NBA Draft: Final Big Board

The final Big Board prior to the draft is here!

Big news surfaced today that Willie Cauley-Stein has background and medical history could cause him to fall, potentially out of the top 10 per Draft Express. It curious to see what whether this news is a smoke screen by a team hoping Cauley-Stein falls or if there is serious concern. He admitted to a sickle-cell issue back in 2013, which can hinder his endurance.

Mar 25, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Eric Bledsoe (left) drives to the basket against Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay at US Airways Center. The Kings defeated the Suns 108-99. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

If the Kings are scared off by the potential health issues around Cauley-Stein, they could look to make a trade. One of the deals that seems to make sense for both sides, is a deal struck in a mock draft by the staff of SB Nation. Akis Yerocostas, editor of Sactown Royalty constructed a deal where they “…ended up making a three team deal in which I sent the 6th pick to Philadelphia and Darren Collison and Jason Thompson to Phoenix.  Philadelphia sent the #3 pick to Phoenix in return for Sacramento’s pick and Phoenix’s #13 pick and Reggie Bullock.” I understand this was only a mock draft, but a deal centered around Bledsoe and pick 13 for 6 makes sense for both sides. The Kings would get the “immediate impact” they covet, while the Suns aim to get better in the long term and shed Bledsoe, a player they seemingly did not want to resign, but did because it made sense as an asset. Our former Editor Tony Xypteras tweeted out that Yerocostas may not be far off with his trade idea.

The Kings could include Carl Landry or Jason Thompson to make the contracts work. They would likely include Nik Stauskas, who the Suns liked prior to last years draft. Our own, Ti Windisch broke down some potential deals to acquire Bledsoe and the effect it may have on the current roster.

Dario Saric is expected to stay in Turkey this season, per Chad Ford. Between Saric’s decision and the possibility of Joel Embid potentially missing the 2015-2016 season, 76ers could look to add a big man in this years draft. Kristaps Porzingis and Jahlil Okafor could make sense for Philadelphia at number 3.

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