SB Nation Arizona - NBA Draft: Jimmer Impressive In Suns Workout, ‘If He's There, It Will Be A Tough Decision'https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/46593/arizona-fave.png2011-06-20T17:06:59-07:00http://arizona.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18565492011-06-20T17:06:59-07:002011-06-20T17:06:59-07:00NBA Draft Rumors: Iman Shumpert To Suns, Smoke Or Silly?
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<p>Oh, NBA Draft, you are such a fickle beast. For months and months all we talked about is how weak you are in 2011 and now as your day approaches your bounty is mysteriously transformed into the "next great thing" thirty times over. You manage to combine hope and unknown into a toxic mix of fan delusion that unfortunately, often also infects NBA front offices.</p>↵<p>You tease us with your rumors of picks and trades that so often prove wrong and yet we still can't look away. You are the genius creation of Marketing Master Stern (98th level Spin Cleric) and yet knowing that still doesn't help us escape from your clutches. Every year you come and tell your tales of leaping and passing and franchise-changing abilities and every year that hope is gone like the illusion from a bad card trick once a few games have been played.</p>↵<p>Sorry, a little poetic waxing about the NBA Draft. Here's the lasted goofy rumor for you. Treat it with reverence, fear, thrill or whatever. Stern doesn't care how you feel about it as long as you are thinking about his product -- which you are...right now.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/chadfordinsider/status/82927098745982977">Twitter / @chadfordinsider: I'm stunned by meteoric ri ...</a><br>I'm stunned by meteoric rise of <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/52219/iman-shumpert" class="sbn-auto-link">Iman Shumpert</a>. He's getting looks as high as 13 to <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Suns</a>.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>And here's more...detail</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p><a href="http://arizonasports.com/category/suns-articles/20110620/Suns-would-likely-pass-on-Jimmer-to-take-Iman-Shumpert/">Suns would likely pass on Jimmer to take Iman Shumpert - ArizonaSports.com</a><br>"If Markieff Morris is off the board at 13 then I think the player they pick is Shumpert...I'll tell you right now, that I think if it came down to Shumpert or <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/28248/jimmer-fredette" class="sbn-auto-link">Jimmer Fredette</a> they will take Iman Shumpert from Georgia Tech over Jimmer Fredette from BYU."</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>In case you are wondering, Iman Shumpert is an extremely athletic point guard who most observers think isn't really a point guard because he's not all that good at point guard things like shooting, passing and running a team. But he can jump really REALLY high and is likely a going to be a solid guard/wing defender. </p>↵<p>He kind of reminds you of a point guard version of <span>Earl Clark</span>, especially the part in his this scouting report that talks about his shot selection: </p>↵<blockquote>↵<p><a href="http://www.nbadraft.net/players/iman-shumpert" target="_blank">Iman Shumpert | NBADraft.net</a><br>Lacks stability/discipline on the court ... Inconsistent … Not efficient at all ... Horrid shot-selection ... Liable to shoot at any time, even when being closely guarded</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>Some more Shumperting for you pleasure:</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p><a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2011/6/20/2234151/phoenix-suns-draft-rumor-mill-hits-full-swing-is-iman-shumpert-our-guy#storyjump">Phoenix Suns Draft Rumor Mill Hits Full Swing - Is Iman Shumpert our Guy? - Bright Side Of The Sun</a><br>Iman Shumpert in the Lottery? Really? This smells of decoy, a mask, a smokescreen, a dirty trick to try and fool somebody for some mysterious reasons? Any thoughts? I can't figure it out. It would be a terrible mistake to draft Iman Shumpert at 13 considering the other relative talent available in the lottery. That wouldn't be a very pretty tattoo for our Front Office IMHO. </p>↵</blockquote>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/20/2234198/2011-nba-draft-rumors-iman-shumpert-phoenix-sunsSeth Pollack2011-06-17T10:56:06-07:002011-06-17T10:56:06-07:00Jimmer Fredette Vs. Steve Nash's 1996 Draft Scouting Report, Chad Ford Revisionist History
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<p>In a recent episode of the ESPN NBA Today Podcast with Ryen Russillo (a must listen), draft expert Chad Ford talked about the <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> possibly taking Jimmer Fredette with the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. There's been<a target="_blank" href="http://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/4/5/2092508/2011-nba-mock-draft-phoenix-suns-nba-lottery-date"> oodles already written about Jimmer</a> and the Suns, but this one struck me due to a bit of revisionist history by Ford when he was comparing Jimmer to <span>Steve Nash</span> coming out of college.</p>↵<p>The point Ford was trying to make is that Nash, like Jimmer, wasn't considered a "true point" out of college but with some tutelage under the Canadian master, Jimmer could find his inner facilitator. It makes enough sense and is probably moot since Jimmer isn't likely to be on the board at 13 anyway, but there's one bit that Ford gets wrong.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>"Nash was a very similar player coming out of college. People don't remember this, but out of Santa Clara he was more of scorer than a point guard, a guy who could really light it up.