2017 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Suns snag Lonzo Ball; Heat trade up for Fox

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) controls the ball against Kentucky Wildcats forward Wenyen Gabriel (32) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-USA TODAY Sports /

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3. Phoenix Suns (via 76ers) – Lonzo Ball, PG, UCLA

GM: Chris Wooden; Twitter: @slowdumars

After trading up, the Suns end up with Lonzo Ball at 3. Ball’s already drawn comparisons to a pair of former Suns – Jason Kidd and Steve Nash – for his unparalleled court vision and passing and he should provide the Suns with an instant identity, something they’ve lacked post-Nash.

He’ll slide alongside Devin Booker to form what would instantly be one of the most exciting backcourts in the league. The Suns have been stuck with a glut of shoot-happy guards for the last few seasons, but Ball’s awareness should mean opening up the floor for easier scoring opportunities for Booker and Co. One needs to look no further than the middling UCLA offense that Ball inherited and instantly transformed into a top-5 unit in his lone college season as an indicator of what to expect.

There are areas of concern. Ball is not polished enough on defense to make an instant impact on that end in the NBA, but that’s not why a team drafts him in the first place. His shooting mechanics might cause some head scratching, but he shot 41% on five attempts in college and shooting typically transfers to the pros, regardless of how unconventional it may be. Of course, drafting Lonzo means signing up for the LaVar Ball Show, but Phoenix is one team that could use a one-man PR machine.

With this pick, the Suns draft a franchise leader that turns them into League Pass favorites from day one.