2017 NBA Mock Draft: The best choice each team can make

With Markelle Fultz, Josh Jackson and Lonzo Ball off the board, the Phoenix Suns are in a bit of a tougher spot than most would imagine. Duke’s Jayson Tatum would be the obvious selection. He’s a 6-foot-8 wing with a potentially great offensive game who fits a position of need for the franchise. However, the ceiling of North Carolina State’s Dennis Smith Jr. is higher, so despite the awkward roster fit, he’ll be the selection here.

What makes Smith so enticing? It starts with his athleticism, a physical skill that allows him to attack defenses off the dribble and finish in traffic. Smith’s low to the ground handle and quick burst can get him into the teeth of defenses to break them down and create shot opportunities for himself or his teammates. The 6-foot-3 one-and-done has the potential to be a great offensive initiator from the point guard spot.

This selection obviously puts Phoenix in a difficult position with both Brandon Knight and Eric Bledsoe already on the roster and under contract for a few more years. While letting Smith develop behind those two players is an option, trying to move one of them seems like the better choice. Sure, the return may not be ideal, but opening up minutes for the incoming point guard will be critical to his development and potential to lead the team into the foreseeable future.

Learn more about Dennis Smith Jr. at The Step Back.