{"id":684872,"date":"2026-03-28T22:08:30","date_gmt":"2026-03-28T22:08:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/684872\/"},"modified":"2026-03-28T22:08:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-28T22:08:30","slug":"12-names-to-know-for-the-suns-in-the-second-round","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/684872\/","title":{"rendered":"12 names to know for the Suns in the second round"},"content":{"rendered":"

Draft SZN is creeping in, and it is never too early to start digging into scouting reports, circling names, and figuring out who the Phoenix Suns should be eyeing when draft night arrives. The board starts to take shape long before the picks are made, and this is where the groundwork begins.<\/p>\n

Brynn Tannehill put together a comprehensive list of prospects projected to land in that range where Phoenix is expected to be selecting, the sweet spot where value meets opportunity. These are the names that matter, the ones who could realistically be there when the Suns are on the clock.<\/p>\n

So let\u2019s dive into the list, break it down, and start connecting the dots on who fits, who fills a need, and who might be the next piece in what this team is building. This is a good page to bookmark, for it is filled with numerous prospects.<\/p>\n

The Suns have only a single second-round pick in the loaded 2026 draft, and that pick looks to be somewhere around the 46th. I looked at many, many mock drafts and player lists to come up with a selection of players who:<\/p>\n

Might be availableWould be a good fitFill a needProvide good value at (roughly) the 46th pick<\/p>\n

What I\u2019m looking for in a player at the 46th pick isn\u2019t a potential superstar, or a guy with few if any flaws. I\u2019m looking for guys who have at least one thing about them that\u2019s elite, even if it\u2019s just their box plus\/minus. I also tend to value three-point shooting, rebounding, and free throw shooting because they translate directly to the NBA. In other words, if a guy is great at any of these things in college, they\u2019ll likely be good at it in the NBA too.<\/p>\n

I regard power forward as the Suns\u2019 position of greatest need, with there being a need for better depth at point guard. I also see room for improvement at small forward, where Brooks\u2019 advanced numbers are so-so, O\u2019Neale is a traffic cone, and Ryan Dunn has failed to improve. Mark Williams is also proving to be pretty \u201cmeh\u201d overall. I would not be surprised if he takes a contract way bigger than he\u2019s worth this summer.
The Suns need another shooting guard the way I need a sucking chest wound, and as such, you won\u2019t find any pure shooting guards on this list, and only one shooting guard\/small forward. When I look at \u201cfit,\u201d I think guys who produce extra attempts via stocks and offensive rebounds will mesh with the Suns\u2019 philosophy. I also believe they\u2019ll want to look at stretch bigs as a change of pace to Oso and Williams.<\/p>\n

With that, here\u2019s my list of potential second round picks that are on my radar.<\/p>\n

Alex Karaban (UConn, Senior, SF\/PF)<\/p>\n

Alex Karaban is a 6\u20198\u201d, 220-pound elite floor-spacing forward with a 6\u201911\u201d wingspan, known as a high-IQ, high-volume shooter (from three) with excellent off-screen movement and solid passing skills. A two-time NCAA champion, he projects as a reliable, NBA-ready rotation player, likely a 3-and-D forward, despite lacking elite athleticism or high-level self-creation.<\/p>\n

PPG: 13.3, 48.2 FG%, 39.4 3FG%, 84.9 FT%, 5.2RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 stocks<\/p>\n

Elite Shooting: A consistent shooter (38-40%+ from three-point range) with quick release and high basketball IQ for finding space.Movement Shooter: Excellent at shooting off screens, which is his most frequent and effective play type.Size & Wingspan: Good positional size at 6\u20198\u201d with a long 6\u201911\u201d wingspan, aiding in defense and rebounding.High IQ\/Connective Passer: Makes smart, quick decisions and acts as a connector in the offense.Efficient Scorer: Highly efficient, able to impact the game without needing many touches. Athletic Limitations: Lacks high-end quickness or explosive verticality, which limits his ability to create his own shot or defend quick guards.Defensive Concerns: Struggles with lateral quickness and navigating screens, potentially making him a target in isolation.Finishing: Below-the-rim finisher. <\/p>\n

