2018 NBA Mock Draft: The summer is decision time

Not to get too gruesome, but if the potential exists for certain draft picks to kill two birds with one stone, then along the lines of that analogy, Phoenix has way too many birds that need killing. It’s lucky, then, that they will have three picks in the first round this year. It gives them the potential to be incredibly flexible and “own” the first round.

The Suns did this two years ago when, with Washington’s pick and the rights to Bogdan Bogdanovic in hand, they traded up to No. 8, where Sacramento was picking, and drafted Marquese Chriss out of Washington. Their willingness to dive in twice when they like the talent available means they could do so again. This draft certainly has the depth to call for it.

Speaking with local radio station 98.7 FM in Phoenix on Wednesday, general manager Ryan McDonough discussed the potential of having all three of the Suns’ picks convey this year. He said, “I think it’d be unlikely we’d draft all three guys in the top-16 or 17 and bring three more rookies into Phoenix.”

Heading into next year, Phoenix will need to revamp the roster if the team expects to be more competitive. Logically, that could mean one of the picks moves for veteran help or future assets, but if not, Porter lingers as someone who could at least take aim at a few of those birds who need killing.