NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for the Phoenix Suns

It’s presumed that the Phoenix Suns are targeting Deandre Ayton with the No. 1 pick. But if they look elsewhere, who fits best?

Clearly, the potential versatility of Deandre Ayton on both sides of the ball is enticing for the Suns, who have a massive hole at center. They need someone who can protect the rim with so many young defenders on the perimeter, including one in Devin Booker who may never consistently be able to keep wing scorers in front of him.

But he’s not necessarily a lock and the Suns also hold another pick in the middle of the first round. Which players should be on their radar?

5. Kevin Huerter, Wing, Maryland

Not only do the Suns have the first and 16th picks, they also start off the second round with their own pick, giving them three in the top 31. Operating from that position of power, Phoenix can be flexible with its board in the back half of the lottery, knowing that if it trades from No. 16, many of the same options would be there at No. 31. Huerter is one such player.

The Maryland wing opened eyes in an instant with his display at May’s draft combine in Chicago, with a shooting display supplanted only by his own passing performance in the eyes of scouts. That combination of shot-making and understanding how to make plays for his teammates will make Huerter an attractive option for offense-hungry teams like the Suns.

A wrist surgery last week to repair an injury that may have happened as early as the combine may set back Huerter’s stock a bit. The idea that his primary value comes from prolific shooting off of an injured hand is concerning. Maybe he falls.

Regardless, Huerter is a player who the Suns should be valuing highly. While he doesn’t answer their defensive questions, the sophomore would help push the offense forward by making the right play and taking and making open shots.

Take a look at the Suns’ wing depth this year: Booker, Jackson, Daniels, and T.J. Warren led the way before a huge fall-off lands at the feet of Jared Dudley, Danuel House and rookie Davon Reed. Yikes. Replace Dudley and Daniels with the younger Huerter and the Suns could reap the benefits in a hurry.