Between 20-50 at the extremes, and most likely 38-45.<\/p>\n

Why The Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Karaban projects as a tweener forward on a team where the front court has all sorts of issues. Ryan Dunn has failed to develop offensively and has gone long stretches on the bench. Royce O\u2019Neale is a traffic cone on defense, and Dillon Brooks\u2019 on-court and off-court antics (and arrests) are a distraction. Karaban fills a need, and ticks the boxes for fitting the Suns\u2019 vision for versatile, unselfish, high basketball IQ players who can hit the three. There is a chance he will still be available when the Suns make their pick.<\/p>\n

Georges Niang, Sam Hauser<\/p>\n

Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State, Senior, PF)<\/p>\n

Joshua Jefferson is a 6\u20199\u201d, 240-pound versatile senior forward for Iowa State (formerly St. Mary\u2019s), projected as a 2026 NBA Draft prospect. He is a highly skilled playmaker with elite passing vision and high IQ, frequently acting as a \u201cpoint-forward\u201d. He is also a reliable, efficient scorer in the paint (99th percentile, 73.9% at the rim) with an improving 3-point range. Defensively, he uses his strength to guard multiple positions and displays strong awareness (2.0+ SPG as a junior). Sixth in the nation in Box Plus Minus (13.4).<\/p>\n

16.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 47.1 FG%, 34.5 3FG%, 70.0 FT%<\/p>\n

Elite Playmaking & Passing: Possesses \u201cpoint-forward\u201d vision, making advanced reads from the post, in the short-roll, and off the dribble.Efficient Scorer: A high-level finisher at the rim (73.9%) and effective post-up player.Versatile Defense & IQ: Uses a 6\u20199\u201d frame and 240-pound build to defend multiple positions with high, consistent effort.High-Basketball IQ: Known for high-level \u201cfeel\u201d and spatial awareness. Limited Verticality: Lacks elite vertical explosiveness, which limits his ceiling as a rim protector and finisher.Foot Speed: While generally solid, he can struggle against exceptionally quick, smaller guards on the perimeter.Shot Creation: Relies more on strength and finesse than explosive first-step quickness. Age: Almost 23 by the time the 2026-2027 NBA season starts<\/p>\n

Mid-to-late first round (18-27), though a few mocks have shown him slipping.<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Jefferson is one of the best defensive PFs in the draft. He comes with the 10th highest defensive Box Plus Minus (DBPM) in the NCAA, and the 6th highest BPM overall. He\u2019s an interior scorer that the Suns lack, and his passing means that he would do well at finding the open man outside the three-point line. He generates a surprising number of steals for a big, and his passing for a power forward is top-tier, resulting in a remarkably high assist-to-turnover ratio. Again, he grades as a \u201chigh-IQ, high-energy\u201d player that the Suns crave.<\/p>\n

His lack of three-point shooting and elite athleticism are concerns, but he would bolster a weak Suns frontcourt. All that said, he is unlikely to fall all the way to the mid-second round. If he does, the Suns should take a long, hard look given his credentials. The primary knocks on him are his age, athleticism, and lack of a reliable (but improving) 3-point shot. For all of these reasons, I could see him slipping back to the Suns.<\/p>\n

Wendell Carter Jr., Jaylin Williams, Julius Ranlde, and Toumani Camara<\/p>\n

Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State, Junior, SF\/PF)<\/p>\n

As a 22-year-old senior, Jefferson has improved his draft stock significantly by developing into a more consistent three-point shooter and reliable playmaker in Iowa State\u2019s system. He is projected to be a 2026 NBA draft pick in the mid-to-late first round or early second round (Mock 23rd by Tankathon).<\/p>\n

Milan Momcilovic is a 6\u20198\u201d, 210-225-pound forward for Iowa State, recognized as a high-level shooter with elite touch from mid-range and 3-point range. He is a crafty offensive player with strong footwork and a quick release, often using a \u201cDirk-ish\u201d fadeaway, though he lacks elite speed and strength. Scouts highlight his shooting, but have concerns about his on-ball defensive mobility and rebounding.<\/p>\n

