Proficient shooter with solid mechanics and efficiency, especially from three-point range
  • Demonstrates efficiency around the rim and has shown glimpses of passing skills
  • Impressive agility and footwork for a seven-footer
  • Displays discipline in avoiding fouls, which is rare for players his age
  • Coachable and understands his role on the court
  • Consistently delivers double-double performances as a starter
  • Shows adeptness in the pick-and-roll game and as a rim runner
  • Maintains a throwback post-up game and adept finishing with both hands in the paint
  • Expanding perimeter skills, including shooting from the corner three

Weaknesses

  • Struggles as a switchable defender and considered somewhat raw in overall skill set
  • Inconsistencies in effort and physicality need improvement
  • Was criticized in the past for being soft, lacking effort, and communication

3. Yves Missi, Freshman C, Baylor

Baylor freshman center Yves Missi (21) points back after scoring against Kansas in the first half of the game Saturday, February 10, 2024 inside Allen Fieldhouse.

NBA Combine measurements: 6-foot-10.25 (height without shoes), 229.4 pounds | 7-foot-2 wingspan

2023-24 averages: 10.7 PTS on 61.4% FG | 61.6% FT splits, 5.6 REB, 1.5 BLK

Age: 20.1

Big board rank: No. 22 (ESPN), No. 27 (The Ringer), No. 19 (Yahoo Sports), No. 23 (Bleacher Report), No. 28 (NBADraft.net), No. 31 (No Ceilings)

NBA comparison (via NBADraft.net); Kevon Looney/Clint Capela

Missi is another center that has a very similar range to Ware, and a lot of mock drafts have him firmly where the Suns are picking.

In his freshman year with the Bears, Missi was a highlight reel among himself in his finishes at the rim.

Referencing Lively again, he was a freshman that had really high upside at Duke, but did not have the chance to show what he had in college for more than one year. This upside is something that Missi possesses as well, as he has only played organized basketball for three years.

For this reason, it might be a risk to take Missi to contribute right away if his skills don’t translate immediately, but just from watching his highlights, it is obvious he can only get better with time.

Missi will be a lob threat and rim protector for whatever team drafts him, and with the Suns only have Nurkić as a center under contract next season, he would fit right in with them as his backup.

Here’s what HoopsHype lists as Missi’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

  • Impressive frame with a 7-foot height and 7-5 wingspan
  • Athletic and long, reminiscent of a young Clint Capela
  • Excellent mobility and verticality for his size
  • Strong finishing skills around the rim
  • Reliable hands and solid rebounding ability
  • Huge wingspan allows him to contest perimeter shots effectively
  • Potential to be an excellent defensive anchor and rim protector
  • Quick to get up for blocks and can stick with guards on defense

Weaknesses

  • Limited offensive skills and range outside of the paint
  • Poor free-throw shooter
  • Lacks passing ability and tends to immediately look to dunk
  • Struggles with defending switches and perimeter players
  • Needs improvement in reading ball screens and mastering drop coverage
  • Tendency to get into foul trouble and needs to get stronger

2. Tyler Kolek, Senior PG, Marquette

Feb 21, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Marquette Golden Eagles guard Tyler Kolek (11) acknowledges the crowd during the second half against the DePaul Blue Demons at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Combine measurements: 6-foot-1.25 (height without shoes) | 196.6 pounds | 6-foot-2.75 wingspan

2023-24 averages: 15.3 PTS on 49.6% FG | 38.8% 3PT | 85.1% FT splits, 7.7 AST (led Division I), 4.9 REB, 1.6 STL, 2.9 TOV

Age: 23.7

Big board rank: No. 25 (ESPN), No. 21 (The Ringer), No. 22 (Yahoo Sports), No. 32 (Bleacher Report), No. 22 (NBADraft.net), No. 28 (No Ceilings)

NBA comparison (via NBADraft.net); TJ McConnell/Payton Prichard

Center is arguably a bigger need for the Suns than point guard, but as seen by the big board rankings, Kolek is a player the Suns could also trade a few spots down for, which would not likely be the case for Ware and Missi, so that is why he is higher on our list.

Kolek was a consensus second-team All-American selection (AP, NABC, USBWA, Sporting News) last season, one year after winning the 2022-23 BIG EAST Player of the Year. This was his third season at Marquette and fourth overall in college after he started his career at George Mason in the 2020-21 season.

If the Suns want a point guard that can contribute right away, Kolek, with his age and experience, is probably the best answer for them in this range. This is why there are several reports that the Suns might be targeting him and brought him in for a workout last week.

Kolek’s playmaking stands out the most.

Watching T.J. McConnell in this year’s playoffs made any NBA fan want a player like him on their team, which is what the hope would be with Kolek. He has a fiery, competitive nature and is more a 3-point shooter than McConnell (averaged 3.9 attempts per game last season).

