Evaluating Rumored Suns Draft Targets

The 2024 NBA draft looms large, as the first round is set to be held three weeks from today - and the Phoenix Suns have a huge decision to make surrounding the number 22 pick they own.

The reports surrounding what the Suns may do with the pick have been mixed, which likely signifies that all options are on the table - and the fact that the franchise is currently bringing in numerous prospects for pre-draft workouts are evidence of that sentiment.

While numerous players have been linked to Phoenix by mock draft, rumor, or reports of an official workout that has been planned out, there are five players that seemingly have been matched up with the Suns - Marquette's Tyler Kolek, Indiana's Kel'el Ware, Baylor's Yves Missi, USC's Bronny James, and Dayton's DaRon Holmes.

General manager James Jones and governor Mat Ishbia should ultimately go with the best player available if the pick is to be retained, but it's also an absolute necessity to be very detailed in the strengths and weaknesses of these prospects when in the context of this current roster.

Tyler Kolek, PG, Marquette

Strengths:

Strong shooter (40% from three-point range, 87% on free throws in 2023-24)
High IQ
Great distributor
Sneaky good handle and ability to get to the rim

Tyler Kolek is CLUTCH.

Marquette with the late lead pic.twitter.com/ePRLp0jbrx
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 24, 2024

Weaknesses:

Underwhelming physical measurements
Potential liability on defense
Not very laterally quick

Kolek feels like the quintessential James Jones type of player. He could step in on day one and be a stabilizing force off of the bench.

Kel'el Ware, C, Indiana

Strengths:

Great athlete
Consistent jump shot
Quality shot blocker
Awesome play-finisher

Kel’el Ware can return awesome value if he ends up in the right situation.

The 7’1 big averaged 15.9 PPG, 9.9 RPG, 1.5 APG, and 1.9 BPG.

Athletic big man who finishes plays at the rim, is a nice PnR partner, has good touch, and is a good shot blocker. Sick lob threat w length. pic.twitter.com/3e8LqLp8V7
— Lucas 🦦 (@redcooteay) June 4, 2024

Weaknesses:

Not a great screener
Not extremely strong in the post
Unrefined post game

Ware is an ideal fit on the Suns on both ends of the floor, and still possesses a high-end ceiling. The Suns should be crossing fingers that he doesn't get scooped up in the late lottery.

Yves Missi, C, Baylor

Strengths:

Might have highest upside of any player here
37-inch vertical jump
Strong instincts on defense
High motor

Quick breakdown of Yves Missi's budding face-up game. While the 7-foot Cameroon native's strong suit lies in rim-running and protection, his freshman season was full of intriguing flashes.

At 19 years old with ferocious physical tools and only 4 years of organized basketball… pic.twitter.com/SWtaZlz2Xo
— Jacob Myers (@League_Him) June 4, 2024

Weaknesses:

Lacks polish on offense
Not too in line with defensive assignments, can get out of position easily
Lacks jump shot

Missi might be the biggest boom-or-bust player here, but he could certainly thrive in a situation such as Phoenix with some guidance.

Bronny James, PG, USC

Strengths:

Upside
Strong ball handler
Quality mechanics on jumper - transition to NBA line could be seamless

Bronny James today vs Arizona State…

7 PTS (3-6 FG, 1-2 3PT)
5 AST
4 REBS

How we feeling about his game RN?? pic.twitter.com/BhFry42eu9
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) January 20, 2024

Weaknesses:

Below average physical measurements
Shot mechanics didn't translate in college (27% from three-point range)
Seen as more of a combo guard
Unable to break down defenses off the dribble with consistency

Bronny could become a quality player over time, but it would take much commitment and patience to actually see it through.

DaRon Holmes, PF/C, Dayton

Strengths:

Upside as stretch big
Fearless attacker
Quality finisher

Bit high, but DaRon Holmes feels in play at No. 12,

6-10, 7-foot wingspan — Physical interior threat who can finish above the rim. Good screener, versatile defender, able to play a face-up game, some pretty advanced passing for a big. Does everything. pic.twitter.com/ZeHjIMpeW0
— Derek Parker (@DParkOK) June 5, 2024

Weaknesses:

Career 67% free-throw shooter
Has a tendency to play stiff, appears less athletic than he is
Struggled from three-point range prior to last season

Holmes reportedly has a promise from a team in the 20's - and it almost certainly could be the Suns. Holmes would be a quality fit if that is the case.

Verdict: Suns Should Take Ware if Available

All of these options are quite enticing, but Ware ultimately feels like the prospect that would check the most boxes in the end.