17.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.3 stocks, 51.2% FG, 49.3% 3FG, 87.7 FT%<\/p>\n

Elite Shooting: Possesses a very quick, high-release shot, shooting with high accuracy from 3-point range.Offensive Skillset: Crafty in the post, utilizing pivot moves, footwork, and a high-arcing turnaround jumper.High Basketball IQ: Understands spacing, moves well off the ball, and is a reliable passer.Positional Size: At 6\u20198\u201d, he has the size to play forward and space the floor, often described as a potential \u201cstretch 4\u201d or shooting wing. Athleticism\/Lateral Quickness: Lacks elite run\/jump ability, struggling to contain smaller guards or quick wings on defense.Strength\/Rebounding: Needs to add strength to defend against bigger players and improve his rebounding, which is considered low for his position.One-Dimensionality: At this stage, his game is heavily reliant on shooting, leading to questions about his secondary offensive skills at the NBA level. <\/p>\n

Mid-second round to undrafted<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Momcilovic brings one ultra-elite skill to the table: he is one of the best three-point shooters to ever emerge from the NCAA. The downside is he\u2019s not great at anything else. If the Suns decide that they need a cheap replacement for Royce O\u2019Neale, they could do worse than Momcilovic.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also worth remembering that shooters who do nothing else on the court are still capable of carving out long careers for themselves (Kyle Korver and Luke Kennard come to mind). If he\u2019s still available when the Suns pick, Milan strikes me as a low-risk, low-ceiling, WYSIWYG pick who will bring elite 3-point shooting with him to the NBA level. Given that most second round picks rarely last more than a few years, selecting a guy who stands a good chance of lasting a decade in the league seems like a solid way to go.<\/p>\n

Sam Hauser, Bojan Bogdanovic, Georges Niang<\/p>\n

Baba Miller (Cincinnati, Senior, PF\/C)<\/p>\n

Baba Miller is a 6\u201911\u201d, 215-pound forward with exceptional perimeter skills, length, and versatility for his size. Originally from Spain and developed through Real Madrid\u2019s system, he is a fluid athlete with high-level basketball IQ, acting as a \u201cpoint-forward\u201d with strong passing instincts and capable of initiating fast breaks.<\/p>\n

13.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.9 stocks, 52.9 FG%, 19.2 3FG%, 65.8 FT%<\/p>\n

Perimeter Skills: Possesses advanced dribbling ability for a 6\u201911\u201d player, allowing him to play as a guard, handle the ball in transition, and create for himself or others.Defensive Versatility: Possesses a reported 7\u20192\u201d to 7\u20193\u201d wingspan, making him an effective rim protector, helper, and capable of guarding multiple positions, including covering guards on the perimeter.High Basketball IQ: Demonstrates great awareness, quick decision-making, and high-level, unselfish play.Shooting Potential: Shows promise as a floor spacer, with the ability to shoot from beyond the arc. Strength & Physicality: Needs to continue adding weight and strength to hold his spot in the post and withstand physical play.Consistency in Shooting: While promising, his three-point shot needs to become more consistentOffensive Aggression: Needs to be more aggressive offensively on a consistent basis.<\/p>\n

Early-to-mid second round<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Baba Miller comes with two top-tier skills: total rebounding and defensive rebounding in particular. He\u2019s also a fantastic passer for a big and draws fouls at a high rate. He\u2019s not a three-point shooter, and his free throw percentage is \u201cmeh\u201d. He\u2019s an excellent defender in space and moves very well, which fits well with the Suns\u2019 defensive schemes.<\/p>\n

In many ways, I would regard him as similar to Oso Ighodaro, but a better rebounder and free throw shooter. He\u2019s capable of playing power forward or center, and might prove a good insurance policy if the Suns don\u2019t think they can re-sign Mark Williams.<\/p>\n

Jared Jeffries, Leonard Miller, Nerlens Noel, Oso Ighodaro if he could hit free throws and rebound<\/p>\n

Pryce Sandfort (Nebraska, Junior, SF)<\/p>\n

Pryce Sandfort (Nebraska) is a 6\u20197\u201d, 215-pound sharpshooting wing with immense potential for the 2026 NBA Draft due to his elite 3-point shooting and high-efficiency offensive game. He excels as a high-volume shooter (nearly 48% 3P in conference play), proficient at attacking closeouts, with a very low turnover rate.<\/p>\n

