Phoenix Suns: 2017 NBA Draft grades
Final grade
To recap, the Suns got their guy despite sliding from No. 2 in the draft lottery standings to No. 4; added a 3-and-D wing to address two of the team’s biggest needs; and took a chance on a potential steal for a frontcourt that could always do with a little extra shooting prowess.
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Second round picks are long shots to make a final 15-man roster, but thanks to the NBA’s new two-way deals, certain players can be designated for additional roster spots, allowing them to fluctuate more freely between the NBA and the G-League.
That might be Reed and Peters’ fates for the upcoming season, especially since the Suns won’t be able to get a look at the Valparaiso big man in NBA Summer League.
But even if Peters never pans out and even if Reed’s trend of continuing to grind his way to more favorable situations stops at the NBA level, the Phoenix Suns will still walk away with one of the best prospects in this year’s class in Josh Jackson.
Pairing him with Booker on the wing helps cover for some of this team’s defensive flaws on the perimeter, and if T.J. Warren can continue to improve on that end of the floor, matching those three with Dragan Bender/Marquese Chriss will allow Phoenix to unleash some devastating small-ball lineups down the road.
Next: 2017 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams
His jump shot is a concern, but he’s only 20 and has plenty of reason for motivation after watching three teams pass on him. If he can develop a smooth stroke, keep his emotions in check and learn to harness that competitive fire into fuel, the Suns seem poised to begin rising from the ashes.
Grade: A-