Sacramento Kings: Game 81 Preview vs Phoenix Suns

Mar 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Sacramento Kings won 107 - 101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns forward Jared Dudley (3) in the second half at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Sacramento Kings won 107 - 101. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (8) reacts on the court in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Magic won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Tyler Ulis (8) reacts on the court in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Magic won 109-103. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Phoenix Suns Scouting Report

The Phoenix Suns enter this game with a record of 24 wins and 57 losses and currently sit at the bottom of the Western Conference standings.  This is their final game of the regular season.  With a loss, they clinch the second-worst record in the NBA and the lottery balls that go along with that.  Regardless of the lottery outcome, the Suns are on the verge of adding another supremely talented young player to an already talented young core.

Last time out, the Suns hosted the Dallas Mavericks and won their second consecutive game 124-111 on Sunday.  Phoenix played great team basketball shooting 55% from the field for the game in route to the 124 points.  Below is a highlight video from that game to give you a glimpse at their most recent form.

Tyler Ulis: The Steal of the 2016 Draft

Tyler Ulis was not an unheralded prospect coming into the 2016 NBA Draft.  Ulis was the 25th ranked prospect in his school class according to ESPN before heading to Kentucky.  He played two years at Kentucky including a trip to the Final Four as a freshman.   He had shown the ability to be an elite player, but his size caused his draft stock to tumble.

With the 34th overall pick, the Phoenix Suns selected Tyler Ulis and that pick has turned out to be a steal.  Since the All-Star Break, Ulis has averaged 12.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.5 three-pointers made per game in 31.8 minutes.  Those are great numbers for a second-round draft pick who was too small for the NBA.  Ulis looks poised to be an asset to the Suns for many years to come even if he settles in as the primary backup point guard who plays well in 20-25 minutes a night.