17.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 stocks, 47.5 FG%, 41.0 3FG%, 85.0 FG%<\/p>\n

Shooting: Elite shooter with a quick release and deep range. He thrives in catch-and-shoot scenarios, often grading in the top tier nationally for efficiency.Offensive Versatility: Beyond shooting, he can attack the rim, often finishing at a high rate (around 70%+ true shooting). He makes intelligent reads off the dribble and as a passer.Efficiency: Shows remarkable efficiency with a low turnover percentage (6.7% TOV%), making him a low-mistake player.Defensive & Physicality: As a, at times, average-athleticism defender, he may face questions about his ability to defend quicker players at the next level. However, his positional size and length are beneficial, and he has shown improvement in disrupting plays.<\/p>\n

Mid-second round to undrafted<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Sandfort is basically Koby Brea with a little more meat on him. His defensive numbers aren\u2019t great, but he\u2019s a high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooter with many of the same qualities seen in Koby Brea. If the Suns want a redo on picking Brea, here\u2019s their chance. Otherwise, there\u2019s probably going to be at least one other player out there who\u2019s a better prospect.<\/p>\n

Klay Thompson (high end), Koby Brea (realistically)<\/p>\n

Juke Harris (Wake Forrest, Sophomore, SG\/SF)<\/p>\n

Juke Harris is a 6\u20197\u201d 200-pound wing known for his elite scoring jump, shooting efficiency (35.7% 3PT), and improved, high-volume production (20+ PPG). He is considered a \u201ctop-tier\u201d shooter with significant physical tools, including a long wingspan and strong athleticism. He is regarded as a potential 2026 NBA Draft prospect, frequently mentioned as a \u201csleeper\u201d or second-round talent with \u201cboom or bust\u201d potential.<\/p>\n

21.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.9 APG 1.5 stocks, 44.4 FG%, 33.2 3FG%, 78.3% FT%.<\/p>\n

Elite Shooting: A high-level shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations (84th percentile).Positional Size & Athleticism: At 6\u20197\u201d, 200 lbs, he possesses great size for a 2\/3 guard with a near 7-foot wingspan and solid lateral speed.Scoring Versatility: Shows ability to score in the lane with soft touch and from mid-range, improving his off-the-bounce game.Rebounding: A very good rebounder for his position.Improved Playmaking: Demonstrates low turnover rates (10.5%) while handling increased offensive responsibility. Defensive Consistency: While athletic, he needs to improve off-ball attention and defensive consistency to become a reliable plus defender at the next level.Physicality\/Strength: Continued strength development will help him as a finisher and defender. <\/p>\n

Juke\u2019s stock has been rising, from 2nd round consideration to being a late-first to mid-second (25-45) high-risk, high-reward pick.<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Harris has some of the qualities the Suns have been seeking: he\u2019s got a high wingspan to height ratio, he\u2019s athletic, and he rebounds well for his position and size. He\u2019s a capable scorer In a lot of ways, he reminds me of a bigger Jalen Green (both good and bad). He\u2019s got some real deficiencies (particularly on defense), but he\u2019s also young enough that improvement seems plausible. He was named ACC\u2019s Most Improved Player, averaging a 15.6 PPG increase from the previous season.<\/p>\n

Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, Junior, PF\/C)<\/p>\n

Henri Veesaar (7\u20190\u201d, 225 pounds) is a skilled Estonian center at North Carolina (transferred from Arizona) projected as a high-upside prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft. He is a mobile, pick-and-pop big with a high basketball IQ, solid shooting touch, and impressive rim and rim protection\/finishing, though he needs to add strength to improve defensive consistency.<\/p>\n

17.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.8 stocks, 60.8 FG%, 42.6 3FG%, 61.5 FT%<\/p>\n