</p>↵<p>The Suns played him off the ball for the start of his career, they traded him to Dallas in part because they weren't sold he could ever be a full time point guard and then he evolved into one of the greatest point guards ever."</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>It's true that Nash was scorer at Santa Clara (21.8 ppg / 4 apg his senior year) and like Jimmer was forced into that role based on the teammates around him. Nash also didn't pass much his first two years with the Suns and he did play off the ball. Of course, he was also teammates with a 30-year-old Kevin Johnson and a 24-year-old <span>Jason Kidd</span>. It's a wonder the Suns drafted Nash at all given their point guard depth.</p>↵<p>In 15 years there will be tons of available record to look back on when future bloggers ponder what was said about Jimmer before the 2011 NBA Draft. Much of it reads like this:</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p><a href="http://www.draftexpress.com/profile/Jimmer-Fredette-5810/" target="_blank">DraftExpress NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Jimmer Fredette, Stats, Comparisons, and Outlook</a><br>Another <b>question mark about Fredette revolves around the role he'll play at the next level</b>. He's able to operate with unlimited freedom as the end-all, be-all solution in BYU's offense, but he's not a particularly prolific passer. Amongst the 19 point guards currently in our Top 100 Prospect rankings, Fredette rates toward the bottom in both assist to turnover ratio and Pure Point Rating.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>But even from 1996 there's a contemporary record of how Nash was viewed coming out of Santa Clara. It's not even close.</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p><a href="http://www.ibiblio.org/craig/draft/1996_draft/scout/pg.html#Nash" target="_blank">Point Guards - 1996 Usenet Draft</a><br> Nash is a <b>natural point guard</b> who can distribute the ball effectively and hit the long-range jumper. He uses deceptive quickness and a superior understanding of the game to his advantage. Like all of the great point guards, Nash has <b>uncanny court vision and a sixth sense for the game</b>. He may be the <b>best *true* point guard</b> in the draft.</p>↵<p>Steve's biggest weakness is his man-to-man defense. His average foot speed makes him an easy target for small, quick point guards to blow by. His lack of physical strength does not bode well for handling the bigger, stronger point guards in the NBA in the post.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>How's that for a spot on scouting report.</p>↵<p>Maybe Jimmer will turn out to be a decent or even great "true point" but to say that he's similar to Nash coming out of college is plum wrong.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/17/2229132/steve-nash-1996-draft-scouting-report-some-chad-ford-revisionistSeth Pollack2011-06-17T10:38:47-07:002011-06-17T10:38:47-07:00Phoenix Suns NBA Draft History: Annotated Look At 20 Years Of Picks
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<p>The Phoenix Suns have drafted 41 players over the past 20 years - here's a look at ALL of them. </p> <p>Since the NBA Draft is less than a week away and I'm looking to follow up on my hit series about the best and worst 13<font size="1">th</font> picks in NBA Draft history I am going to discuss more NBA Draft. Who doesn't love the NBA Draft?</p>
<p>I'd mulled going best and worst style for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Suns</a> but I really didn't want to cheat anyone so instead I'm providing an annotated history of every Suns draft pick over the last 20 years. You'll see some names that will make you laugh, cry, and shake your head.</p>
<p>If the Suns acquired a player in a draft day trade that doesn't count - they had to be the ones announcing the pick. So though <span>Luol Deng</span> only wore a Suns hat for about 5 minutes - he's on the list. </p>
<p><b><span>Gani Lawal</span> (2010 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 46<sup>th</sup> overall, Georgia Tech)</b> - He's built up quite a following on Bright Side of the Sun despite missing all but 2 games in his rookie season and tearing his ACL. Wait until people figure out there was a reason he was picked in the middle of the second round.</p>
<p><b><span>Dwayne Collins</span> (2010 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 60<sup>th</sup> overall, Miami)</b> - When the Suns made this guy Mr. Irrelevant last year we knew basically one thing about him - he had really large hands. A year later we think he may be dead, but he probably still has large hands.</p>
<p><b><span>Earl Clark</span> (2009 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 14<sup>th</sup> overall, Louisville)</b> - One time he hit a three pointer against Dallas and I'm pretty sure he banked it. The king of Twitter gibberish spent a season and change with the Suns before being dealt in the Gortat/J-Rich deal. </p>
<p><b><span>Taylor Griffin</span> (2009 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 48<sup>th</sup> overall, Oklahoma)</b> - I didn't understand this pick the day it happened and I still don't today. Perhaps he was listed as "best available balding 22 year-old" on the Suns draft board. </p>
<p><b><span>Emir Preldzic</span> (2009 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 57<sup>th</sup> overall, Turkey)</b> - The Suns dealt this guy to Cleveland on draft day for the highly touted "Cash Considerations." I look forward to the contribution the 80 dollars the Suns got for him provides.</p>
<p><b><span>Robin Lopez</span> (2008 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 15<sup>th</sup> overall, Stanford)</b> - The grunting big man was once seen as the key to a Suns championship run, a year later he is seen as trade fodder for a litany of average power forwards. Oh what a difference a back makes.</p>
