Phoenix Suns: Complete grades for the 2019 NBA offseason
By Adam Noel
Drafting Ty Jerome 24th overall
Yes, Ty Jerome is a proven winner.
That’s most likely what the Phoenix Suns were thinking when trading back into the first round of draft night to select the former Virginia guard 24th overall.
But what many overlooked was the cost it came at.
The Suns surrendered a protected 2020 first-round pick via Milwaukee to Boston in exchange for the draft rights to Jerome and center Aron Baynes. That pick was originally acquired by the Suns as a result of the Eric Bledsoe trade to the Bucks nearly two years ago.
And now it conveys to nothing next summer for Phoenix.
The hope is that Jerome will transition smoothly to the next level and show what made him an effective point guard in college. Should that be the case, then Suns fans can rest easy.
Also a part of the trade was Baynes coming over from Boston. He should bring some toughness to the Suns while serving as a viable backup center.
Overall both player should carve out minutes in the rotation, but neither was a home run for the Suns. Again this trade focused on winning now rather than in the future.
Jerome could become something special, but this feels like a desperate move for Phoenix.