Stretch Big Ability: Veesaar has a developing 3-point shot, making him a threat to pick-and-pop.Offensive Efficiency: He is a strong finisher at the rim, shooting over 75% there in recent action.Mobility & IQ: He moves well for a 7-footer, displaying high-level passing, cutting, and intelligent movement within offensive sets.Rim Protection: His length and timing make him an effective shot-blocker.Offensive Rebounding: He is active on the glass, averaging high offensive rebound rates. Strength & Frame: Needs to add strength to handle physical post play, improve finishing through contact, and hold his ground defensively.Defensive Consistency: While skilled, he can be foul-prone and struggles in space against quicker guards.Consistency: Needs to stabilize his shooting percentages to be a reliable floor spacer at the next level. <\/p>\n

Late-first to early second round, between 25 and 38 at the extremes.<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Veesaar offers a lot to love as a mobile PF\/C who can hit the three at a high rate and isn\u2019t afraid to take that shot. Recent drafts have shown the \u201cskinny big who hits threes and is drafted late\u201d like Maxime Renaud have a real place in the league.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s not as mobile as Baba Miller, but as a 7-footer who shoots threes and passes well, he would fit very well into a 5-out Suns lineup that features Rasheer Fleming at the 4. He\u2019s unlikely to be there when the Suns draft, but if they found a way to move up a few slots, or he slips for some reason, the Suns would do well to take him for how well he fits team needs.<\/p>\n

Isaiah Hartenstein, Frank Kaminsky<\/p>\n

Alex Condon (Florida, Junior, PF\/C)<\/p>\n

Alex Condon is a 6\u201911\u201d (7\u20190.75\u201d wingspan) 225-pound Australian forward\/center at Florida known as a high-motor, mobile \u201cfixer\u201d with excellent passing, rim protection, and defensive versatility.<\/p>\n

15.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.1 stocks, 55.6 FG%, 17.0 3FG%, 64.9 FT%<\/p>\n

High Motor\/Mobility: Elite runner for a big man with impressive lateral quickness and fluid movement, allowing him to handle switch-heavy defensive coverages.Passing & Feel: Displays high-level vision and \u201cbig-to-big\u201d passing ability, acting as a connecting hub in the offense.Defense & Rebounding: Strong rebounder and disruptive rim protector (approx. 1.3-1.4 blocks\/game) with disciplined interior positioning.Physicality: Plays with a physical edge and high toughness, honed from a background in Australian rules football. Offensive Polish: Limited offensive game; currently thrives mostly on cuts, offensive rebounds, and handoffs, lacking advanced post or isolation moves.Perimeter Shooting: His 3-point shot remains a work in progress, and not improvingSize\/Strength: While 6\u201911\u201d, his wingspan is barely as wide as he is tallFree Throw Shooting: Inconsistent at the line, often hitting in the 65% range. <\/p>\n

Mock drafts have Condon going anywhere between 19 (USA Today) and 50 (NBA Draft Room). Averages out to the 38-41 range.<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Condon has improved his stats in every key category over three seasons at Florida. He\u2019s a dirt worker, high-IQ, energy guy who often tends to find a way to stick in the league. The Suns could do a lot worse by bringing him in to fill a Jock Landale\/Lou Amundson role to provide depth at the 4\/5 position.<\/p>\n

Isaiah Hartenstein, James Augustine, Jock Landale<\/p>\n

Zuby Ejiofor (St. John\u2019s, Senior, PF\/C)<\/p>\n

Zuby Ejiofor (6\u20199\u201d, 245 pounds) is a high-energy, physical senior forward\/center widely regarded as a 2026 NBA Draft prospect and 2026 Big East DPOY. He thrives as an undersized rim protector with a 7\u20191\u201d wingspan, good rebounding ability (14.6 ORB%), and versatile defensive potential. He is considered a \u201cglue guy\u201d due to his high motor and improved passing.<\/p>\n

16.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3.4 stocks, 54.5 FG%, 29.6 3FG%, 71.8 FT%<\/p>\n

