Phoenix Suns: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks

3: T.J. Warren (2014)

It’s safe to say, the Suns really gave up on T.J. Warren for absolutely nothing, and it still baffles all fans why.

Warren was drafted in 2014 with the fourteenth pick. The Suns gained one of the best scorers in college, who averaged an amazing 24.5 points per game as part of his NC State team. Warren, who was an elite level player, was truly one of the safest bets for the 2014 draft, and it made sense for the Suns to select him.

Compared to other players in the draft, the Suns didn’t miss out on much by selecting Warren over other players, especially since they had the eighteenth pick. So the Suns could pick and choose with their two picks. Warren would pan out for the Suns, as expected.

Through his five seasons in Phoenix, Warren averaged 14.4 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Warren was fantastic for the Suns, providing a fantastic scoring presence that was ever-developing under the coaching staff.

Warren would make a massive leap in his offensive ability, dramatically developing into one of the best shooting wings in the NBA by averaging as many as 19.6 points per game in a single season

It was obvious that the Suns just needed to keep Warren and all would be perfect right? Well, the Suns management didn’t get the memo and dealt Warren to the Indiana Pacers for cash considerations. Since then, Warren has flourished in helping Indiana’s playoff push.