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The Phoenix Suns are just days removed from making one of the boldest moves that any NBA franchise did during the two-day draft.
GM Brian Gregory made a leap of faith when trading up 17 spots from pick 47 to 30 to select local prodigy Koa Peat - who saw his draft stock sink after previously being projected as a lottery pick at different points during his college career.
The move up cost the Suns three second round picks and also forced them to give Peat a first-round scale contract (which could end up becoming beneficial), but the move has become polarizing amongst the Phoenix fanbase.
Those in favor of the acquisition point out that Peat is a value pick relative to his talent level, as well as that this selection will very likely hold more value compared to any second round pick in the future. Peat's athleticism, demonstrated two-way upside, and perceived culture fit made him an optimal match with the organization. Those opposed have a variety of reasons, including concerns with his jump shot, the risk of creeping back into the second apron, and more.
The immediate question that is likely to come to mind through all of the debate rests in what Peat's exact role will be as a high-profile rookie.
There isn't a clear-cut answer at the moment. Peat possesses several pro-ready attributes - including a supreme athletic profile, smooth finishing around the hoop, and upside to be a real difference maker as a multidimensional defensive presence.
There ultimately might be too many factors working against the forward seeing the floor in an extensive basis in the season to come. The biggest factor of which is simply the huge flux of players at the position that are more established. Rasheer Fleming will be called upon to start, while Royce O'Neale and Ryan Dunn will be fixtures in the rotation as well.
There could be a world where Peat is able to play "small-ball five" - his athleticism alone would allow for him to play bigger than his height, but that would come few and far between. Oso Ighodaro already has much backing in this situation, while Phoenix is pouring in extensive resources to develop Khaman Maluach.
Ultimately, expect Peat to play in around 40 games while splitting time between the NBA team and the G-League Valley Suns in his quest to become a vital part of Phoenix's future. Suns fans can watch Peat for the first time in the Las Vegas Summer League in July.
Join The SunsRoundtable
Head over to the SunsRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other Suns fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.
Continue reading...
GM Brian Gregory made a leap of faith when trading up 17 spots from pick 47 to 30 to select local prodigy Koa Peat - who saw his draft stock sink after previously being projected as a lottery pick at different points during his college career.
The move up cost the Suns three second round picks and also forced them to give Peat a first-round scale contract (which could end up becoming beneficial), but the move has become polarizing amongst the Phoenix fanbase.
Those in favor of the acquisition point out that Peat is a value pick relative to his talent level, as well as that this selection will very likely hold more value compared to any second round pick in the future. Peat's athleticism, demonstrated two-way upside, and perceived culture fit made him an optimal match with the organization. Those opposed have a variety of reasons, including concerns with his jump shot, the risk of creeping back into the second apron, and more.
The immediate question that is likely to come to mind through all of the debate rests in what Peat's exact role will be as a high-profile rookie.
There isn't a clear-cut answer at the moment. Peat possesses several pro-ready attributes - including a supreme athletic profile, smooth finishing around the hoop, and upside to be a real difference maker as a multidimensional defensive presence.
There ultimately might be too many factors working against the forward seeing the floor in an extensive basis in the season to come. The biggest factor of which is simply the huge flux of players at the position that are more established. Rasheer Fleming will be called upon to start, while Royce O'Neale and Ryan Dunn will be fixtures in the rotation as well.
There could be a world where Peat is able to play "small-ball five" - his athleticism alone would allow for him to play bigger than his height, but that would come few and far between. Oso Ighodaro already has much backing in this situation, while Phoenix is pouring in extensive resources to develop Khaman Maluach.
Ultimately, expect Peat to play in around 40 games while splitting time between the NBA team and the G-League Valley Suns in his quest to become a vital part of Phoenix's future. Suns fans can watch Peat for the first time in the Las Vegas Summer League in July.
Join The SunsRoundtable
Head over to the SunsRoundtable page and hit the "Join" button under the featured story... it's completely FREE! You'll have the opportunity to engage with other Suns fans who live and breathe the team, share your thoughts on the organization, and more. If you're asked to sign up or download the Roundtable app... that's free too.
Kevin Hicks is a contributing writer to SunsRoundtable. He can be reached on X @khicks_21.
Continue reading...
