[Aylwin]

There are no Odens or Durants but this year's draft seems to be pretty deep. I don't know if we need to try to move up in the draft but perhaps we should try to trade for an additional 1st round pick?

[Dissonance19]

I hope so.

Someone on this board (Coatesvillian, a Sixers fan) suggested on trading 16th pick/ cheaper filler for Diaw (if they couldn't get Brand). They have capspace to eat the rest of his salary. If we could get a backup PG in FA or in another trade to handle his responsibilities and/or a player that is somewhat capable as a filler from them, I would so do that.

Suns could get Alexander or Rush at 15, and then maybe Batum, who they could stash overseas or keep him here and bring him along slowly. Or just take someone else who they think could contribute this season. Suns would have options.

[WhoDaBest23]

So pretty much the consensus is that the Suns will draft a SF. Definitely makes sense if not for a big man. I'm all for them moving up in the draft as long as they get the right player. I'd seriously be ecstatic if they can somehow land Alexander. If not them, then Portland.

[Dissonance19]

They probably prefer a SG/SF who can defend and shoot. But I think they go BPA. Could be a PG like Augustin if he's there (he would be high on my list if I thought he lasted near us), or C like Jordan. Depends on how it shakes out.

Another thing I wanted to comment on. After doing some research, I can definitely see the appeal of Anthony Randolph. Seems to have Marion-like qualities, but with better ball handling skills (way better than I thought), and there's smoothness to his game. Can't shoot too well from what I have seen though. He would probably fall somewhere from 7-10 for me on my Suns big board (check last page). I'll make a new one soon haha.

[Dissonance19]

Budinger pulled out of the draft. I'm kinda glad. It might've kept from us from taking someone else I'd rather have over him. Then again, it opens up more possibility for us to take someone I don't like at all.

Draft express has said that the Bucks seem to be down to Alexander and Randolph. How does that impact us? I think they're leaning towards Alexander so he probably won't be around. In the event he does slide, I doubt he gets past the Blazers. Which means Randolph could slide a little. With my newfound intrigue on him, as mentioned just above, I wouldn't mind it, depending on certain circumstances.

Draft Express also said...


link

Brandon Rush also drew some extremely high praise, as his size, length and skill-level were mentioned as big pluses, as was the fact that he can play two positions and looks to be in terrific shape athletically. He played strong defense, shot the ball well from outside, and even showed some nice craftiness with a few hook shots inside. Most executives we spoke with have Rush going either at 15 (Phoenix) or 17 (Toronto) in their personal mock drafts, but there is a chance that a team like Seattle or Cleveland for example could jump up ahead of them and take him at 13th if they can strike a deal with Portland (whose pick is clearly on the block).

[Dissonance19]

My new big board for the Suns at 15. Though a few are probably out of reach.

1. Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
2. Brandon Rush, SG/SF, Kansas
3. Anthony Randolph, SF, LSU
4. Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
5. Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown
6. Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, France
7. Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
8. Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG/SF, Memphis
9. Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas,
10. DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A & M
11. Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
12. Marreese Speights, PF/C, Florida
13. Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State



2nd rd pick (#48)

1. Jamont Gordon, SG, Miss St
2. Goran Dragic, PG, Slovenia

[Dissonance19]

Ford's latest mock has us taking Brandon Rush.

But also says, we have a major interest in Mario Chalmers and Robin Lopez, and Anthony Randolph. Good to hear we like Randolph. Even though it took me a while to open my eyes on him (see 3 posts above). I wasn't sure if they were interested in him as his name never came up.


Of course, it's a pretty known fact that we're also trying to move up for Joe Alexander and/or Russell Westbrook, too. I don't like Westbrook very much though.

[IceMan23and3]

Originally Posted by Dissonance19

My new big board for the Suns at 15. Though a few are probably out of reach.

1. Joe Alexander, SF, West Virginia
2. Brandon Rush, SG/SF, Kansas
3. Anthony Randolph, SF, LSU
4. Danilo Gallinari, SF, Italy
5. Roy Hibbert, C, Georgetown
6. Nicolas Batum, SG/SF, France
7. Darrell Arthur, PF, Kansas
8. Chris Douglas-Roberts, SG/SF, Memphis
9. Mario Chalmers, PG, Kansas,
10. DeAndre Jordan, C, Texas A & M
11. Robin Lopez, C, Stanford
12. Marreese Speights, PF/C, Florida
13. Kosta Koufos, C, Ohio State



2nd rd pick (#48)

1. Jamont Gordon, SG, Miss St
2. Goran Dragic, PG, Slovenia

I like this list a lot. I feel good with this list. Except I would invert 2 and 3 but other than that it's pretty much spot on. I hope we don't have to go to plan E or lower. If the Suns get any of the top 3 it would be a successful draft IMO. Too bad the crazy Israeli pulled out of the draft. Omri Casspi.

[Dissonance19]

Yeah, 1, 2, or 3 would make me happy.

Rest of it, someone of em listed, not sure they're even interested. Like Hibbert, Ganllinari ( if he fell), Arthur, CDR, and Koufos

[IceMan23and3]

New rumor: looks like the Suns may trade No 15 and Barbosa for Maggette and the No 7.

[Dissonance19]

Yeah, I heard about that. Only way it'd work is if Maggs doesn't opt out. His deadline is not til after the draft, so it probably won't happen.

Plus, if we move up at 7, and have him fill the SF role, we might end up taking Westbrook, not Alexander. I'd rather take our chances at getting Rush, or Randolph with 15th pick than take him.

[IceMan23and3]

I think that's the reason why they're so keen to move up is for Alexander. Hill is too old and frail. Maggette is going to go after one season at most. This their real attempt to get their No1 pick and I like it!

[Dissonance19]

Originally Posted by IceMan23and3

I think that's the reason why they're so keen to move up is for Alexander. Hill is too old and frail. Maggette is going to go after one season at most. This their real attempt to get their No1 pick and I like it!

Yeah, that's what I hope their thought process would be. Bayless might end up being there, too. Wonder if they'd pull the trigger on him?