If the Suns do draft Kolek, they would likely have to add a rim-running big to compliment him in the second unit. However, Kolek showed that even in a pro-style offense at Marquette, he could be the best playmaker in the country and also played intense defense despite his shorter wingspan.

Here’s what HoopsHype lists as Kolek’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

  • Leads men’s Division-I in assists per game with 7.7
  • Recognized as a leader on the court
  • Possesses craftiness and intelligence as a point guard
  • Significant improvement as a shooter, hitting 40.4 percent from three-point range
  • Adept distributor, particularly out of ball screens
  • Displays clutch shot-making abilities
  • Left-handed catch-and-shoot three-point shooter
  • Deceptiveness and shiftiness enables him to attack the basket
  • Solid floor general, orchestrating an offense effectively
  • Creates scoring opportunities for teammates with flashy plays

Weaknesses

  • Limited first-step quickness
  • Defensive lateral movement could be improved
  • Ability to score in traffic hindered by size
  • Must accelerate release off the dribble to become a more formidable threat
  • Lack of midrange jumper in skill set
  • Defensive capabilities, particularly footspeed and separation, need improvement
  • Faces challenges in penetrating defenses and defending more athletic guards
  • Small stature and lack of elite vertical athleticism pose limitations

1. Ryan Dunn, Sophomore F, Virginia

Jan 24, 2024; Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Virginia Cavaliers guard Ryan Dunn (13) reacts after a dunk against the North Carolina State Wolfpack in overtime at John Paul Jones Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

NBA Combine measurements: 6-foot-6.25 (height without shoes) | 213.6 pounds | 7-foot-1.5 wingspan

2023-24 averages: 8.1 PTS on 54.8% FG | 20% 3PT | 53.2% FT splits, 6.9 REB, 0.8 AST, 2.3 BLK, 1.3 STL, 0.8 TOV

Age: 21.4

Big board rank: No. 28 (ESPN), No. 25 (The Ringer), No. 38 (Yahoo Sports), No. 17 (Bleacher Report), No. 38 (NBADraft.net), No. 27 (No Ceilings)

NBA comparison (via NBADraft.net); Kendall Brown

Another player at this workout last week with Kolek was Dunn, according to multiple reports.

If you look at the Suns potential roster for next season above, they lack a young, athletic, defensive-minded wing that contributes, which is a premium position around stars in the NBA today. Dunn, who some consider the best defender in the draft, could give them exactly that and is also No. 1 on this list because he too is a player Phoenix could move down for and gain more assets.

Dunn, who is also one of the best athletes in the draft, only averaged one 3-point attempt per game, so he did not really showcase all he can do offensively in college.

However, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony picked the Suns to choose him in his latest mock draft because of his impressive workouts: “Dunn is said to be gaining steam in this range of the draft after a slew of outstanding workouts this month propelled him firmly into the first round. Several teams have said Dunn exceeded expectations with his shooting while also doing some absolutely mesmerizing things defensively in guarding point guards through centers in group settings.”

Last season for Phoenix, there were several players, including Keita Bates-Diop, Jordan Goodwin, Little, Okogie and others that were either traded or benched because they only offered little to nothing offensively despite excellent defense. There is some risk with Dunn if his offense doesn’t translate right away, but this is an area the Suns can work with given his age.

Dunn does not find himself on this list compiled a couple days ago by HoopsHype that determines who has the best odds to be drafted by each team using their Draft Predictor. According to the article, this is a “new tool that factors in our Aggregated Mock Draft and our workout tracker to generate the probability of every player landing at each draft slot.”

However, Dunn’s impressive physical tools would allow him to slot into a much-needed 1-5 defender role right away for Phoenix with the hope that his offense will improve and that looking back, he will end up being the steal of the draft despite his pre-draft rankings.

Here’s what HoopsHype lists as Dunn’s strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

  • Outstanding size at 6-foot-8 with a near 7-foot wingspan
  • Elite defender, regarded as the best in both the draft class and college basketball
  • Versatile defender capable of guarding positions one through five
  • Generates steals and blocks at a high rate, excels as a weakside rim protector
  • Active in transition, hustles, dives for loose balls, and contributes on the offensive glass
  • Solid rebounder for his position, sharp cutter, and effective finisher around the rim

Weaknesses

  • Limited offensive skill set, lacks contribution on-ball and struggles with shooting, driving, passing, and screening
  •  Inconsistent jumper, low shooting efficiency from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line
  • Needs to add muscle to effectively guard bigger players in the post
  • Lacks great instincts as a passer and playmaker on offense

There are a lot of avenues the Suns could choose to go tomorrow night, so we will see what they end up doing. Stay tuned to burncitysports.com for up-to-date NBA Draft coverage.

Current odds of who the Suns will draft at No. 22

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Brendan Mau is a senior writer covering the Phoenix Suns and more for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on X via @Brendan_Mau

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