The rookies have spoken. And the Suns have plenty of admirers across the league.
Earlier this month at the annual Rookie Photo Shoot in New York, John Schuhmann of NBA.com polled 38 first-year players on a variety of topics regarding the 2016-17 rookie class.
Dragan Bender (4th overall), Marquese Chriss (8th overall) and Tyler Ulis (34th overall) all received votes in categories forecasting success in their NBA careers.
Here are the survey questions featuring Suns players:
Which rookie will have the best career?
Bender (6.7 percent) received the fourth-most votes of any player, trailing only Buddy Hield (Pelicans), Kriss Dunn (Timberwolves) and Brandon Ingram (Lakers). Tied with Bender were Jaylen Brown (Celtics), Jamal Murray (Nuggets) and Ben Simmons (76ers). At 18 years old, Bender was the youngest player taken in the draft. The Croatian's versatile skill set and heaps of untapped potential make him a prized prospect. Ulis was among the players not listed who also received votes.
Which rookie is the most athletic?
Which rookie was the biggest steal of the draft?
Ulis (12.9 percent) finished second behind Dejounte Murray (Spurs). By all accounts, the Kentucky point guard fell to the second round because of his height (5-10). This despite finishing his college career as one of the most accomplished players in the nation. He joined Anthony Davis as the second player in history to win the SEC Player of the Year and SEC Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. In his first action with the Suns, Ulis shined at the Summer League in Las Vegas, a stint that included a buzzer-beating three to defeat Denver. Chriss also received votes.
Ulis finished fourth (8.8 percent) in best rookie defender and third (20.6 percent) in best rookie playmaker as well.