EMPIRE OF THE SUNS

NBA Draft’s late lottery full of frontcourt options for Suns

Jun 23, 2016, 9:31 AM | Updated: 11:30 am

Numerous options could present themselves to the Phoenix Suns at the No. 13 pick in the NBA Draft. But with so many frontcourt players hovering in the late lottery in many mock drafts, it’s quite possible general manager Ryan McDonough could find very good value there.

With that in mind, the Empire of the Suns crew takes a look at Michigan State’s Deyonta Davis, Gonzaga’s Domantas Sabonis and Marquette’s Henry Ellenson attempting to whittle down the potential options for the Suns.

Kellan Olson: If the Phoenix Suns decide not to fill their hole at the power forward position at No. 4, they will still have an opportunity at No. 13. The pick the Suns acquired for Markieff Morris has three power forwards graded around that range: Davis out of Michigan State, Sabonis from Gonzaga, and Marquette’s Ellenson

The most intriguing and highly ranked is Davis, who could play with either Dragan Bender or Marquese Chriss. What stands out about his game, Gibby?

Bryan Gibberman: What I like about Davis is he projects to have an impact on both ends of the court. He has a good physical profile and based on how limited his role was at Michigan State it’s not out of the question he’s more skilled than he’s currently given credit for.

The two most impactful big men in the NBA Finals have been Draymond Green and Tristan Thompson — one skill they both have in common is an ability to switch and guard multiple positions and still be effective team rebounders. Davis is the big in this draft that might be best able to replicate that.

Olson: Two-way players are lacking on the Suns roster and Davis could certainly help with that. Sabonis is the most unique player of the bunch and has been placed on big boards anywhere from 10 to 20. Kevin, make the case for Sabonis as the pick if he were available at No. 13. Kevin Zimmerman: This draft has so many high-ceiling, low-floor players but Sabonis is probably a safe pick anywhere in the late lottery. That’s not meant as a slight. He’s not very athletic or very long at 6-foot-10, but his rebounding instincts are hard to find. His toughness, pedigree — remember his pops? — and smarts also should be enough to make up for his physical deficiencies. No, he might not fly above the rim, but he finished 72 percent of his shots at the cup (50 percent were assisted). Sabonis might not fit the bill of a new-age, guard 1-5 power forward, but Sabonis has passing instincts and a low-post game to be a third-option who might get most of his buckets off rim-rolls and offensive boards. He has an extending range on his jumper and maybe most impressively, plays within his limits.

Olson: Lastly, I’ll touch on Ellenson. He’s been possibly the biggest loser in this draft process since the start of the college basketball season. Seen as a smooth and versatile stretch four that could play inside and outside, Ellenson was a consensus in the top 10 of draft boards, with some even placing him in the top five.

Unfortunately for Ellenson, a rough year at Marquette saw him possibly slide out of the lottery. The 6-foot-10, 245-pound power forward can really handle the ball for a player his size and is also fundamentally sound from the post. That, along with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and a great motor with solid rebounding ability, brings flexibility to his position and overall game.

That flexibility comes with his smooth stroke that extends to three-point line, but Ellenson put everything on pause after shooting only 28.8 percent from three on 3.2 attempts per game at Marquette. If Ellenson shot the ball at a good rate in his one year at Marquette, it would have been easier for scouts to overlook his lack of athleticism and how much he truly struggles as a defender in all situations. That didn’t happen and it brings tremendous apprehension for teams considering him in the lottery.

With all three prospects covered, who would you select if all three were available at No. 13?

Gibberman: I would take Davis. To me, he could be a potential pick at the Suns’ fourth pick under the right circumstances — even though most don’t consider him that level. Davis gives the Suns flexibility to not be forced into overpaying Alex Len next summer if he struggles again this season. I think Davis is pretty clearly the best prospect out of these three players.

Zimmerman: I agree, though I believe Davis — not to mention Jakob Poeltl and Skal Labissiere — will be off the board at No. 13. After Davis, I think Sabonis would be a rock-solid addition. A team will know what it’s getting in him.

Olson: Davis brings the most flexibility and is also the best prospect of the three. He could play with Dragan Bender, Marquese Chriss or either center currently on the Suns roster.

The defensive versatility of a potential Bender and Davis duo is absolutely tantalizing, even with the commitments already made at center. It’s worth noting that Davis could be off the board at No. 13, and if that’s the case, I give the edge to Ellenson for having a more dynamic offensive game than Sabonis.

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