<p><b><span>Malik Hairston</span> (2008 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 48<sup>th</sup> overall, Oregon)</b> - This pick and the Suns 2009 2<font size="1">nd</font> rounder were dealt to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.poundingtherock.com/">Spurs</a> for Goran Dragic's draft rights. That 2009 2<font size="1">nd</font> rounder turned out to be DeJuan Blair. Ouch.</p>
<p><i>Ed Note: And Dragic PLUS the 23rd pick turned into Aaron Brooks. Double ouch.</i></p>
<p><b><span>Rudy Fernandez</span> (2007 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 24<sup>th</sup> pick, Spain)</b> - Another guy dealt on draft day, this one with <span>James Jones</span> to Portland for cash. However it was clear cash outperformed him in the 2010 playoff series between the Suns/Blazers. </p>
<p><b><span>Alando Tucker</span> (2007 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 29<sup>th</sup> pick, Wisconsin)</b> - You know how when a female friend is trying to set you up with one of her friends she says that her friend is really funny but you know that means she's ugly? Alando Tucker's NBA career can best be described as really funny. </p>
<p><b><span>D.J. Strawberry</span> (2007 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 59<sup>th</sup> pick, Maryland)</b> - Bar none the best spawn of a 1986 New York Met to wear a Suns uniform. If Tim Teufel has a son he's got his work cut out for him.</p>
<p><b><span>Rajon Rondo</span> (2006 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 21<sup>st</sup> pick, Kentucky)</b> - Two-time All-Star and All-Defensive 1<font size="1">st</font> Team? What a great draft pick. Wait, he was traded on draft day for Boston's 2007 1st round pick which turned out to be Rudy Fernandez? Well crap. </p>
<p><b><span>Sergio Rodriguez</span> (2006 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 27<sup>th</sup> pick, Spain)</b> - If there's one thing the Suns love, it's trading Spanish guards on draft day to the Blazers for cash. Fortunately this one has pretty much sucked in the NBA. </p>
<p><b><span>Nate Robinson</span> (2005 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 21<sup>st</sup> pick, Washington)</b> - Dealt on draft day but not for cash. The wee fella was traded along with Mr. Moesha to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.postingandtoasting.com/">Knicks</a> for <span>Kurt Thomas</span> and Dijon Thompson. At least that one was productive.</p>
<p><i>Ed Note: Until it cost two first round picks (one of them turned into Serge Ibaka) to dump Kurt Thomas' salary two years later. </i></p>
<p><b><span>Marcin Gortat</span> (2005 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 57<sup>th</sup> pick, Poland)</b> - Basketball reference says he was traded by the Suns to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.orlandopinstripedpost.com/">Magic</a> for "future." I don't know what that means but I can only hope it's intent is that the Suns somehow wind up with Dwight Howard. Oh, that Gortat guy now plays for Phoenix. </p>
<p><b>Loul Deng (2004 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 7<sup>th</sup> overall, Duke)</b> - A nice piece wasted as the Suns dealt him to Chicago for the immortal <span>Jackson Vroman</span> and the first round pick that turned out to be Nate Robinson. So to recap: Deng à Robinson à Kurt Thomas. Got it?</p>
<p><b><span>Zarko Cabarkapa</span> (2003 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 17<sup>th</sup> overall, Serbia)</b> - He actually started 4 games for the Suns as a rookie and was dealt for a pair of 2<font size="1">nd</font> rounders the next season. Also his name is Zarko - which coincidentally will be the name of my first child whether it be male, female or other.</p>
<p><b>Amar'e Stoudemire (2002 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 9<sup>th</sup> overall, High School)</b> - I can honestly say I've never heard of this guy. Not sure if he ever made it onto the Suns roster.</p>
<p><b><span>Casey Jacobsen</span> (2002 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 22<sup>nd</sup> overall, Stanford)</b> - He was never really able to replicate his sweet college shooting in the NBA and was dealt for Jimmy Jackson in 2005. But he did at least keep his tips frosted regularly (picture). </p>
<p><b>Alton Ford (2001 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 50<sup>th</sup> overall, Houston)</b> - Alton Ford could walk into my office, introduce himself as Alton Ford, show me all 64 games he played for the Suns in their entirety - and I might still not believe him.</p>
<p><b><span>Jake Tsakalidis</span> (2000 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 25<sup>th</sup> overall, Georgia) -</b> When Big Jake was able to get out of his Euro contract and make his way to the US Suns fans we ecstatic. But after 3 below average seasons I just think of him as Georgian Robin Lopez. </p>
<p><b><span>Shawn Marion</span> (1999 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 9<sup>th</sup> overall, UNLV)</b> - There's a better than average chance Marion can't read or write but despite those disabilities he's had a wonderful NBA career. Yet I will always remember him for his Room Store ads instead of his All-Star appearances or recent NBA title with the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.mavsmoneyball.com/">Mavericks</a>. </p>
<p><b><span>Stephen Jackson</span> (1997 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 42<sup>nd</sup> overall, Butler County Community College)</b> - Phoenix may have drafted him but he didn't last until the regular season. He surfaced in the NBA 3 seasons later and 4 years after that he was attacking fans in Detroit. Meteoric rise. </p>
