3 NBA Draft picks the Phoenix Suns should ignore

The Phoenix Suns might be wise to steer clear of these 2025 NBA Draft prospects, especially if a Durant trade lands them in the lottery.

First, my 30-second elevator speech. My last formal writing was most likely in high school in pursuit of journalism. I was assigned topics that were meant to create derision. I served detention in high school for writing about installing condom machines in the men’s bathroom, and this was after interviewing local health authorities. The sources were clear, but it did not sit well with the authorities. Principal and such.

From there, I did some spots as a student reporter on a local TV channel and spent about five years working radio across three states.

Master of Science, where I did a lot of group projects that required a lot of editing. I am more of a technical writer. That is my bio. But I have a bit of a rebel streak in me, so most of what you read from me will just be an opinion piece. Again, I enjoy all articles on this site and the comments that come with it.

With all that said, nobody has any clue where the Suns will draft in 2025. We all know they have the 29^th overall pick, but with so many trade discussions around Kevin Durant in the mix, it is not unrealistic to expect a lottery return.

So, I will highlight three draft picks to avoid across the full spectrum. This is mainly based on the late lottery that could fall to the Suns with a trade. Remember, any mock trade drafts change on a weekly or even daily basis. I am currently using HoopsHype for aggregate mock draft numbers.

Let’s start with the number one to avoid.

Ace Bailey

Do you like any trade that lands the Phoenix Suns in the top 5 in the lottery? That would include the trade scenarios that involve San Antonio. They own the number two pick, and a Wemby and Durant pairing would be fun to watch, at least for South Texas, and it is warm with riverside parades included. Tempe Town Lake in 118° does not quite cut it for riverside parades. Phoenix could do a riverside parade on the Salt River, though, in inter-tubes. That would be endlessly entertaining and maybe a bit harrowing based on water flow.

My focus is on Ace Bailey as the one to avoid, but if I am being clear here, I would pass on both Rutger players (Dylan Harper and Ace Bailey projected at number 2 and 3, respectively). Rutgers sucked in the college basketball season, they finished 15-17 in a weak Big 10 (finished 11th in standings) while loading up on wins in the out-of-conference schedule, against the Little Sister’s of Mercy conference. Rutgers never saw the postseason.

And yet, both of these players are bally-hoed consistently by national pundits and mock drafts? This is what I look for. Pundits who can’t seem to give up the ghost from their preseason predictions. They are stat-suffers who could never lead their team to dominance. So, this is a two-fer-one projection. Avoid the Rutger players.

Ace Bailey has been sliding in the draft projections due to his arrogance. He will not work out for teams that he does not want to go to. This a a bad idea. For the Suns, the main focus should be on strengthening the locker room. Ace Bailey does not fit the bill.

Jase Richardson

Oh boy. Can you imagine the haranguing the Suns will get if they draft a shooting guard from MSU? If the focus is clearly on creating national media attention, writing on a position that the Suns clearly do not need, this is the one.

Currently projected at #20, which Miami owns, which is a team that KD would not mind playing for under his Player Preference Clause, this would create a board and media “ishstorm”.

He could fall to number 29. Your guess is a good as mine. He has been sliding in the mocks. Or Ishbia says, “Okay KD, we are going to d you right. We will send you to South Miami for your retirement. We have a young pick in mind.”

An MSU player is a pick to avoid. For obvious reasons.

Carter Bryant

I bet you all did not see this one coming. I am a proud University of Arizona alum. I watch all the basketball games. Do I wish that Bryant had returned to U of A for his sophomore year?

Yes. But I am not bitter. He is raw in the NBA world.

This is predicated on the fact that Houston is and still remains the Suns’ best trading partner. They own the 10th pick from the Suns. Carter is climbing the NBA draft boards on his athleticism. And it is well-deserved.

You have to have serious Devin Booker vibes on Bryant Carter to trade for Houston at the ten spot. Bryant was not even the sixth guy off the bench in his freshman season. Did he show some elite athletic ability when he had his minutes? You bet your arse he did. This comes down to player development and as some say “a bridge too far”. I would have liked to see him in another year of college, and the Suns are not known for their ability to draft in-state university players and develop them.

Bonus: Khaman Maluach

I bet you did not see this coming as well.

This is a Duke player that hails from South Sudan. I love his game and I am professed Duke hater. But if Houston trades the 10 or Toronto trades the 9, he has to be looked at.

Why does Khaman Maluach fall on my list? It really depends on the political climate. South Sudan is on a travel ban list, and I am not sure where that is going.

This is not to be a political comment, but it messes with college basketball and the NBA if they ever suit up for their respective teams.

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