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Phoenix Suns: 5 Draft Options At No. 34

By Gerald Bourguet

Jan 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Utah Utes at Jon M. Huntsman Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
Mar 1, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard Tyler Ulis (3) moves to the basket against the Florida Gators during the second half at Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Kentucky Wildcats defeated the Florida Gators 88-79. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Tyler Ulis

Selecting another guard from Kentucky might send the Phoenix Suns fan base into some type of epileptic spasm, but the undersized Tyler Ulis would address a need this team currently has at backup point guard.

Ronnie Price filled that role just fine last season and has a rapport with new head coach Earl Watson, but he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. If the Suns want to develop a younger floor general behind Eric Bledsoe and Brandon Knight (and stop playing Archie Goodwin out of position), Ulis as the fight and skill set that should intrigue any team.

Projected to go somewhere between the end of the first round and the start of the second round, the 5’10” Ulis would probably be closer to the lottery if he wasn’t so small. Still, his lightning quickness, incredible athleticism, court vision, leadership skills, hounding defense and three-point shooting make him the total package.

The Suns have a need at backup point guard, and this 20-year-old prospect could be an option if Phoenix uses a few of its earlier selections on draft-and-stash players (or trades them). A pass-first, efficient point guard who can shoot would provide the Suns’ backcourt with a different, welcome look.

Ulis should actually be Phoenix’s top target if they want a backup point guard in this range, but more than likely, Devin Booker’s former Wildcat teammate will be off the board by the time No. 34 rolls around.

Next: No. 1

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