<p><b><span>Steve Nash</span> (1996 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 15<sup>th</sup> overall, Santa Clara)</b> - After a brief hiatus in Dallas he returned to Phoenix in 2004. He's basically the most Sunny Sun to ever Suns. Find a Suns fan that doesn't love him and I'll show you a lying Suns fan.</p>
<p><b>Russ Millard (1996 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 39<sup>th</sup> overall, Iowa)</b> - I've seriously got nothing here. He never played an NBA game and appears to be off the internet grid. I hope he's alive. </p>
<p><b>Ben Davis (1996 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 43<sup>rd</sup> overall, Arizona)</b> - Just like Steve Nash he had two tours of duty with the Suns, unlike Steve Nash neither tour of duty showcased a proclivity for basketball. </p>
<p><b><span>Michael Finley</span> (1995 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 21<sup>st</sup> overall, Wisconsin)</b> - I love Michael Finley so much that I almost dropped the Suns as my favorite team when they traded him for <span>Jason Kidd</span> in 1996.</p>
<p><b>Mario Bennett (1995 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 27<sup>th</sup> overall, Arizona State)</b> - The summer Bennett had his name in the draft he appeared at the Bill Frieder basketball camp I was at and was asked if he thought he would be picked by the Suns. As you can see from above the Suns had 2 first round picks. Bennett's response? "No way, I'll be gone way before that." 16 years later I still remember that. His NBA career was less than stellar.</p>
<p><b>Chris Carr (1995 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 56<sup>th</sup> overall, Southern Illinois)</b> - He played in the NBA long enough to have a picture on his basketball reference page, which is impressive. He started 10 games for the Suns as a rookie before signing with Minnesota.</p>
<p><b>Wesley Person (1994 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 23<sup>rd</sup> overall, Auburn)</b> - His brother was The Rifleman Chuck Person and he was a career 41% three point shooter including 43.6% as a rookie. He was a big piece of the Suns deal to acquire <span>Antonio McDyess</span>' future broken knees.</p>
<p><b>Antonio Lang (1994 -2<sup>nd</sup> round, 29<sup>th</sup> overall, Duke)</b> - He's probably spent the last 20 years explaining that he and fellow Duke (and owner of this face) aren't the same person. He at least played in the NBA.</p>
<p><b>Charles Claxton (1994 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 50<sup>th</sup> overall, Georgia)</b> - Never played a second with the Suns and played only 3 games overall. For purposes of discussion I'll assume he went by "Chaz."</p>
<p><b><span>Anthony Goldwire</span> (1994 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 52<sup>nd</sup> overall, Houston)</b> - He actually played pieces of a bunch of seasons up until 2006 but to the Suns he's some random guy they cut on the eve of the season.</p>
<p><b>Malcolm Mackey (1993 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 27<sup>th</sup> overall, Georgia Tech)</b> - Gani Lawal before Gani Lawal was Gani Lawal? Except for picked in the first round of course. </p>
<p><b>Mark Buford (1993 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 49<sup>th</sup> overall, Mississippi Valley State)</b> - He came from the same school as 49ers great Jerry Rice. Buford and Rice played the same number of games in the NBA. </p>
<p><b>Byron Wilson (1993 - 2<sup>nd </sup>round, 54<sup>th</sup> overall, Utah)</b> - After playing in Argentina until 2008 he apparently <a target="_blank" href="http://bwilgroup.com/index.html">became a sports agent</a>. Let's put him in the Ring of Honor. </p>
<p><b>Oliver Miller (1992 - 1<sup>st</sup> round, 22<sup>nd</sup> overall, Arkansas)</b> - Miller was pretty fat most of his NBA career. When he was only sort of fat he was a really effective NBA player. He can basically be credited with the Suns Game 5 win in the 1993 First Round playoff series against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/">Lakers</a>.</p>
<p><b>Brian Davis (1992 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 48<sup>th</sup> overall, Duke)</b> - His NBA career may have lasted just 68 games but he's become quite rich in the business world. I only question his choice of business partner - Christian Laettner.</p>
<p><b>Ron Ellis (1992 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 49<sup>th</sup> overall, Louisiana Tech)</b> - The lack of information concerning Ellis leads me to believe that he was never a real person and the Suns just submitted his name to the NBA because they forgot they had a pick after Davis.</p>
<p><b>Chad Gallagher (1991 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 32<sup>nd</sup> overall, Creighton)</b> - Just because I know you're not going to check it, I can confirm that his father is 1980's comedian <a target="_blank" href="http://www.stationave.com/images/gallagher.gif">Gallagher </a>who smashed watermelons as a method of comedy.</p>
<p><b>Richard Dumas (1991 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 46<sup>th</sup> overall, Oklahoma State)</b> - I can't think of the wasted potential of Dumas without a tear coming to my eye. Take it away<a target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PR_rzF8ofw&feature=related"> Rick James</a>.</p>
<p><b>Joey Wright (1991 - 2<sup>nd</sup> round, 50<sup>th</sup> overall, Texas)</b> - Never played a game in the NBA but was presumably a college teammate of Suns GM Lance Blanks at Texas so don't be surprised to see his 42 year old ass in a Suns uniform soon. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/17/2228945/phoenix-suns-nba-draft-history-annotated-look-at-20-years-of-picksScott Howard2011-06-14T15:34:53-07:002011-06-14T15:34:53-07:00NBA Draft: Jimmer Impressive In Suns Workout, ‘If He's There, It Will Be A Tough Decision'
