There are quite a few ways the Phoenix Suns could address their roster with the 13th overall pick at the 2012 NBA Draft, but most feel the team will go with a two-guard to help solidify their backcourt for years to come. There is a ton of uncertainty surrounding starting point guard Steve Nash, and a lack of a proven scorer at the other guard spot really hurt the team when they needed to score points in a hurry last season.
Fortunately for the Suns and their front office, there appears to be plenty of options at the off-guard position. This latest mock draft from Yahoo! Sports and Draft Express has Phoenix selecting Duke guard Austin Rivers in the first round.
Austin Rivers: SG, 19, 6-4, 203, Duke, Fresh.
The Suns are in a serious transition phase, with many key roster pieces entering free agency, making it difficult to pinpoint just one area of need. Regardless of whether Steve Nash and Aaron Brooks return, their backcourt and wing rotation could use a serious upgrade, which could make a prolific shot-creating guard like Austin Rivers very attractive.
The biggest issue with Rivers is that he doesn't really have a position, and he's also a bit of a tweener. Rivers often struggled while running the point in college, and his size does not project well for the two-spot in the NBA. There is no denying his talent, but the coaching staff will really have to carve out a niche for Rivers if he hopes to be successful at the next level.
For more on the Suns and their draft plans, be sure to check out Bright Side of the Sun.
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