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2020 NBA Mock Draft: Looking to the future after a chaotic 2019 draft

By Brendon Kleen

MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy handles the ball on offense against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK - APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy handles the ball on offense against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
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MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy looks on against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
MIDDLE VILLAGE, NEW YORK – APRIL 05: Cole Anthony #3 of Oak Hill Academy looks on against La Lumiere in the semifinal of the GEICO High School National Tournament at Christ the King High School on April 05, 2019 in Middle Village, New York. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

. G. North Carolina. Cole Anthony. 2. player. 66

It remains to be seen whether Phoenix finds a long-term answer at point guard this summer or shoots for veteran stopgaps with the 2020 class in mind. Next year’s draft class boasts the best group of point guards since 2017, when Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball and De’Aaron Fox all went in the top five. The Suns famously fell from No. 2 to No. 4 that year and opted for Josh Jackson over Fox. They won’t be that silly this time around if the opportunity presents itself.

Should the Suns skip the chance to sign D’Angelo Russell or Malcolm Brogdon this summer, Anthony awaits as the prize. Just as flashy as Russell but not as big or long, Anthony would be a fun partner in the long-term for Devin Booker, even considering the four-year age difference between them.

Anthony excels in the open court, loves to break defenders down off the dribble with his impressive handle, and is improving as a playmaker. Considering the overall playmaking on Phoenix’s roster from Booker to Deandre Ayton to Kelly Oubre Jr., the team could be a nuisance in transition once their core ages into its prime together.

Plugged-in draft reporter Sam Vecenie put it well here:

"“At the end of the day, I have significant belief that Anthony will figure it out. He’s a confident, emotionally mature player who should be able to learn from his mistakes, and figure out what it is exactly that makes him effective.”"

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