2018 NBA Draft: 5 lottery teams with the most at stake
By Max Holm
1. Phoenix Suns
Similar to the Kings, this pick for the Phoenix Suns is essentially about not messing up. Years past have had a clear consensus. While Deandre Ayton seems to be that guy for the mainstream media, it’s not as clear-cut as years with Ben Simmons and Karl-Anthony Towns. This is a tough pick for the Suns, which isn’t being properly credited by most media.
Ayton is not a slam dunk and Doncic has a higher floor and maybe a higher ceiling. With bigs who are more ready and better defenders, it’s a bit odd they’ve seemingly already decided on him.
It’s not that Ayton can’t be the best player in the draft, but it’s not that clear of a road. There’s a huge risk here that the Suns are sitting with a Simmons vs. Brandon Ingram gap between their prospect and the best guy in the draft.
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With their first No. 1 overall pick in 50 years as a franchise, no team faces more pressure than the Suns, who are entering perhaps their most important offseason ever.