Team needs: Depth in backcourt, youth in frontcourt, shot blocking

Outlook: Aside from a few rumors that have come out, not much has changed in Phoenix?s approach to the draft. They still could use a shot blocker, but the player they would like at 21, Saer Sene, will go before that. Whichever they go for with 21, they will do the opposite at 27. If they draft a point guard, like Sergio Rodriguez, Jordan Farmar or even a Kyle Lowry, then they go big with this pick. There is a lot the Suns can do at this point and each pick they obtain would be cost effective. They can come in and produce immediately for cheap, or they can draft a young European player, stash him overseas and sign a younger player with more NBA experience, like DJ Mbenga of the Dallas Mavericks.

Most Suitable Prospects:

Joel Freeland- Freeland is definitely a player not many knew about before heading into the season. Quoted in the Arizona Republic as playing just three years of basketball, he looked like a player both NBA fans as well as international fans could appreciate in Treviso, Italy. He wil take some time to develop into an all-around basketball player, but the fundamentals of a European, the athleticism of an American and the communication of a Marc Jackson. Intangible like that, as well as a good face-up game, are hard to come by from someone who was bagging groceries to pay his way into a European competition two years ago.

Shannon Brown- An elite scorer and the strength of an NFL strong safety, Brown knows how to run-n-gun. He can shoot from outside, take it in and has the strength to finish against the trees. He is not his listed 6?3? and that will hurt his stock, but everyone knows he can score. If he was able to show teams, specifically Phoenix, that he can run the point and the pick & roll, he won?t slide into the second round. He would be a nice compliment to Leandro Barbosa and a possible replacement, pending the Suns aren?t able to re-sign him when he hits free agency after next season.

Maurice Ager- He?s in the same class as Brown: undersized for his position but makes up for it in athleticism, level-headed play and strength. Ager tended to be too streaky fro the 3-point line, but he can shoot it from NBA 3-point range. And Phoenix?s offense is built around the 3-point line, Steve Nash penetrating and Amare Stoudemire dominating. Why no Shawn Marion? Because he dominates without having a great effect on how the team plays. Ager would be a nice backup to Raja Bell.

Best Case Scenario: Lowry. While Sene would be great for Phoenix at 21, he won?t be there, so they could go for someone like Ager and hope Lowry slips to 27. Lowry is the gritty, tough defender who can get by his man with his strength and handle. He?s a bit undersized but his heart more than makes up for it. While I feel he may slip into the second round, he wouldn?t be a disappointment if Phoenix went big at 21.

Worst Case Scenario: Someone like Freeland, who you never know about him. Can he pan out? Is he worth drafting over someone that?s more proven on an American level? He wants it and will work hard for it, but won?t others as well? And wouldn?t it be bad for Phoenix if someone like him were taken, but if someone like James Augustine can produce immediately and Freeland doesn?t pan out, then it looks like a wasted pick. But if Freeland pans out? Then they look like the new San Antonio Spurs.