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Phoenix Suns: 5 options for pick No. 54 in 2017 NBA Draft

By Gerald Bourguet

Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 16, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Dwayne Bacon (4) shoots against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles during the first half in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Phoenix Suns
Jan 7, 2017; South Bend, IN, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward V.J. Beachem (3) reacts after a three point basket in the second half against the Clemson Tigers at the Purcell Pavilion. Notre Dame won 75-70. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /

5. V.J. Beachem, SF, Notre Dame

One of the few prospects on this list who didn’t work out for the Phoenix Suns, Notre Dame’s V.J. Beachem is a 6’8″ wing who would bring shooting to the table behind T.J. Warren or whatever other wing the team adds in the draft.

In his senior season for the Fighting Irish, Beachem averaged 14.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 42.2 percent from the floor and 36.1 percent from three-point range. Those shooting numbers don’t leap off the page, but if he can speed up his release, he could become an effective spot-up threat at the next level.

With a 6’10” wingspan, Beachem could be a nice fit in an NBA that’s increasingly veering toward positional versatility and the ability to switch on screens.

Though he still needs work defensively, isn’t much of a rebounder and struggles with putting the ball on the floor, you’d be hard-pressed to find a player at this position in the draft without a few glaring flaws. If McDonough wants a smart, experienced college player, Beachem is one potential avenue at No. 54.

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