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2017 NBA Draft: Top 5 Phoenix Suns draft options

By Miles Jamieson

Apr 11, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Suns 129-104. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Phoenix Suns head coach Earl Watson during the third quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. The Kings defeated the Suns 129-104. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Jayson Tatum

With most draft experts predicting that Markelle Fultz, Lonzo Ball, and Josh Jackson will be the first three picks, one common pick for the Suns has been Jayson Tatum with the fourth pick. Although he isn’t a perfect fit in Phoenix, Jayson Tatum could become the Suns’ starting small forward.

One concern with Tatum is his defensive potential. With shooting guard Devin Booker being a defensive liability, the Suns cannot afford their other starting wing to also have issues on the defensive end of the floor. That’s why incumbent starter T.J. Warren would make a great sixth man off the bench. Warren can score the basketball, but he also has defensive limitations.

Some experts think Tatum will become a 2-way wing, but that’s been a hotly debate topic among draftniks. Tatum is often considered a combo forward, but some draft experts believe he’s more of a tweener. He may be too slow for small forwards and too small for power forwards. If he’s able to improve as a defender, Tatum has superstar potential.

Tatum is already a professional scorer. Although he hasn’t shown NBA three-point range yet, that’s a part of his game that should come relatively quickly. He was an elite shooter from all over the court in college, so it’s easy to project him as a three-point shooter in the NBA.

Tatum and Booker could become two offensive stars in the near future, but the Suns won’t reach their potential if both of them are underachieving defenders. Tatum isn’t a perfect fit in Phoenix, but he could become a star if he maximizes his potential.