The NBA Draft is drawing near, and with the Phoenix Suns holding the 47th overall pick, we continue to speculate about who the organization might select. We’ve been analyzing prospects, monitoring pre-draft workouts, and theorizing about which direction the front office could go.
This isn’t a pick that carries massive expectations. This isn’t a lottery selection that the Suns need to develop into a future cornerstone. Rather, it’s a draft slot that can be used to fortify organizational depth, add
talent to the pipeline, and assist in the development of the G League roster. It’s a low-risk, low-reward proposition.
As we’ve monitored the available prospects, one name continues to surface. That would be Jaden Bradley, the point guard out of the University of Arizona, who appears to be projected right around the range where Phoenix is selecting. Recent reports indicate that Bradley will be working out for the Suns during the pre-draft process today, per Saul Bookman of All City.
He’s an interesting prospect because he checks a couple of different boxes. First, he’s a young point guard who can be added to the organization’s stable of developing guards. Second, he’s someone who could immediately help elevate the play of those around him while continuing to grow his own game. The Valley Suns were in desperate need of facilitation and distribution last season. Those were two areas where they consistently struggled on their way to an 11-25 record. Bradley could help address both.
From an organizational standpoint, the fit makes sense. Then there’s the local connection. Bradley spent three seasons at Arizona, making him a recognizable name for basketball fans throughout the state. If the goal is to generate a little extra interest at Mullett Arena for Valley Suns games, drafting a former Wildcat certainly wouldn’t hurt. I know I’d be interested in seeing him play.
While Bradley has already been a prospect worth monitoring because of where he’s projected to be selected, the fact that he’s now working out for Phoenix only reinforces the idea that there is genuine interest from the organization.
Mock drafts have Bradley going all over the board, so where he ultimately ends up is a mystery. But if he has an impressive workout for the Suns, Phoenix may target moving up to obtain him if they feel another team has a similar interest.
The Suns’ draft in the second round, which begins on June 24 at 5:00pm Arizona time.
