Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 4 in 2017 NBA Draft
4. De’Aaron Fox, PG, Kentucky
Another reach for the Suns, but there are some who are buying into De’Aaron Fox’s elite two-way potential. And, again, we can never rule out Phoenix taking yet another guard from Kentucky in the draft.
Easily the quickest guard in this year’s draft class, Fox is also a smothering defender at the 1, which would make him an ideal backcourt partner for the more offensively inclined Devin Booker — especially if Fox can develop a reliable jump shot at the next level.
Then again, thanks to his speed and exceptional ball handling, perhaps he wouldn’t need to if he’s playing alongside a go-to scorer like Booker.
De'Aaron Fox's advanced handle should help cover for his questionable jumper (by @colezwicker) https://t.co/cYKOXnxpTk
— The Step Back (@The_Step_Back) May 17, 2017
In his freshman season at Kentucky, Fox averaged 16.7 points, 4.6 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals per game. He shot an efficient 47.9 percent from the floor, and though he only made 24.6 percent of his 1.9 three-point attempts per game, he had a knack for stepping up in big moments.
Take, for example, the NCAA Tournament. For those worried about his ability to compete with elite players at his position, consider how he lit up current No. 2 prospect Lonzo Ball for a career-high 39 points in the Sweet 16.
Recent mock drafts on CBS Sports and NBAdraftnet.com project De’Aaron Fox going to the Suns, which would come with the inherent risk of him never living up to the billing of a franchise point guard that would make Eric Bledsoe expendable and relegate Tyler Ulis to backup duty.
Is it feasible the Suns could draft the 19-year-old Fox, trade Bledsoe and roll with two point guards under the age of 22 who can’t shoot? Or is that too far of a leap when Fultz and Ball are off the board, especially since McDonough has already said he hopes the draft lottery results put all the Bledsoe trade speculation to rest?
Fox’s defensive skill set would be a God-send for a young team like the Suns, and if he ever developed a decent jumper, he could potentially challenge Fultz and Ball for the title of best point guard in the draft. However, selecting the next Elfrid Payton would be a monumental misfire, and that kind of player comes nowhere near making Bledsoe expendable.