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> continued to workout out prospects in preparation for the 2011 NBA draft. The big names present for Tuesday's workouts were Penn State point guard Talor Battle, Oakland power forward/center Keith Benson, Washington State power forward DeAngelo Casto, Moorhead State power forward Kenneth Faried, Butler power forward Matt Howard, and Northern Arizona University shooting guard Cameron Jones.</p>
<p>Faried, in particular, caught the eye of Suns director of player personnel John Treloar. The 6'8" big man from Moorehead State led the Eagles to a stunning upset over Louisville in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, posting 17 rebounds and ferociously swatting away the Cardinals game-winning shot as the buzzer sounded.</p>
<p>"The guy has a knack for rebounding," Treloar enthusiastically explained. "With his quickness, and his ability to get to his second and third jump, he's going to be able to rebound in the NBA."</p>
<p>Nonetheless, it remains telling that despite the new Tuesday group, one name still lingered on everybody's lips: Jimmer Fredette. The BYU star participated in Monday's workouts and apparently left quite an impression with the Suns' brass.</p>
<p>"Jimmer was great," said Treloar. "We matched him up against a very strong, physical guy in Iman Shumpert yesterday, and it was a war going on in here. Both guys went at it hard, and he handled himself like we expected him to."</p>
<p>While it's no question that Fredette carries with him a particular intrigue, there have been significant rumblings about his inability to play defense at the next level. Though, the Suns do not believe that issue will be too much of a concern.</p>
<p>"His quickness he has, and his strength he has, allows him to stay in front of guys in short spaces," explained Treloar. "In the half-court, I think he's going to be able to guard people."</p>
<p>Suns general manager Lance Blanks glowingly agreed.</p>
<p>"He did what he had to do to win ball games, which he did at a high level. I really don't question much about his abilities. He's shown it at the collegiate level, I've seen it in person.</p>
<p>"High quality, high character guy. He checks all the positive boxes as an NBA point guard," Blanks continued. "Quite frankly if he's there, it will be a tough decision, because he's a very good player."</p>
<p>Another name being thrown around is Texas big man Tristian Thompson. The 6'9" power forward was another participant in Monday's high-profile workout group that also included Kansas' Morris twins, and Florida State's Chris Singleton.</p>
<p>"With his explosiveness and athleticism, and he's got good hands, I think he's going to be able to get better and better," Treloar said of Thompson. "He's got a great first step also, which allows him to get to the basket. I think he's got great upside to him."</p>
<p>Also noteworthy was news that the Suns held a private workout for Spanish League power forward Bismack Biyombo earlier this month. The 6'9", 240 pound 18 year old has scouts raving about his potential to become a monster on the defensive end. Draftexpress.com lists his best case result as a "6-9 Version Of Dwight Howard".</p>
<p>"We sent one of our scouts from here over (to Spain) last week, who met up with our European scout," the new Suns director of player personnel explained. "He's a very raw talent. Tremendous weakside shot-blocker, good defender.</p>
<p>"He's got a great upside, no doubt."</p>
<p>The Suns will continue to workout players as the 2011 draft approaches. Phoenix has the 13th pick in this year's NBA lottery.</p>
<p><b><i>Additional Notes:</i></b></p>
<p>The Suns front office is hoping to have Colorado guard Alec Burks and Kansas guard Josh Selby in for workouts before June 23rd.</p>
<p>Phoenix Suns coach <span>Alvin Gentry</span> on signing a big man with range: "It's not necessarily a situation where we have to have a guy that spaces out to the three point line. That doesn't have to be the case."</p>
<p>Alvin Gentry remarking on the unfairness of asking him to judge a player that he has only seen for less than an hour long workout: "I don't like commenting on guys when I've seen them workout for 45 minutes. And I think that sometimes is what gets coaches in trouble, as far as picks and things like that.</p>
<p>"To bring a guy in and workout for 45 minutes, and ask me to have an opinion about him as to what he can and can't do, I don't think that makes very good sense to me, because I've been on the other side of it too."</p>
<p>Suns director of player personnel John Treloar on the Suns' need to find a go-to scorer: "I don't think that you're really going to draft a guy in this year's draft that you can say is going to be a go-to guy coming right out of college. Most of those guys that maybe had that ability have gone back to school for another year."</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/14/2224153/nba-draft-jimmer-impressive-in-suns-workout-if-hes-there-it-will-be-aShaun Al-Shatti2011-06-14T10:57:18-07:002011-06-14T10:57:18-07:00NBA Mock Draft Updates From Chad Ford, Draft Express, Others
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<p>The 2011 NBA Draft is just over a week away and the various mock drafts are stating to hone on on their picks. Chad Ford, Draft Express and SB Nation's Tom Ziller all have all (still) have <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/123465/kyrie-irving">Kyrie Irving</a> going first to the Cleveland Cavalier and Arizona's Derrick Williams going second to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a>. From there, the various 2011 NBA Mock Draft boards start diverging.</p>
