PHOENIX – After gaining the 10th pick in the NBA draft via the Kevin Durant trade, the Phoenix Suns will be on the clock in the lottery. Regaining their first round pick this year is likely the biggest asset the franchise got in return for Durant. The 2025 NBA draft is littered with fascinating prospects that can be a day one starter for Phoenix. The Suns will need more size and defensive creativity and can get that with either of these two prospects: Arizona forward Cater Bryant and Maryland center Derik Queen.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!ESPN’s Jonathan Givony on Bryant’s NBA-ready qualities:
Mar 23, 2025; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) high-fives forward Carter Bryant (9) during a stop in play against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
“Bryant has received strong reviews throughout the predraft process. He appears likely to hear his name called somewhere in the 9-to-15 range, with several teams likely to be attracted to the frontcourt shooting, defensive versatility and passing prowess he offers. Bryant wasn’t consistently productive for Arizona coming off the bench, averaging 6.5 points per game, as he’s not much of a shot creator, and has plenty of room for growth on both ends of the floor.”
The freshman forward didn’t have impressive counting stats, averaging 6.5 points, 4.1 rebound and 1.0 assists. However, Bryant’s 6’8 frame and 37.1% from 3 is exactly the archetype that NBA teams are searching in the lottery. His nearly seven-foot wingspan gives him all the tools to be defensive hound, which Phoenix is in dire need of on the perimeter.
Apr 11, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) dunks against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Bryant has similar qualities to Suns forward Ryan Dunn with his defensive prowess and catch-and-shoot ability. The duo could grow into a stellar pair of perimeter defenders that’ll give the defense a switchability it didn’t have last year.
Queen has the counting stats and the frame to back it up. Standing at 6’10, the freshman center averaged 16.5 points and 9.0 rebounds with the Terrapins. The 19-year-old had a stellar NCAA tournament performance against the eventual defending champion Florida Gators, dropping 27 points and five rebounds.
Mar 27, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Derik Queen (25) dribbles down court past Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the second half during a West Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Givony called Queen “the most skilled big man in this class,” highlighting his skill in the pick and roll game. Queen is a front basket scorer that doesn’t get overwhelmed when doubled in the post by having a impressive passing ability at his size.
Mar 4, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns center Nick Richards (2) dunks against the LA Clippers during the second half at PHX Center. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
The Suns current center rotation is Nick Richards and Oso Ighodaro. Inserting queen into that group gives a much needed jolt of excitement and athleticism needed. Phoenix has been searching for its DeAndre Ayton replacement since he left the Valley, and Queen has the ability to be that player.
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
