I’ll confess up front that I have no life. Which is why I spent a large part of my weekend running simulations of the 2026 NBA draft using the Fanspo site. I won’t bore you with the mathy details (yet), but I ran the draft using 9 default setting combinations (auto pick behavior standard, team needs, and chaos vs. the ESPN, Fanspo, and No Ceilings draft boards) 6 times each for a total of 54 runs.
I learned a lot of things (which will be covered in my next article), but one of the more important things I learned was
that there were three players that fell to 47 that I had not expected, but that the Suns might want to consider. Thus, I’m providing 3 more scouting reports of players that might be available when the Suns pick at 47. Keep in mind, these are all long shots, but they are players that should at least be on the radar in case they do fall.
Aday Mara (Michigan, Junior, C)
Aday Mara (7’3″, ~255 pounds) is a highly skilled 2026 NBA Draft prospect and Michigan transfer known for elite passing instincts, soft touch around the rim, and significant size. While an exceptional interior scorer and rim protector, his NBA projection relies on improving lateral mobility, perimeter defense, and added physical strength.
Key Statistics
23.2 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 2.5 APG, 2.9 stocks, 66.9 FG%, 54.5 FT%
Strengths
- Elite Passing & IQ: Possesses rare vision for a center, acting as a high-post playmaker with advanced reads, including flashy behind-the-back passes.
- Interior Scoring: Efficient scorer with soft touch, shooting high percentages on layups and dunks, particularly as a pick-and-roll or short-roll threat.
- Rim Protection: Uses his 7’3″ frame to block shots and alter attempts in the paint, showing good verticality.
Weaknesses
- Shooting: Needs to develop his jump shot to expand his floor spacing, as his free-throw shooting is low.
- Physicality & Mobility: Concerns exist regarding his ability to defend in space and switch onto smaller players, which could make him a drop-coverage specialist in the NBA.
Draft Range
Late first to early second round (20-40) with several mocks putting him in the 26-27 range
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
The NBA meta has taken a shift back to having room for giant centers: Zach Edey has been great in Memphis. During last year’s draft, several big men dropped into the second round (Maxime Renaud, Ryan Kalkenbrenner) and have had great rookie seasons. Mara has a 7’6.5” wingspan and grades out as a better defender than Reynaud, if a worse shooter. He averages 4.6 blocks per 36 minutes. He has a more advanced feel for the game than Maluach, and might be a good pick-up if Mark Williams’ contract demands prove exorbitant. He could also provide insurance if Maluach fails to develop.
All in all, he’s a late first round talent; you can’t teach height, and there are several scenarios that fell out where he was the best player available when the Suns drafted in the simulation. I would rank him 5th on the Suns board from my previous article, between Henri Veesaar and Rueben Chinyelu.
NBA Comparison
Maxime Reynaud, but with less jumpshot and more shot blocking.
Flory Bidunga (Kansas, Sophomore, PF/C)
Flory Bidunga is an elite, high-motor 6’10” 235 lbs. sophomore center at Kansas (2025-26) and a projected 2026 NBA Draft prospect known for explosive athleticism, premier rim protection, and efficient finishing. Named the 2025-26 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year, he dominates as a lob threat and rebounder, though he is considered slightly undersized for a center and is developing his offensive game beyond the paint.
Key Statistics
31.6 MPG, 13.3 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 3.3 stocks, 64.0 FG%, 65.4 FT%
Strengths
- Elite Athlete & Motor: Possesses tremendous energy, speed, and agility, allowing him to play above the rim consistently.
- Rim Protection: A premier shot-blocker (98th percentile block rate) with great verticality, timing, and recovery speed.
- Efficient Scorer: Highly reliable in the dunker spot and as a roll man (96th percentile), featuring a soft touch and strong lefty hook.
- Rebounding: High-level rebounder on both ends of the floor.
Weaknesses
- Size/Position: At 6’9″ to 6’10”, he is considered a bit undersized for a traditional NBA center, leading to challenges against stronger, taller opponents.
- Offensive Range: Primarily a paint scorer with limited shooting range; needs to develop a consistent jumper to floor-space, according to SI.com and Reddit users.
