Eric Sorenson
The Phoenix Suns are good at keeping secrets.
Over the past several weeks, the organization has been tight-lipped on who they have brought in for pre-draft workouts and who they may be eyeing with the 13th overall selection on Thursday.
Phoenix has several holes to fill but could have a wide variety of players to choose from when they go on the clock.
“The draft, no question, is much better this year than a year ago,” CBS College Basketball Analyst and former Arizona State head coach Bill Frieder told Brad Cesmat Monday on ‘Big Guy on Sports.’ “The Suns have a good chance to get a player who can come in and start and be a factor.”
With All-Star point guard Steve Nash’s future uncertain here in the Valley, Suns General Manager Lance Blanks may opt for a playmaker with the club’s only pick. One of the names linked to Phoenix is North Carolina’s Kendall Marshall who reportedly worked out twice with the team.
“I loved him because he was a point guard and he was very unselfish,” Frieder explained to Cesmat. “He was a facilitator. He was good enough to penetrate and find open players. To put the ‘elite’ title on him, I don’t know about that.”
Another former ACC player who could slide to the Suns is Duke guard Austin Rivers, son of Boston Celtics head coach, Doc Rivers.
“I love Austin Rivers,” said Frieder. “You can never underestimate the value of a coach’s son. They’ve been a gym all their life. They’ve learned how to play the game. He fits all of that. If he’s available, I don’t think you can go wrong taking him. He’s going to be a good NBA player for a lot of years.”
The Suns could also use the pick to select a post player as they have in recent years with Robin Lopez (15th in 2008) and Markieff Morris (13th last year). Syracuse center Fab Melo is one possibility, as is Ohio State’s Jared Sullinger. Both players were brought in for private workouts.
