2009 Suns Draft

[overseascardfan]

So since the experts feel this is such a weak draft that GMs will be selling picks, we should get rid of our talent and buy up the weak draft picks for illusions of promise?

I have some prime real estate I can sell you in the Florida swamplands. No one else will buy it, I suggest you act on this offer ASAP.

Shaq is as good as gone anyway and Nash should be traded not just for us but for him as well, he deserves a chance at a ring.

Those 2 alone would free up a lot of money, plus there is actually some talent to be had this year as next year's draft isn't going to get any better despite what experts think. Besides its not like I suggested we trade or buy Top 10 picks because picks #2-31 are basically equal in terms of talent with Blake Griffin being the clear cut #1.

How else do you suggest we turn things around, by keeping high priced veterans and hope we don't make it into the lottery next year. We need to get younger and guys like Greg Monroe, Eric Maynor, Al-Farouq Aminu, Damion James, BJ Mullens, Jeff Teague, DeJuan Blair and Tyler Hansborough are projected to be mid to late first rounders and could really help us next year.

 

[HooverDam]

I wouldn't mind picking up Dionte Christmas is the second round if he's there.

Id be OK w/ that too. Speaking of 2nd round picks, I think getting Pendergraph would be a good fit for the Suns too. He can run the floor well, shoots well from the elbow and about 15 feet out on the baseline and is a good FT shooter. Im not sure how man to man defense will be since he's been playing zone for 3 years, but he's fairly athletic and plays with a lot of hustle, so it could be alright. I think he could be a more skilled Lou Amundson type, with a chance of perhaps being a Kurt Thomas type.

And yes, I know I'm being a homer. But if Kerr is going to take Budinger at around 14 and make me want to kill myself he can at least balance things out.

 

[binkar]

Shaq is as good as gone anyway and Nash should be traded not just for us but for him as well, he deserves a chance at a ring.

Those 2 alone would free up a lot of money, plus there is actually some talent to be had this year as next year's draft isn't going to get any better despite what experts think. Besides its not like I suggested we trade or buy Top 10 picks because picks #2-31 are basically equal in terms of talent with Blake Griffin being the clear cut #1.

How else do you suggest we turn things around, by keeping high priced veterans and hope we don't make it into the lottery next year. We need to get younger and guys like Greg Monroe, Eric Maynor, Al-Farouq Aminu, Damion James, BJ Mullens, Jeff Teague, DeJuan Blair and Tyler Hansborough are projected to be mid to late first rounders and could really help us next year.

I am going to have to disagree with you emphatically. The top end talent isn't at good as in previous years, but that doesn't mean that #2-31 are equal in terms of talent. The gap may not be as big as it has been in previous years, but there is still a gap. I think that there are still some good players in this draft there are just a lot of "unknows". Guys like Mullens, Holiday, Aminu, DeRozan and others didn't have the huge freshman seasons that Love and some of the others had, but they still have a lot of talent. It's just a crap shoot in a way to see who will develop.

I do agree with you in the sense though that even though there aren't Lebron or Dwayne type players in this draft, there are still a lot of players who could turn out to be very solid NBA players.

 

[slinslin]

Aside from the fact that Griffin isn't even a clear cut #1 pick if Rubio declares which is likely.
#2-31 being equal is the most ridiculous thing that I have heard so far. There is pretty big drop off after the best 12-14 players.

The usual "This draft is weak" statements get boring, same procedure as every year. If you do your job well, you will find a potentially great player with every draft pick.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

Rubio is my favorite player in this year's draft, but if you get the #1 pick and DONT take griffin, you should be hanged.

 

[Mainstreet]

The usual "This draft is weak" statements get boring, same procedure as every year. If you do your job well, you will find a potentially great player with every draft pick.

I couldn't agree more. The Suns scouting in recent years has been lazy and/or a low priority especially late in the draft. I think both. The Suns were unwilling to separate the wheat from the chaff. It seemed like the Suns tried to overcome this ineptitude in last year's draft but I am not high on Kerr and Griffin as scouts. Those picks the Suns sold or traded away could have brought the Suns some nice young talent.

 

[slinslin]

Rubio is my favorite player in this year's draft, but if you get the #1 pick and DONT take griffin, you should be hanged.

And why is that?

Because Rubio could be the modern Pistol Pete Maravic? Or because Blake Griffin could be the next Amare Stoudemire?

A lot will depend on the measurements. Imo Griffin will measure 6'9 in shoes and that would seal it for me giving Rubio the nod.

Rubio is probably the best every player at 16, 17 and now 18 in Europe.

He is probably already as good if not better than Jose Calderon.

If Rubio was playing in the NCAA and doing what he does in Europe it wouldn't be a discussion unless you simply go by "Big>Small". The truth however is that Rubio has proven himself against much better competition than Griffin in college.
The Spanish league is the strongest in Europe, he was terrific in international competition also..