<p>This year's draft darling, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/players/28248/jimmer-fredette">Jimmer Fredette</a>, is on the board anywhere from seventh (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.sactownroyalty.com/">Kings</a>) to 15th (<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.indycornrows.com/">Pacers</a>). Jimmer worked out for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> this week and, of course, reports being liked. Who doesn't like him?</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/jimmerfredette/status/80400234190094336">Twitter / @jimmerfredette: The workout with the suns ...</a><br>The workout with the suns was another good one. I think they like me but we will see what happens.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A couple of the mock drafts have the Suns taking Texas forward Tristan Thompson. Kemba Walker is another surprise name but it's difficult to imagine him falling that far. Here's a round up of four 2011 NBA Mock Drafts for the Suns 13th pick.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba-draft/2011/6/14/2220016/nba-mock-draft-2011-kyrie-irving-derrick-williams">2011 NBA Mock Draft: Uncertainty Reigns In Final Sprint To Draft Day - SBNation.com</a><br>13. Phoenix Suns: Tristan Thompson, PF, Texas Thompson is an interesting fit for Phoenix because he both looks like the anti-Sun in that he's more a defender than scorer, but he's also the type of player who could benefit greatly from a year or two with <span>Steve Nash</span>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nbadraft.net/">NBADraft.net</a><br>13 *Phoenix Kemba Walker</p>
<p><a href="http://www.draftexpress.com/">DraftExpress - NBA Draft, NCAA/International Basketball Website.</a><br>13 Suns Tristan Thompson PF Texas, Freshman</p>
<p><a href="http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/draft2011/insider/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&page=MockDraft-110608">2011 NBA draft: Chad Ford's NBA Mock Draft 4.0 - ESPN</a><br>Tristan Thompson. Analysis: The Suns are in that awkward spot between pushing for the playoffs and rebuilding. Lon Babby says the team will be emphasizing defense and Thompson takes them decidedly in that direction.</p>
<p>He is a solid athlete, an excellent rebounder and gives the Suns some desperately needed toughness in the paint. Pair him in the frontcourt with <span>Marcin Gortat</span> and the Suns finally have some swagger. Burks, Fredette and Biyombo are all possibilities here as well.</p>
</blockquote>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/14/2223528/2011-nba-mock-draft-updates-from-chad-ford-draft-express-othersSeth Pollack2011-06-09T14:32:46-07:002011-06-09T14:32:46-07:00NBA Draft: Phoenix Suns Not Inclined Towards Picking Wing Player
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<p>The <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> have the 13th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. On many mock draft boards there are shooting guards and small forwards right around that spot that would potentially be available to the Suns, but given their current roster glut of wing players that might not make much sense. </p>
<p>Coach <span>Alvin Gentry</span> confirmed that the team wouldn't want to add another player to their roster at a position where they already have so much depth.</p>
<p>"We would try and avoid that," Gentry said after the Suns finished a <a href="http://www.brightsideofthesun.com/2011/6/9/2216162/phoenix-suns-2011-nba-draft-workout" target="_blank">workout with a group of prospects</a>. "It would have to be a really, really good wing because I like the guys that we have and the guys thats coming back, so that would be something -- it would have to be somebody pretty special."</p>
<p>General Manager Lance Blanks had a slightly different take on it saying, "On the perimeter, we have a surplus of threes (small forwards) but the off-guard position is something that we'd like to inject."</p>
<p>Blanks said the biggest need was getting better and more physical on the front line.</p>
<p>According to Gentry, the team's biggest need as he's expressed to the front office, is a "go-to" player.</p>
<p>"I still think that we need that go-to guy. A guy that we can throw the ball to at the end of games where he can go get us a basket. I think that's asking a lot for Steve (Nash) to do it all the time, screen and rolls and whatever," Gentry said.</p>
<p>He added that the Suns would explore all the avenues for getting a player like he described. That includes the draft, free agency and trades and of course, he admitted, it might not happen.</p>
<p>The Suns will still workout wings over the next week or so. Alec Burks, shooting guard from Colorado; Klay Thompson, shooting guard from Washington State; and Texas small forward Jordan Hamilton are all scheduled to be in Phoenix for a look as are forwards Tristian Thompson and Marcus Morris. The team also has scouted Bismack Biyombo, an 18-year-old forward / center from the Congo who's playing for a team in Spain.</p>
<p><span style="line-height: 9px;">The </span>Suns are still interviewing for a "defensive coordinator" addition to the coaching staff. They've spoken to former <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> assistant coach <span>Pete Myers</span> and have a few more interviews to do. The goal is to have someone hired before July so they can get a chance to talk to players before a possible lock out.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/9/2216082/2011-nba-draft-phoenix-suns-not-inclined-towards-picking-wing-playerSeth Pollack2011-06-06T06:56:58-07:002011-06-06T06:56:58-07:00NBA Draft History: Top Five 13th Picks
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<p>With the Suns having the 13th pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, it's time to take a look back at the greatest 13th picks. </p> <p>As you're no doubt aware, the Suns have the 13<font size="1">th</font> pick in the June 23<font size="1">rd</font> NBA Draft. You're also likely aware that what I'm best at is making lists of things that already happened. Thus with that perfect marriage consider this my first look at the NBA Draft.</p>
