A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a three point basket during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Phoenix Suns- Jayson Tatum- SF- Duke

The Phoenix Suns are in a pivot position in this draft.  Their hope is that the Philadelphia goes for need and takes Monk leaving them with Jackson.  I love that fit, but when they fell from second to fourth in the lottery, it probably ruined their chance to have him.

The backcourt duo of Eric Bledsoe and Devin Booker looks locked in for next season, and the Suns drafted two power forward’s last season.  That leaves the center and small forward as targets.  The depth on the wing behind Booker and T.J. Warren is not great, so I think they take a shot at a small forward.

Why Jayson Tatum?

Jayson Tatum’s A Royal Prospect Profile

Jayson Tatum has the look of a surefire top five pick, but the fit with Phoenix is not great.  The Suns have a collection of offensive talent but struggle mightily on the defensive end.  Phoenix was 28th in defensive rating last season and allowed the most points in the league.

Tatum was an offensive force at Duke but will be asked to tap into his defensive potential on this Suns squad.  He has the physical attributes, and this will be a scary offensive team.  Bledsoe, Booker, and Warren can score add in Tatum and watch out.  The defense could be a major issue, though.  Something to monitor early next season for Phoenix.

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