- Defensive Discipline: Can occasionally get lost on defense or over-pursue block attempts, resulting in foul trouble
Draft Range
Early to mid-second round (35-45)
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
Bidunga has the mobility to play PF or C, making him an interesting option if the Suns want to play two bigs at a time. As noted elsewhere, re-signing Mark Williams isn’t a given, and the Suns’ depth at PF is awful. Bidunga has a 7’2” reach and an excellent vertical leap. He would add athleticism and a lob threat, while being young enough for potential growth. I like his intangibles of being high motor and high effort, which fit well with Ott’s vision for the team. My main concerns with him are his limited shooting and limited offensive game, including assists. I would put him between Alex Condon and Baba Miller on my draft board.
NBA Comparisons
Mark West (Look him up, you whippersnappers), Jarrett Allen, Clint Capela.
Ebuka Okorie (Stanford, Freshman, PG)
Ebuka Okorie is a 6’2″, 185-pound freshman guard for the Stanford Cardinal who has rapidly emerged as a top prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft. Originally an under-the-radar recruit ranked outside the top 100, he became one of the most productive freshmen in college basketball during the 2025-26 season, earning All-ACC First Team and ACC All-Rookie honors.
Key Statistics
34.8 MPG, 22.8 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 46.0 FG%, 36.0 FT%, 83.4 FT%
Strengths
- Elite Rim Pressure: Okorie is widely considered the best pure driver in his class. He led the country in drives, converting 71.4% of his half-court rim attempts.
- Shot Creation & Ball Handling: A “jitterbug” with the ball, he uses a shifty handle and change of pace to create his own shot and get downhill.
- Efficiency Under Pressure: Despite a high usage rate (30.7%), he maintains a low turnover rate, averaging only 1.7 turnovers per game.
- Foul Drawing: He is highly effective at getting to the line, leading the ACC in free throws made and shooting 83.4% from the stripe.
Weaknesses
- Physical Limitations: Scouts hold concerns regarding his lack of elite size and “above-the-rim” athleticism for the NBA level.
- Shooting Consistency: While a capable three-point shooter, his long-range consistency is a “work in progress,” currently hitting 36.0% from deep.
- Defensive Versatility: Due to his size, he can be overpowered by larger guards and lacks the versatility to switch onto multiple positions.
Draft Range
Late 1st to early 2nd Round (roughly 28th-31st).
Why the Suns Should Take a Look
Okorie fell to the Suns in one of the runs. He’s unlikely to be there when the Suns pick, just based on his raw potential, but could fall if his measurements at the combine say he’s as short as he looks in video. The good is that he is just about the craftiest scorer I’ve seen: his toolset on drives is otherworldly for a 19-year-old. Stop and pop, floaters, Eurostep, slithery-reverse layups, speed changes, shifting to his left hand, all the skills are there. His three-point shot improved dramatically as the season went by, and I think it will continue to improve at the NBA level. He also displays amazing handles and good court vision while limiting turnovers.
The downside: he’s small, slight, and his defense is abysmal. He is going to struggle mightily at the NBA level. I’m uncomfortably reminded of Damian Lillard at both ends of the court, both the good and the bad. But, if the Suns want a backup point guard behind Gillespie who will run an offense, score, push the pace, and not let the opposing team rest with Green out of the game, Okorie fits the mold.
NBA Comparisons
Damian Lillard, Brevin Knight
Final Verdict
While it’s unlikely that these three players will be on the board when the Suns draft, the simulations show it as possible once in a great while. With these three players added into the mix, here is my draft board for the Suns heading into the 2026 Draft with the 47th Pick:
- Joshua Jefferson: Very unlikely to be available, but Julius Randle-level upside
- JT Toppin: A borderline lottery pick if not for injury
- Zuby Ejiofor: One of the best players two years running at the college level. Elite intangibles
- Henri Veesaar: Sweet shooting PF/C to stretch the floor. Could form a rotation with Fleming.
- Aday Mara: Best shot blocker in the NCAA this past year per 36
- Rueben Chinyelu: Rebounding machine with a clear NBA role and good fit
- Milan Momcilovic: 6’8” 50% three-point shooters will always have a spot in the league
- Ebuka Okorie: Potential Jamal Crawford sixth-man of the year type-player
- 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.
- Flory Bidunga: projects as a solid, high-energy back-up C. Limited offensive upside.
- Baba Miller: Kirkland-brand Oso Ighodaro
- Pryce Sandfort: Not sure what he provides that Koby Brea doesn’t
- Juke Harris: Low efficiency chucker who doesn’t play defense either. No future in the league. See also: Cam Thomas, Ricky Davis
Next Up
Taking these ratings and showing what they yield in the draft simulator to figure out who the Suns are most likely to get, given this draft big board. Stay tuned…