Not to mention Phoenix would probably be the perfect place for Rubio. He seems to be the type that local fans love and should appeal to all the hispanic population.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSBLKrZCkeU
This is a 16-18 year old in the highlights playing against pros.. Rubio to European basketball is a prodigy like Lebron was for American basketball. He can't jump but who cares. You get a 18 year old 6'4 PG who can pass like Magic, Pistol Pete and Nash, dribble like Maravich, defends pretty well and has made big improvements shooting the ball.
This kid is very smart too, even with his limited athleticism, I think it is almost impossible for him to be a bust.

Unless your PG's name is Deron Williams, Chris Paul or Derek Rose I think it is a no-brainer to pick Rubio over Griffin unless you plan on getting next years #1 for John Wall also or at least Brandon Jennings in this draft.

 

[overseascardfan]

Aside from the fact that Griffin isn't even a clear cut #1 pick if Rubio declares which is likely.
#2-31 being equal is the most ridiculous thing that I have heard so far. There is pretty big drop off after the best 12-14 players.

The usual "This draft is weak" statements get boring, same procedure as every year. If you do your job well, you will find a potentially great player with every draft pick.

Really? Well lets see right now Thabeet is considered the #2 pick in the draft, DaJuan Blair who dominated him twice this year is considered mid to late first round. Greg Monroe who eas considered a Top 5 pick a couple of months ago is #14 in NBA Draft Net's last mock draft. Lawson moved up from 21 to #11. Players continue to slip and rise on a week to week basis. So your #12-14 drop off is off, because not all underclassmen have declared and some players might go back to school. Aside from Griffin no one has stayed at one spot the whole year in mock drafts. One final example is Chase Buddinger who was considered a late 1st rounder now is in the Top 10, everyone feels that he will be a good player but not good enough to go in the Top 10 in a strong draft.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

And why is that?

Because Rubio could be the modern Pistol Pete Maravic? Or because Blake Griffin could be the next Amare Stoudemire?

A lot will depend on the measurements. Imo Griffin will measure 6'9 in shoes and that would seal it for me giving Rubio the nod.

Rubio is probably the best every player at 16, 17 and now 18 in Europe.

He is probably already as good if not better than Jose Calderon.

If Rubio was playing in the NCAA and doing what he does in Europe it wouldn't be a discussion unless you simply go by "Big>Small". The truth however is that Rubio has proven himself against much better competition than Griffin in college.
The Spanish league is the strongest in Europe, he was terrific in international competition also..

Not to mention Phoenix would probably be the perfect place for Rubio. He seems to be the type that local fans love and should appeal to all the hispanic population.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSBLKrZCkeU
This is a 16-18 year old in the highlights playing against pros.. Rubio to European basketball is a prodigy like Lebron was for American basketball. He can't jump but who cares. You get a 18 year old 6'4 PG who can pass like Magic, Pistol Pete and Nash, dribble like Maravich, defends pretty well and has made big improvements shooting the ball.
This kid is very smart too, even with his limited athleticism, I think it is almost impossible for him to be a bust.

Unless your PG's name is Deron Williams, Chris Paul or Derek Rose I think it is a no-brainer to pick Rubio over Griffin unless you plan on getting next years #1 for John Wall also or at least Brandon Jennings in this draft.

So your only argument against my griffin statement was: He might be an inch shorter than measured.

Just want to clarify.


They're both unproven in the NBA, but when it all boils down to it, you take the athletic freak of a PF with a well rounded game on both ends of the court over a savvy unathletic PG with great BBall IQ.

 

[Andrew]

I have nothing to contribute to this thread because I don't watch college ball...but who does everyone think the Suns are leaning towards, even this soon?

 

[joshstmarie]

I have nothing to contribute to this thread because I don't watch college ball...but who does everyone think the Suns are leaning towards, even this soon?

i think its too early to tell. untill the team decides which direction they are going to go in (rebuilding or 1 more year) it will be hard to predict anything.

 

[SunsTzu]

Really? Well lets see right now Thabeet is considered the #2 pick in the draft, DaJuan Blair who dominated him twice this year is considered mid to late first round. Greg Monroe who eas considered a Top 5 pick a couple of months ago is #14 in NBA Draft Net's last mock draft. Lawson moved up from 21 to #11. Players continue to slip and rise on a week to week basis. So your #12-14 drop off is off, because not all underclassmen have declared and some players might go back to school. Aside from Griffin no one has stayed at one spot the whole year in mock drafts. One final example is Chase Buddinger who was considered a late 1st rounder now is in the Top 10, everyone feels that he will be a good player but not good enough to go in the Top 10 in a strong draft.

Things like this happen every year. Guys like Thabeet get drafted on potential more than anything and you name a year and I could probably name you a few players who had huge swings up and down the draft board.

For the record if I had a choice between Griffin and Rubio I'd take Rubio.

 

[binkar]

I couldn't agree more. The Suns scouting in recent years has been lazy and/or a low priority especially late in the draft. I think both. The Suns were unwilling to separate the wheat from the chaff. It seemed like the Suns tried to overcome this ineptitude in last year's draft but I am not high on Kerr and Griffin as scouts. Those picks the Suns sold or traded away could have brought the Suns some nice young talent.

