Who Phoenix should watch in the back end of Round 1?

We wrap up our series on first round draft prospects by taking a look at players who could be available if the Suns decide to trade into the 29 to 31 range. Unlikely? Sure. Still worth doing the homework? Absolutely.

That range currently includes the Cavaliers at 29, the Mavericks at 30, and the Knicks at 31, which technically opens the second round as the first pick on day two of the draft.

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The reason for doing the due diligence is simple. It’s not something we did last year until late in the game. We didn’t believe the Suns would trade up into the lottery, so a lot of the focus stayed on picks 29 and 52, which is where Phoenix originally looked slotted to select. Then draft night happened, and suddenly the board changed.

That’s part of this process. Things move. Teams pivot. Opportunities appear out of nowhere. That’s why it helps to take a holistic approach, explore every realistic avenue, and have a feel for all the options on the board. That way, when draft night arrives, and something unexpected happens, you’re ready.

Prospects at 29-31

I’ve previously reviewed Zuby Ejiofor, Ebuka Okorie, Henri Veesaar, and Joshua Jefferson. All of them would be potential targets in this draft range (though Okorie and Veesaar both have an average draft spot of 28, which might make them targets for the Suns at 26). However, there are a couple more prospects here that the Suns might take if they’re looking for a point guard behind Gillespie or expect Mark Williams to leave in free agency.

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Tarris Reed (University of Connecticut, Senior, C)

Tarris Reed Jr. is a physically imposing, 6’11” and 270-pound center known for his elite screening, interior dominance, and high-motor rebounding. He offers NBA teams a ready-made “glue guy” profile who does the dirty work, sets heavy picks in the pick-and-roll, and finishes efficiently around the rim.

Key Statistics

27.3 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.3APG, 2.9 stocks, 60.7 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 61.7 FT%

Strengths

Size & Length: Boasts a massive, NBA-ready frame with a rumored 7’4″ wingspan. He uses his strength well to carve out deep post position.

Mobility:…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/phoenix-watch-back-end-round-120000105.html

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Publish date : 2026-05-28 12:00:00

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