The last several seasons have been relatively unkind to the Phoenix Suns. They haven’t made the playoffs since 2010, and also haven’t won over 40 games since the 2013-14 season. 2017-18 was the Suns’ least prolific season of the post-Steve Nash era, as they only managed to win 21 games.
Phoenix’s futility earned them the first pick in the 2018 draft, and they had also acquired other selections in the first round through trades made with other teams. The Suns used their draft picks on three players who have excelled in various ways. The first overall pick, DeAndre Ayton, was a star freshman for Arizona.
Ayton was considered to be one of, if not the best prospect available at the draft, so it makes sense that Phoenix would select him. Their second selection, Mikal Bridges, is a two-time national champion with Villanova and was widely regarded among the most “NBA-ready” players in this year’s draft. Élie Okobo, the French guard Phoenix selected in the second round, was an All-Star caliber player in France’s top league.
The Suns have drafted relatively well, and this year’s crop of new players looks to continue that tradition. Their efforts could help the Suns find their way back to the playoffs sooner rather than later.
Next Up: DeAndre Ayton