I agree with one exception. I do think that Dragic was a good find and a good value pick at number 45. Aside from that I do think our scouting department has become more lazy and it's hard to blame them when their work was pretty much a waste for a few years. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt but I do think that may have taken a toll on the scouting department.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

I have nothing to contribute to this thread because I don't watch college ball...but who does everyone think the Suns are leaning towards, even this soon?

Did anyone else's blood pressure rise after reading this?

 

[jandaman]

In regards to the Rubio vs Griffin, No.1 pick choice.

I would pick Rubio no qualms about it. This kid is a basketball player first, athlete second. Meaning he is skilled, has instincts that is rare today, basketball know-how that is also rare today.

Frail?, people say he is skinny, but he is in his teens, and at the point guard position he wouldnt be banging bodies inside so its a redundant trait.


As compare a few times, Pete Maravich, but more skilled (shorter), a long-limbed Steve Nash with Manu Ginobili-esque agility... cant miss prospect.


Its worth noting, Griffin is a "big" in college, but as most athletic elite big men in the league, he needs to standout somehow.. he doesnt have Howard's height/size/jumping ability, Stoudemire's quickness/size/strenght/explosiveness etc.... he is a Boozer-type, but Boozer has a better mid range game and proven rebounder against other "big" bodies in the NBA.

 

[jandaman]

Did anyone else's blood pressure rise after reading this?

No.... he clearly stated "he doesnt watch college ball"... and seems to be genuine for information on Suns draft interest.

 

[YouJustGotSUNSD]

The thread is about who the suns should and will draft. When you come on and say "I dont know anything but who will they draft," it makes it sound like he isn't paying attention. Genuine is irrelevant

If there was any info on the FO scouting it would have been discussed by now.

 

[Sunburn]

Shaq is as good as gone anyway and Nash should be traded not just for us but for him as well, he deserves a chance at a ring.

Those 2 alone would free up a lot of money, plus there is actually some talent to be had this year as next year's draft isn't going to get any better despite what experts think. Besides its not like I suggested we trade or buy Top 10 picks because picks #2-31 are basically equal in terms of talent with Blake Griffin being the clear cut #1.

How else do you suggest we turn things around, by keeping high priced veterans and hope we don't make it into the lottery next year. We need to get younger and guys like Greg Monroe, Eric Maynor, Al-Farouq Aminu, Damion James, BJ Mullens, Jeff Teague, DeJuan Blair and Tyler Hansborough are projected to be mid to late first rounders and could really help us next year.

What about Rubio? There r portions of my body I would give to get that guy on the team. He is far and away more talented than whoever ends up 31.

 

[slinslin]

So your only argument against my griffin statement was: He might be an inch shorter than measured.

Just want to clarify.

They're both unproven in the NBA, but when it all boils down to it, you take the athletic freak of a PF with a well rounded game on both ends of the court over a savvy unathletic PG with great BBall IQ.

Griffin well-rounded? He is a great rebounder and athlete in college. He is lacking defense, shooting and shotblocking.

I would have to say that it is extremely questionable that Griffin is better than Beasley, because Beasley did pretty much the same but as a freshman instead. They are also both 6'9 imo.

I don't know what your definition of well-rounded is but Rubio is much more "well-rounded".

I would take Griffin as well, but I would much rather take Rubio. Lets hope we simply win the lottery or that idiot GM who was quoted on Rubio saying he would never draft a white guy gets the pick for Rubio. And if we won the lottery we could take any of those at #1 that the #2 team would have wanted and trade Amare for #2. ; )

 

[Adrian]

Amare for a #2?


The suns would be lucky to trade Amare for the #24 pick in this year's draft. I would love to see it happen but he ain't Carmelo, Bosh, Lebron, Kobe, etc.

 

[slinslin]

Please... that's ridiculous, lucky to trade him for #24?

Apparently the Grizzlies considered trading Conley, Gay, Warrick and what looks like the #6 pick pre-lottery.

 

[Adrian]

First round pick, Conley and Rudy Gay was the deal.
That was the probably the only decent offer the Suns were getting.
That was before the eye injury....an eye injury that who knows how he is going to recover from it.

 

[Adrian]

Btw....Jeff Goodman has Flynn and Jennings as his top two point guards in the nation.

 

[Adrian]

"Ty has grown on me," the scout told the Globe. "I wasn't a big fan when he initially came out last year. It was a good decision to go back to school. He's the best prospect. But at the end of the day, the three [underclassman] big boys - Deon Thompson, Ed Davis, and Tyler Zeller - may be better as pros than Lawson, Hansbrough, and Ellington. With Hansbrough, energy and effort only get you so far in our league. You can count on one hand how many guys get by on that. I'm not a fan. You've got to respect the numbers he put up. Unbelievable college career. But all that stuff doesn't translate over. He's not explosive; undersized, short arms, and limited offensively. He's an OK athlete."

http://realgm.com/src_wiretap_archives/58520/20090413/scout_unimpressed_with_tar_heel_draftees/#