Defensive Versatility: Strong, physical interior defender who can also switch onto guards in a high-switch scheme. Averaged 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in 2025-26.Rebounding\/Motor: Relentless on the boards, particularly on the offensive end, with a high-energy, high-motor style.Passing\/Playmaking: Surprisingly high assist rate for a big, showing ability to operate at the top of the key and find cutters or open shooters.Physical Finisher: Strong rim runner who excels at put-backs and finishing with contact. Size Constraints: At 6\u20199\u201d, he is slightly undersized for a pure NBA center, which may cause issues against elite 7-footers.Perimeter Shooting: While improving, his 3-point shot (approx. 30% on low volume) is not yet a consistent weapon to pull opposing bigs out of the paint.Off-ball Discipline: Can be lured out of position defensively by clever opposing offenses. <\/p>\n

Ejiofor is widely projected to be a second-round pick, with some projections pushing him into the late first-round range due to his 2026 performance, where he won both Big East Player and Defensive Player of the Year. He is expected to be an energy big-man backup in the NBA.<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Ejiofor jumps off the page with how his advanced stats jump off the page. He was third in national BPM rankings (14.5), 8th in DBPM, and 10th in OBPM. Only Cameron Boozer and Yaxel Lendeborg rank higher. What keeps him from being a lottery pick is his size for playing center in college, the need to adapt to playing power forward in the NBA, and perimeter shooting.<\/p>\n

However, there\u2019s so much to like here as well. He\u2019s a hustle and grit guy who also has good court awareness. He anticipates very well, leading to 3.5 APG and 3.4 stocks. He plays bigger than 6\u20199\u201d due to his wingspan. His free throw shooting is good enough that he could plausibly improve in other areas (such as the mid-range).<\/p>\n

Looking at his Tankathon profile, the thing that jumps out at me is that I\u2019ve only seen one other second round pick with so many strong positives, and so few negatives (which single him out as being a slightly below average rebounder for his size, and being older than the ideal draft pick), and that was Rasheer Fleming (though Ejiofor has more positives than Fleming, which is saying a lot).
If Ejiofor is still on the board when the Suns make their pick, they\u2019d be foolish not to roll the dice on a player that\u2019s got so many of the intangibles the Suns are looking for.<\/p>\n

Xavier Tillman, Isaiah Stewart<\/p>\n

JT Toppin (Texas Tech, Junior, PF)<\/p>\n

JT Toppin is a highly productive, 6\u20199\u201d (230 pounds) power forward\/center with a 7\u20190.5\u201d wingspan, known for his elite motor, rebounding, and interior finishing. Toppin projects as an energy big or \u201cgarbage man\u201d scorer who thrives on cuts, putbacks, and defensive versatility.<\/p>\n

21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 3.2 stocks, 54.8 FG%, 28.1 3FG%, 57.9 FT%<\/p>\n

Elite Rebounder & Motor: Toppin is regarded as one of the nation\u2019s best rebounders, high-motored, and relentless on the offensive glass.Finishing & Touch: Excellent finisher around the rim with both hands, especially on cuts and in the dunker spot (63.3% on cuts).Defensive Versatility: Possesses quick feet for a big man, allowing him to switch onto guards effectively. He is a disruptive defender with good length (7\u20190.5\u201d wingspan) and shot-blocking capability (1.9 blocks per game as a freshman).Improvement: Showed significant development from his freshman year at New Mexico to his sophomore year at Texas Tech, improving his free throw shooting from 56% to over 70%. Lack of Spacing: While he has shown flashes of a pick-and-pop game, he is not yet a consistent threat from 3-point range.Size for Position: He is considered a \u201ctweener\u201d at 6\u20199\u201d, potentially undersized to be a full-time NBA center, requiring him to play the 4 or improve his perimeter skills.Playmaking: He has shown a tendency for a negative assist-to-turnover ratio, indicating a need for better feel and decision-making in his offensive game.Defensive Discipline: Despite his athleticism, he can be prone to biting on pump fakes and overcommitting. <\/p>\n

JT Toppin projects in the 25-40 range, but most likely 25-35. He probably would go higher than that if he had not torn his ACL in February 2026.<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