<p>To open I'm going to rank the Top 5 13<font size="1">th</font> overall picks in the draft. I drew the line at drafts occurring since the ABA/NBA merger in 1976 basically as a means of ensuring that you'd heard of the guys. The only guy who would have made the best 5 if I'd let everyone in was Sixers star Hal Greer (1958) who scored over 20,000 points in a Hall of Fame career. I apologize in advance to Mr. Greer's grandchildren.</p>
<p><b>Honorable Mention: </b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> <span>Richard Jefferson</span> (2001) </li>
<li> <span>Corey Maggette</span> (1999) </li>
<li> Mitch Kupchak (1976) </li>
</ul>
<h3><b>(5) Sleepy Floyd: 1982, guard Georgetown (<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-jersey-nets" class="sbn-auto-link">New Jersey Nets</a>) </b></h3>
<p><b>Dossier: </b></p>
<p>Eric "Sleepy" Floyd played on the Georgetown team that was "Jordan'd" in the 1982 National Championship game but he recovered well enough to be drafted by New Jersey. He was a slow starter in Jersey but when he was dealt to Golden State he took off. </p>
<p>In his second full season with the <a href="https://www.goldenstateofmind.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Warriors</a> he averaged a career high 19.5 points per game and in his third season there he was an All-Star. From a playing perspective his shiniest moment was in the 1987 playoffs when he scored 51 points in the Western Conference semifinals against the <a href="https://www.silverscreenandroll.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Lakers</a> including standing NBA playoff records of 29 points in a quarter and 39 points in a half.</p>
<p>Floyd lasted in the NBA all the way until 1995 without falling asleep on the job. </p>
<p><b>Notable Bad Pick Before Him: </b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> 10<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - guard Keith Edmundson - 87 career games </li>
</ul>
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<h3><b>(4) <span>Jalen Rose</span>: 1994, guard Michigan (<a href="https://www.denverstiffs.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Denver Nuggets</a>) </b></h3>
<p><b>Dossier: </b></p>
<p>Rose was a popular college star as perhaps the most brash member of Michigan's Fab Five so Denver knew what they were getting when they selected him in 1994.</p>
<p>Playing with a bad Denver team, Rose struggled to find his rhythm and was dealt to Indiana before his third season. With Indiana, Rose adjusted to mainly a bench role but was a key cog on a team that nearly took down Michael Jordan's <a href="https://www.blogabull.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bulls</a> in their final title run.</p>
<p>In his 6<font size="1">th</font> season, Rose nearly doubled his scoring average (up to 18.2 points per game) and started on a Pacers team that made their first NBA Finals appearance. For his trouble, Rose claimed the 1999-2000 Most Improved Player award. </p>
<p>4 different 20 point per game seasons followed for Rose but he played for a lot of losers. He finished his career as a bench warmer on the 2006-07 <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Phoenix Suns</a> - falling for Mike D'Antoni's obviously fake offer of playing time. </p>
<p><b>Notable Bad Picks Before Him: </b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> 11<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - forward Carlos Rogers: 298 games</li>
<li> 12<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - guard Khalid Reeves: 3.2 assists per game in 277 games </li>
</ul>
<h3><b>(3) <span>Dale Davis</span>: 1991, forward Clemson (<a href="https://www.indycornrows.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Indiana Pacers</a>) </b></h3>
<p><b>Dossier: </b></p>
<p>A bruising power forward from Clemson, Davis spent his career doing basketball dirty work. He spent his first 9 seasons with Indiana and played on contenders. His peak season was his 1993-94 campaign when he averaged 11.7 points and 10.9 rebounds a game - his only double-double season. Though that was his best year he was actually an All-Star in 2000. </p>
<p>Portland acquired him to help put their contending squad over the top (at the unfortunate cost of young Jermaine O'Neal) but that didn't work out. He retired after the 2006-2007 season, spending an impressive 16 seasons in the NBA. For his career he averaged a solid 8 points and 7.9 rebounds a game and finished 20th in NBA history in offensive rebounds.</p>
<p><b>Notable Bad Picks Before Him: </b></p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> 6<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - forward Doug Smith - 296 games</li>
<li> 8<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - guard Mark Macon - 251 games, 38.4% shooter</li>
</ul>
<h3><b>(2) Karl Malone: 1985, forward Louisiana Tech (<a href="https://www.slcdunk.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Utah Jazz</a>) </b></h3>
<p><b>Dossier: </b></p>
<p>In a draft where a pair of Dream Teamers went in the top 10 (Ewing, Mullin) the Jazz got themselves the guy who would go on to have the best career. Malone has a strong college career but coming out of Louisiana Tech he didn't quite have the Georgetown expectations of Ewing.</p>
<p>Fortunately for the Jazz, Malone was a wonder nearly from day 1. Teaming with 1984 draftee John Stockton, Malone helped lead the Jazz to 14 consecutive playoff berths including the 1997 and 98 NBA Finals. Individually, Malone was a 2-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA First Teamer, and the second all-time leading scorer in NBA history.</p>
