Suns Draft: The Future Is Now in Phoenix

The 2007 off-season in Phoenix has been just as exciting—and in the view of some fans just as nauseating—as the 2007 postseason.

After three near-misses in the playoffs, anything less then a championship in 2008 will spell the end of coach Mike D'Antoni's tenure. That point was driven home by the hiring of TV analyst and former sharpshooter Steve Kerr as the Suns' new GM.

Given Steve Nash's age and chronic back problems, 2008 is the Suns' last best shot at a title...and so it is that the 2007 Draft is especially critical.

In a deep draft class, the Suns could probably get quality help at 24 and 29. But Kerr doesn't seem satisfied with his picks.

As I'm writing this, the Suns are close to completing a trade that would move them into the top 10—and give them a shot at Florida's Joakim Noah, who would be a perfect fit in Phoenix's run-and-gun system.

But hold the phone—what about Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett? Does Kerr have his eyes on a bigger fish?

Bryant has listed Phoenix, Chicago, and New York as the three teams to which he'd accept a trade. Garnett, meanwhile, has become buddies with Nash, and would love the opportunity to play for a contender.

Of course, it'll be a cold day in hell before the Lakers trade Kobe to a division rival. And if the Suns want Garnett, they're probably going to have to give up Amare Stoudemire.

Kerr would have to think long and hard before pulling the trigger on KG. He'd better hurry, though, as speculation has the Lakers making a huge push to keep Kobe happy by acquiring Garnett.

Personally, I think Stoudemire is too steep a price to pay. There's a very good chance that Garnett won't be moved before the season starts, which would allow Phoenix to land K.G. for cheap before the trade deadline.

With that in mind, my draft advice to Kerr is simple: Fix your bench. I like the idea of getting Noah, but I also like the idea of keeping the 24th and 29th picks to get two quality backups.

Whatever Kerr and the Suns decide to do, there's a good chance that folks in Phoenix and around the league will be talking for years about what happens between now and draft day.