PHOENIX – Despite not having their first-round pick, the NBA Draft will be a crucial one for the Phoenix Suns. Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery didn’t change much for the franchise, its still without an unprotected first-round pick for the net five years. Despite that, Phoenix still has a chance to add an impact player in June’s draft. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo predicted the Suns with their 47th pick will select point guard Jeremy Fears Jr. out of Michigan State.
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Jun 10, 2025; Scottsdale, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns general manager Brian Gregory during an introductory press conference at the Verizon 5g Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Why Suns would target Fears?
Fans might see that selection and roll their eyes. Owner Mat Ishbia’s obsession with his Alma Mater is quite well documented, hiring fellow alumnus like head coach Jordan Ott and general manager Brian Gregory. However, Ott and Gregory have each overperformed in their positions earlier on. The team making the playoffs and the arrival of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks have done wonders for the team, which is thanks to those two hires.
Michigan State coach Tom Izzo talks with guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) during the second half of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball East Regional game against UConn at Capital One Arena in Washington DC on Friday, March 27, 2026.
Michigan State lost the game 67-63.
Fears gives the roster much-needed depth at the point guard position, filling in behind Collin Gillespie. Devin Booker led the team with 6.0 assists per game, and Gillespie is right behind at 4.6. The 21-year-old averaged a nation-leading 9.4 assists in 35 games played, alongside 15.4 points. His playmaking is his biggest strength and joining an NBA team where everyone can shoot will do wonders for his career.
At 6’2, Fears is slightly undersize and shot only 32.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts. His offensive game is more relitant on downhill attack, averaging 5.9 free throw attempts per game at a 88.5% clip. Phoenix was near the bottom last year in free throw attempts per game, adding a guard like Fears will certainly help in that department.
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA; Michigan State Spartans guard Jeremy Fears Jr. (1) dives for a loose ball against the UConn Huskies in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Another reason to go guard if you’re Gregory is because Gillespie is a free agent this Summer. Gillespie might’ve played himself out of the Suns’ price range and could see him exit the franchise. While other players could step up to take his role, Fears would be a solid replacement and work well as a facilitator at the NBA level.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