The Suns don\u2019t have a lot of great options at PF. They also don\u2019t have much in the way of cap space. Nor do they have much in the way of draft assets. JT Toppin is a first round talent who\u2019s likely to fall into the second round due to his ACL injury. If other teams are scared away by the length of his recovery, the Suns should take a long-term view and pick him up. I look at Toppin as one of the most likely people to fall in the draft through no fault of their own, making him one of the best potential \u201cvalue picks\u201d possible. On top of that, his stocks and hustle make him a good fit with the Suns\u2019 overall philosophy of what sort of players they want.<\/p>\n

Larry Nance Jr. or Jarred Vanderbilt with better offensive touch.<\/p>\n

Bruce Thornton (Ohio State, Senior, PG)<\/p>\n

Bruce Thornton is a 6\u20192\u201d, 215-pound point guard known as a \u201cmaster of control\u201d with high-level efficiency, elite ball security, and a strong, stocky frame. He is a consistent three-level scorer (50% FG, 42% 3PT in 2024-25) who excels in the pick-and-roll, plays physically, and acts as a safe, high-IQ floor general. While sometimes limited by his height and lack of elite burst, he is projected as a 2026 second-round pick.<\/p>\n

19.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 stocks, 1.0 TOPG, 55.4 FG%, 40.0% 3FG%, 82.9 FT%<\/p>\n

Offensive Efficiency: A highly controlled and efficient scorer, often working with a 50\/40\/85+ shooting split.Physicality & Strength: Known as a \u201crunning back\u201d built guard who can absorb contact at the rim and hold his own against larger opponents on defense.Elite Decision Making: Possesses a very high assist-to-turnover ratio (3.15 in 2025-26) and operates pick-and-roll at an NBA level.Mid-range & Floater Game: Excellent at operating within the mid-range with a high-level floater and pull-up jump shot.Defensive Intensity: A tenacious on-ball defender who plays with high intensity and uses his strength to disrupt ball handlers. Undersized for NBA: At 6\u20192\u201d, he lacks the ideal height and length for a modern NBA guard, which may limit his defensive versatility.Lack of Elite Burst: Relies more on strength and timing than quick acceleration, making it difficult to create separation against top-tier athletic defenders.Fastbreak Scoring: Struggles to generate points in high-tempo, open-court situations.Age: He is 22.5 years old as of early 2026, which limits his upside<\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Nothing about Thornton immediately stands out as something elite. However, when you dive a little deeper into his statistics, you see that this isn\u2019t true. For a point guard, Thornton is elite in a lot of areas, including two-point field goal percentage, true-shooting percentage, offensive rating, assist-to-turnover ratio, turnovers, rebounding, and three-point field goal percentage. He gets these numbers while shooting at a high volume from both inside and outside the arc. I\u2019m not bothered by his middling assist rate: he makes smart passes, runs an offense extremely effectively, and was 30th in the nation in scoring while shooting a ridiculous 62.6% EFG and 66.5% TS.<\/p>\n

While many writers have bemoaned his 6\u20192\u201d stature, that\u2019s an inch off the \u201cideal\u201d. Unlike many other \u201csmaller\u201d point guards, his running back frame makes it impossible for other guards to simply push him out of the way.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s also his \u201calmost intangibles\u201d measured by his plus\/minus metrics. Thornton was 8th in the nation in total Box Plus Minus (BPM), and 4th in Offensive BPM. This tells me that on offense, Thornton does all the \u201clittle things\u201d that make his team better, along with things that show up in traditional stats. His defense is just ok, but his high motor, high basketball IQ, and strength to fight through screens will prevent him from being a complete minus the way Tyus Jones was. My opinion is that Thornton has the tools to be another Colin Gillespie-type player: borderline starter on a good team that will be available late in the second round.<\/p>\n

Jalen Brunson, Jevon Carter<\/p>\n

Rueben Chinyelu (Florida, Junior, PF\/C)<\/p>\n

Rueben Chinyelu (6\u201910\u201d, 265 pounds) is a high-motor, physical Florida Gators center and 2026 NBA Draft prospect known as an elite rebounder and rim protector with a massive 7\u20198\u201d wingspan. He projects as a \u201cBismack Biyombo-type\u201d energy big, offering immense strength, defensive versatility, and finishing ability, though he is currently limited offensively outside the paint.<\/p>\n

