NBA Draft: Strong takes, bold predictions for the Suns and the field

The 2016 NBA Draft is upon us.

The Empire of the Suns writers have podcasted about almost every pick imaginable. They’ve gone back and forth between Marquese Chriss and Dragan Bender, and even Jaylen Brown and Kris Dunn.

They’ve evaluated trade scenarios and attempted to determine veteran trade targets the Suns might be interested in using their draft picks to acquire.

Now it’s time to settle in, enjoy the show (4 p.m. MST, ESPN) and see where Thursday’s draft takes us. But first, some bold last-minute takes and predictions about the Suns and otherwise.

1. We’ve agreed the best pick for the Suns at No. 4 is Dragan Bender. If he’s not the choice, who is the next-best option?

Bryan Gibberman: I’m OK with them taking Marquese Chriss at 4 if Bender is gone. There’s a chance you’re getting the next Tyrus Thomas, but with good coaching and development he can turn into more. I’m fine with the Suns taking a risk rather settling for someone with no chance at developing into a high-level player like a Buddy Hield or Jamal Murray.

Kellan Olson: Jaylen Brown. He has elite athleticism on the wing, high potential as a defender and his offensive game isn’t as underdeveloped as you’d think. His skill set fits perfectly with Devin Booker and contrasts nicely with T.J. Warren’s.

Kevin Zimmerman: I’ve talked him up a bit but here’s a hot take for you: In such a weak draft class, an arm-chair GM like me is fine taking the risk on Marquese Chriss. I fail to think his foul troubles and rebounding rate are issues that he won’t aim to fix. In flashes — and he did flash them more at the end of the year — he showed the ability to improve in those areas.

2. Assuming the Suns don’t keep four rookies on the opening day roster, what would be the most ideal way to handle the picks?

Gibberman: The Suns drafting three players to put on the roster and then doing one draft and stash is an idea I can get behind. The strength of this draft is in its depth. There’s more to building a basketball team than finding stars, and if the Suns can add quality role players that are going to be helpful down the line with multiple years of cheap contracts, that’s a good move. If there’s a worthy player available in trade, I’d obviously be open to moving the picks.

Olson: I’m going to go bold here. With the report Arizona Sports 98.7 FM’s John Gambadoro made yesterday in mind, I think the Suns would be wise to move No. 4 for Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Editor’s note: Gambadoro said Kidd-Gilchrist might be on the trading block). From there, they should still target the power forward of the future by using the No. 13 pick and other assets (28, 34, Goodwin, Knight, etc.) to draft Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss if they fall to in the 6-9 range, which is looking like a strong possibility.

Zimmerman: Let’s just keep all the picks. Give me Bender and Skal Labissiere in the lottery with swings at high schooler Thon Maker and Oakland point guard Kay Felder with the 28th and 34th picks, respectively. The Northern Arizona Suns need some dynamic, unique prospects to get excited about, anyhow.

3. Beyond the Suns, give one bold prediction for draft night as a whole.

Gibberman: Jay Bilas says “wingspan” — wait that’s not bold. Hmmmm, I’ll go with there are two major trades involving veteran players. (Editor’s note: Gibberman’s answer was filed hours before the Hawks-Pacers-Jazz trade involving Jeff Teague and George Hill, and the Derrick Rose deal between the Bulls and Knicks).

Olson: There are no trades in the top-10.

Zimmerman: Knicks fans won’t boo their team’s draft selection (just kidding, they don’t have a pick). More seriously, an obscure international player is going to be waiting in the Barclays Center bleachers — not the green room — for his name to be called. And he will be wearing an awesome suit. I see you, Furkan Korkmaz.

4. Five years down the road, what are we going to say about the 2016 NBA Draft?

Gibberman: Ben Simmons was a tremendous top pick and all of the questions regarding him were ridiculous (looking at you, Kellan).

Olson: Why did Malik Beasley go in the 20s?

Zimmerman: Whoops! The best player wasn’t a top-5 pick.