Draft Outlook
It took almost a decade but the Suns finally crafted a nucleus good enough to contend. They misfired on a handful of lottery picks and free-agent signings in the past, but the franchise’s decision-making and luck improved to the point where they boast a fine mixture of young players and veterans. As a result, the Suns became a force to be reckoned with. Much had to do with Chris Paul bringing his experience and poise, Devin Booker’s star ascension and the development of center Deandre Ayton. This looms as an important summer for Paul, who has an option for 2021-22. The pieces are in place for a lengthy stay among the top, provided the Suns continue to make the right decisions.
A Stat That Matters
26-10 — The Suns had the best record (26-10, 0.722) in games played between the 15 teams that finished the season with winning records. They were the only team with a better record against that group than they had against the 15 teams that finished at or below .500 (25-11, 0.694).
The Way To Go
As a result of their success this season, the Suns will choose much lower in the Draft than in the past decade.(Their lowest pick since 2010? Selecting Tyler Ennis at No. 18 in 2014.) That’s actually a good place to be, all things considered, especially since the Suns’ Draft history is so checkered. GM James Jones will be at the controls for the second time and he’s the current Executive of the Year, so there’s plenty of faith in him. Jones hired coach Monty Williams, signed Jae Crowder and traded for Paul. Now he gets the chance to show what he can do in the Draft. With the next-to-last pick in the first round, the Suns will take the best available, and maybe that’s Day’Ron Sharpe, a hard-working 6-foot-11 center from North Carolina. Sharpe could thrive in a backup role to Ayton if he adapts well to the Suns’ player development program
Under Contract
G: Ty-Shon Alexander
G: Devin Booker
G: Jevon Carter
F: Mikal Bridges
F: Jae Crowder
F: Cameron Johnson
F/C: Dario Saric
F/C: Jalen Smith
C: Deandre Ayton
Free Agents
G: Langston Galloway (unrestricted)
G: E’Twaun Moore (unrestricted)
G: Chris Paul (player option)
G: Cameron Payne (unrestricted)
F: Torrey Craig (unrestricted)
F: Abdel Nader (unrestricted)
F/C: Frank Kaminsky (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: Jalen Smith (10)
— Shaun Powell