Suns Only NBA Team Without Young Prospect to Watch
In this story:
The Phoenix Suns have built a competitive roster the right way, drafting (and acquiring) pivotal players such as Devin Booker, Deandre Ayton, Mikal Bridges and Cam Johnson and developing them into the strong unit they are today.
Of course, the presence of veteran point guard Chris Paul has pushed Phoenix to new heights, but the blueprint of success in the Valley came off the backs of those once young and wide-eyed players.
The Suns have enjoyed success of a roster that yielded experience but didn't have to sacrifice age across the board to gain it. Phoenix, for one of the few times in franchise history, didn't make a selection in the NBA Draft over the summer after trading their respective picks in deals to acquire Paul and Torrey Craig.
Phoenix technically drafted Day'Ron Sharpe in 2021 but used him as trade collateral to land Landry Shamet. The year prior, top-ten pick Jalen Smith was selected but didn't last two full seasons before Phoenix pulled the plug on him.
For now, the Suns have a handful of players that are still growing and finding their footing in the league, yet none fit the criteria for Bleacher Report's latest piece that ranked each team's top three prospects for the future.
"The Suns are the NBA's only team without a true prospect, someone 23 or younger with three years of experience or less. Even Cam Johnson, going into his fourth season, is already 26 years old," said Greg Swartz.
"Duane Washington Jr. is the closest player to qualify, although the 22-year-old point guard is only on a two-way contract for now. He averaged 9.9 points and 1.8 assists in 20.2 minutes while shooting 37.7 percent from three for the Indiana Pacers last season.
"While this used to be one of the best young talent bases in the NBA, players like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are now on their second contracts and about to enter their eighth and fifth seasons, respectively."
It's a rather good problem to have, considering the success Phoenix has seen in recent memory. However, this just further drives home the importance of cashing in on what's left of their championship window.
Thank you for making Inside The Suns your destination for Phoenix Suns news. Please be sure to give us a like on Facebook, subscribe to us on YouTube and follow us on Twitter @InsideTheSunsSI for news, updates, analysis and more!
Top Phoenix Suns News
Suns Players Finish Poorly in NBA Award Predictions
NBA Writer Says LeBron Would Prefer Suns in Lakers Move
ESPN Insiders Say Suns are Pretenders
Suns Middle of Pack in Grading of Offseason Moves
Brian Windhorst Believes Suns Will Shake up Roster This Season
NBA Analysts Debate Suns' No. 1 Spot in Power Rankings
Shams Charania: Durant Not Impossible, but Difficult for Suns