<p>Frankly that's really only the highlights of his achievements. Malone is an absolute stone-cold lock Hall of Famer. Not bad for the 13<font size="1">th</font> pick but not even his <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPtpIEHswJo" target="_blank">sweet wrestling career </a>could get him the number 1 slot.</p>
<p><b>Notable Bad Picks Before Him</b>: </p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> 11<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - forward/center Keith Lee: 182 career games</li>
<li> 12<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - forward Kenny Green: 265 career points</li>
</ul>
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<h3><b>(1) <span>Kobe Bryant</span>: 1996, guard Lower Merion H.S. (Charlotte <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nba/teams/new-orleans-hornets" class="sbn-auto-link">Hornets</a>) </b></h3>
<p><b>Dossier</b>:</p>
<p>One of only a handful of guys who can put themselves past Malone on a list like this - Bryant is one of them. Obviously the guy has never endeared himself to Suns fans but it just kind of is what it is.</p>
<p>Kobe was a celebrity even before setting foot on an NBA court - as a high schooler he took pop star Brandy to his prom. When he did make it to the NBA, the accolades started rolling in. He was drafted by the Hornets but dealt to the Lakers in exchange for Vlade Divac. Not a bad trade for LA. </p>
<p>In two completely different forms he's helped the Lakers to a total of 5 NBA Championships - the first 3 with Shaquille O'Neal and the last 2 with Pau Gasol. He's won the Finals MVP in each of the last two titles.</p>
<p>Regular season wise, Bryant won the 2008 MVP, is a 9-time All-NBA First Teamer, and 13-time All-Star. What has always helped to separate him from his competition is the fact that he's also a great defender, to the tune of becoming a 9-time All-Defensive First Team selection. </p>
<p>Hate the guy - but he's great. </p>
<p><b>Notable Bad Picks Before Him</b>: </p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> 11<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - center Todd Fuller: 225 games, 833 points </li>
<li> 12<span style="font-size: 11px;">th</span> pick - center <span>Vitaly Potapenko</span>: 6.5 points per game average</li>
</ul>
<p>I'll bring you the worst 13<font size="1">th</font> picks next time. Please hold your breath. </p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/6/2208297/2011-nba-draft-history-top-five-13th-picksScott Howard2011-06-02T15:10:37-07:002011-06-02T15:10:37-07:00NBA Draft Trade Rumors: Marcin Gortat For Derrick Williams? Why Not
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<p>It's not a surprise that the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.canishoopus.com/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> are shopping the number 2 pick in the 2011 NBA Draft given the Wolves roster situation with <span>Michael Beasley</span> and <span>Kevin Love</span>. From the moment the Draft Lottery was over we started reading rumors about the Wolves being open to dealing the pick. That pick is almost universally believed to be the spot that Arizona's Derrick Williams will be drafted. </p>
<p>The latest trade rumor from the reliable and well-connected Draft Express has the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/">Phoenix Suns</a> heavily in the mix to make a deal to get Williams in a Suns uniform.</p>
<blockquote>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/DraftExpress/status/76379111366475777">Twitter / @Jonathan Givony: Sources say Washington & P ...</a><br>Sources say Washington & Phoenix have been the most active teams trying to trade up for Derrick Williams. T'Wolves want a "veteran big man."</p>
</blockquote>
<p>A "veteran big man" can only mean one guy on either the Suns or <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bulletsforever.com/">Wizards</a> roster and that's <span>Marcin Gortat</span>. The Wizards big men <span>JaVale McGee</span> and <span>Andray Blatche</span> certainly don't fit the bill. Both are talented but not nearly the mature presence that one would think the Timberwolves are looking for.</p>
<p><a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/imported_assets/731860/gyi0064089115.jpg"><img alt="Gyi0064089115_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/imported_assets/731860/gyi0064089115_medium.jpg"></a></p>
<p><i>ANAHEIM, CA - MARCH 26: Derrick Williams #23 of the Arizona Wildcats reacts after a dunk against of the Connecticut Huskies during the west regional final of the 2011 NCAA men's basketball tournament at the Honda Center on March 26, 2011 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</i></p>
<p>For the Suns, adding Williams would be a huge addition. He's not projected to be a super star but his unique abilities and competitive drive would be a great fit in Phoenix. Next to <span>Steve Nash</span> he would easily replace Gortat's scoring and then some. Without Nash he can still create his own offense and eventually can be a number one or number two option. Defensively and rebounding is where Gortat's loss would be felt. </p>
<p>As good as Marcin has been, he is still a second round talent who's shown over half a season that he can be an average to above average center in the NBA. Williams is a guy the Suns can build around for the future. He clearly can't take the team to the top -- very few players can do that -- but he can be the beginning of the future core. </p>
<p>Deals like this are complicated and there would likely be a player or two coming back from Minnesota to make the salaries work under the current rules and that makes it difficult to asses at this point. But if the two main parts are Marcin Gortat for Derrick Williams, I like it.</p>
https://arizona.sbnation.com/phoenix-suns/2011/6/2/2203584/2011-nba-draft-trade-rumors-marcin-gortat-for-derrick-williams-why-notSeth Pollack