24.5 MPG, 10.9 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.8 stocks, 58.9 FG%, 69.5% FT%,<\/p>\n

Physicality & Motor: Chinyelu has an NBA-ready frame with elite strength and high-intensity energy, making him a dominant presence in the paint.Defense & Rim Protection: He is an exceptional defender with great verticality, lateral agility to switch on the perimeter, and shot-blocking ability.Rebounding: He is considered one of the best rebounders in college basketball, regularly posting double-doubles.Offense: Limited to playing around the basket. He excels at dunks and offensive putbacks but lacks a consistent perimeter shot.Decision making: Needs to refine his offensive game, improve decision-making under pressure (0.7 A:TO ratio), and manage foul trouble. <\/p>\n

Why the Suns Should Take a Look<\/p>\n

Chinyelu projects as a Suns kind of role-player. He has an insane wingspan ratio and plays taller than he is, meaning that he can switch and recover like a 6\u201910\u201d player, and block shots like a guy who\u2019s closer to 7\u20192\u201d. He has a standing reach of 9\u20194\u201d inches, which is only 2 inches less than Khaman Maluach, who is also known for having a ridiculous vertical reach.<\/p>\n

He\u2019s also known as a \u201cmaximum effort\u201d player who is aggressive almost to a fault, though this has improved in his Junior year. Chinyelu is like Momcilovic: he has a generational-level elite skill in one area. While Momcilovic may be the best three-point shooter to come out of college hoops in a decade, Rueben Chinyelu is the best per-36 rebounder in a decade as well. To put it in comparison, his RPM per minute is on par with Dennis Rodman at his peak.<\/p>\n

The reason I include both players on this list is that rebounding and three-point shooting (along with free throw percentage) tend to be the skills that translate most readily to the NBA.<\/p>\n

The other sneaky thing I like about him is the improvement he\u2019s shown every year in college. This is guy who isn\u2019t just getting better every year, it\u2019s in every area and by leaps and bounds. This guy is not done improving. He\u2019s from Nigeria and took up the game later than most, meaning that he has more \u201cupside\u201d than most players his age as he learns the game.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

A bigger Bismack Biyombo if he were an average free throw shooter. Or, Clint Capela with better mobility and free throw shooting.<\/p>\n

Given all of these factors, if I had a draft board that ranks who I would take if they\u2019re available, this is how it would shake out:<\/p>\n

Joshua Jefferson: Very unlikely to be available, but Julius Randle-level upsideJT Toppin: A borderline lottery pick if not for injuryZuby Ejiofor: One of the best players two years running at the college level. Elite intangiblesHenri Veesaar: Sweet shooting PF\/C to stretch the floorRueben Chinyelu: Rebounding machine with a clear NBA role and good fit Milan Momcilovic: 6\u20198\u201d 50% three-point shooters will always have a spot in the league Bruce Thornton: Smart, efficient point guard with a bad rap for being one inch too short. Could easily be a steal of the second round like Gillespie Alex Karaban: He shoots threes, meh rebounder, and can play a little 4. Nothing special Alex Condon: We already have Oso Ighodaro at home, dear. Baba Miller: Kirkland-brand Oso Ighodaro Pryce Sandfort: Not sure what he provides that Koby Brea doesn\u2019tJuke Harris: Low efficiency chucker who doesn\u2019t play defense either. No future in the league. See also: Cam Thomas, Ricky Davis<\/p>\n

The NBA Draft is 89 days away, set for June 24, and although the league now stretches it into a two day event, it looks like the Suns will be waiting until day two before they are on the clock in the second round. That leaves plenty of time to do your own scouting, form your own opinions on these prospects, and change your mind five different times before draft night finally gets here.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Draft SZN is creeping in, and it is never too early to start digging into scouting reports, circling…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":684873,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[5],"tags":[7,6,12,58336],"class_list":{"0":"post-684872","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nba-draft","8":"tag-basketball","9":"tag-nba","10":"tag-nba-draft","11":"tag-suns-draft"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/channels.im\/@nba\/116309087268022170","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/684872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=684872"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/684872\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/684873"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=684872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=684872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=684872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}