2011 NBA Draft: Five Players the Phoenix Suns Should Consider with the 13th Pick
The Phoenix Suns are in a very weird situation. Should they look to blow up the team, rid Steve Nash and start to rebuild, keeping only a select group of players, or should they look to draft someone that could possibly come in and help them win right now?
It's tough to say, and I'm sure this question has been brought up multiple times.
If drafting a college athlete is the best route, then here are some talents who could be that option.
1. Alec Burks, Colorado
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The three biggest needs for the Phoenix Suns are a shooting guard, power forward and a scorer.
Alec Burks would fit two of those categories.
Burks is one of the top scorers in this year's draft class and has all the potential to be a star in the NBA.
He is superior at getting to the rim and finishing, and once he establishes a more consistent jump shot, he could take this league by storm.
He would also fit in very nicely with Steve Nash (just like Jason Richardson did).
2. Klay Thompson, Washington State
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Klay Thompson, like Burks, would fill the shooting guard and scorer needs of the Phoenix Suns.
Thompson, however, is a much better shooter, and arguably the second best behind Jimmer Fredette. His size definitely helps him in that regard, seeing that he is 6'7''.
Having played in the West, going to Phoenix and getting inserted into their system wouldn't be too difficult for Thompson.
He most certainly could be a player you start to build your franchise around for the future.
3. Tristan Thompson, Texas
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If the Phoenix Suns want a defensive-minded player who has the ability to develop his offensive game in the pros, pick Tristan Thompson.
Thompson is very athletic and one of the best rebounders in the draft.
He is also very tough down low and, paired with Marcin Gortat, Phoenix would have a frontcourt duo for years to come.
Right now, Thompson's only knock is his offensive game but, since he is only a freshman and has loads of talent, he has a ton of time to improve and work on post moves, and maybe even a decent 12-15 foot jumper.
4. Bismack Biyombo, Congo
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Feast or famine is what you risk by picking Bismack Biyombo.
He has a lack of general information, but his physical skills are certainly good enough to get by in the NBA.
Biyombo, like Thompson, is a defensive-minded player and will fill in well in the power forward slot.
He also has a ridiculous wingspan that reaches 7'7" and will help him block many shots.
Offensively he is a little suspect, but with his athleticism he should be fine in the long run.
5. Jimmer Fredette, Brigham Young
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The National Player of the Year has been criticized for his lack of point guard skills and defense, but who needs those when you can shoot and score at will.
Jimmer Fredette would fit in greatly with Phoenix, and I feel that Steve Nash could mentor Jimmer, definitely in ball distribution, but not defense.
Also, point guard Aaron Brooks could be on the way out of town, so backup duties could follow suit for Fredette.
I'm not sure if Jimmer is the future for Phoenix at point, but he could definitely continue to be a great scorer, like in college, which is what the Suns need.
