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*Photo via AP
The Phoenix Suns haven’t seen the playoffs since their run to the Western Conference Finals in 2010. Since then, with the exception of the 2012-2013 season, they have hovered around the .500 mark. With the 13th pick this year, they can only hope for a slight improvement going into next year. There are several spots in which the Suns need to improve, but no matter which player they select, it’s hard to imagine them improving much.
1.Frank Kaminsky – Wisconsin
Frank the Tank’s draft night will get interesting when the Miami Heat are on the clock. Most experts have Kaminsky going somewhere between the Heat’s 10th pick and the Suns 13th pick. Kaminsky gives you what few others in this draft do, namely experience. During his senior campaign for the Badgers, he averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assist per game. He also grabbed the Naismith College Player of the Year, the John R. Wooden Award, and the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Center of the Year award. Standing at a towering 7’1”, Kaminsky actually prefers to play a stretch four. He doesn’t have the strength to constantly mix it up with the elite NBA big men, but he can help spread the floor and knock down shots. Whoever picks him up gains a solid rotational player that should be able to facilitate on the offensive side.
2.Trade
Do not be surprised if the Suns make a trade. They could trade up to grab a starter like Russell or trade down and try to fix many of the problems they have. Their biggest problem at 13 is it is unlikely any of the available players will make much of an impact.
3.Sam Dekker –Wisconsin
Dekker will be able to provide a much-needed spark to the Suns bench. His strength is found in making cuts to the basket or hitting pull-up jumpers in transition. However, he can go cold for long stretches and will be a defensive liability. The addition of Dekker is not a move that will vault the Suns into the playoff picture, but will help the rebuilding process.
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