Hoops Habit
Fansided

Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 32 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Gerald Bourguet

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) dribbles the ball past North Carolina Tar Heels forward Tony Bradley (5) and Joel Berry II (2) in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Jordan Bell (1) dribbles the ball past North Carolina Tar Heels forward Tony Bradley (5) and Joel Berry II (2) in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next
Phoenix Suns
Feb 9, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) reacts to a score against the Temple Owls during the second half at Liacouras Center. Southern Methodist Mustangs won 66-50. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Semi Ojeleye, SF/PF, SMU

If the Suns address the point guard position early in the first round, their first selection in the second round should be used to provide depth or a potential replacement for T.J. Warren, who is due for a contract extension heading into the 2017-18 NBA season.

There’s no guarantee he’ll even be available outside of the first round, but if Semi Ojeleye is still on the board at No. 32, Phoenix would do well to add a player many believe will eventually become one of the big steals in this year’s draft class.

A 6’7″ wing with a 7’3″ wingspan, Ojeleye is built like a bronze statue. He’s one of the peak athletes in this year’s draft, using his elite strength and explosive leaping ability to average 19.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists last season at SMU. He also shot 48.7 percent from the floor and 42.4 percent from three-point range on 4.9 attempts per game.

His jump shot needs to get quicker, but it looks to be sustainable at the next level. Ojeleye could very well become a tenacious 3-and-D player with the proper defensive instruction, and his positional versatility would make him very valuable in today’s NBA, even is he is already 22 years old. That’s not an issue for the Suns though, since they already have enough youth as it is.

Warren’s three-point shot still needs work, while his defense is coming along better than expected. Ojeleye would balance out his skill-set well, providing more shooting and bully drives to the rim rooted in strength, while his defensive stats and awareness could use some work.

Home/NBA Draft