EOTS’ No. 31 preview: Big men possibilities for Suns is slim pickings

After running through the potential top choices at No. 16, Empire of the Suns combs through position groups the Suns could be looking to strengthen at No. 31 in the 2018 NBA Draft.

We’ve gone over the plethora of point guards, combo guards, 3-and-D wings and single-tooled forwards who could be available when the Phoenix Suns select first in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft.

Between all those names, it’s unlikely the Suns pick a big man. Adding to that likelihood is Phoenix’s expected selection of center Deandre Ayton at No. 1 overall and the team’s commitment to developing young players Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender.

But all that aside, it’s unlikely because there just aren’t many big men on the board at No. 31.

Let’s never say never.

Here are four bigs who might be enticing enough for Phoenix to consider with their third pick in the draft.

Chimezie Metu, F, USC

15.7 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.7 blocks per game on 52.3% shooting (30% 3-point)

A former potentially lottery pick, Metu’s junior season didn’t exactly help his stock but did show signs that maybe he’s got room to grow. The 20-year-old added a three-point shot to his arsenal and in just 1.2 attempts per game hit 30 percent. With decent form, his ceiling could expand with more improvement there.

The 6-foot-9 forward is cut but on the slim side. He can be overpowered by NBA centers and be rendered ineffective as a scorer in the same way. That said, he will still be valuable as a player who can get buckets off cuts, offensive boards and doing the work inside as an above-average athlete. In the small-ball NBA, he’ll have a role.

Underrated in his game is his feel and passing that flashed with 1.6 assists per game.

— Kevin Zimmerman

Moritz Wagner, C, Michigan

14.6 points, 7.1 rebounds, 52.8% shooting (39.4% 3-point)

Yes, the Berlin-born basketball player is influenced by Dirk Nowitzki. Yes, he’s a true 7-footer with an affinity for shooting the longball.

Wagner considered leaving school as a sophomore but returned with more on his shoulders to excel as a junior this past season, helping Michigan to a national title game run.

He improved his defense and rebounding rate while maintaining an impressive efficiency on the offensive end considering he took 10.5 shots per game. Wagner should provide an offensive boost for an NBA team and showed with focus he can at least hang on the defensive end.

That said, Wagner’s 7-foot wingspan and lack of bulk at 244 pounds might make him a target. He’s not very swift on his feet, and there might be some concern his sub-70 percent free throw accuracy might be a red flag for his potential as a three-point shooter. His near-40 percent accuracy over the past two seasons from the college three, however, might make that just a worry and not a likely outcome.

— Kevin Zimmerman

Omari Spellman, F, Villanova

10.9 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game on 47.6% shooting (43.3% 3-point)

An undersized big, Spellman’s combine numbers didn’t hurt him much as he measured in at over 6-foot-9 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan.

He’s a unique player at 254 pounds. On Offense, Spellman doesn’t have much of a traditional big man game and prefers to square up. Nearly half of his 8.4 shot attempts per game were from three-point range, making him efficient despite the unusual offensive preference.

Though a bit bulky, he moves well on his feet on defense and blocks enough shots to profile him as a plus presence despite his lack of height. Spellman can grab boards with his effort and using his size to his advantage.

— Kevin Zimmerman

Mitchell Robinson, C, Chalmette High School

22.8 points, 12.6 rebounds and 0.5 assists

Robinson is all about potential.

At 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, the 20-year-old moves well around the court and uses that to his advantage defensively.

He profiles as a rim runner and protector on both sides of the ball, not overcomplicating matters with any real offensive resposibility. That’s, at least, what he should be focusing on, but it looks like he’s trying to add a three-point shot.

Mitchell Robinson showed off some touch from 3 tonight. Definitely has skill potential to tap into. Will benefit from focusing on being a dominant shot blocker, rim runner, lob catcher, and rebounder first then build out the rest of his offensive game. pic.twitter.com/uLcG9ebbxj

— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) May 31, 2018

With it looking likely for the Suns to draft Ayton at the top, a developmental big doesn’t make too much sense, even if Robinson were to fall from his mid-to-late first round projection into the second round.

— Kellan Olson