The right pick for the Suns in the Draft Lottery that no one is talking about

Dear Suns Front Office, if you make this selection, you will not regret it

The Phoenix Suns’ first offseason trade has finally transpired, as Kevin Durant was sent to the Houston Rockets yesterday. In return, the Suns got back Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the 10th overall pick in this year’s draft, and five additional second-round picks. This article is not to break down the trade or go over whether we got fleeced; if you want to see that, check that out here.

This article is written solely to get my point across on one prospect. One I have fallen in love with in the draft process, and someone who can genuinely change the course for the Suns, with Jordan Ott as the coach. That man is Thomas Sorber, from Georgetown University.

Thomas Sorber, C, Georgetown

Height: 6’10”

Weight: 255 pounds

Age: 19 years old

Experience: One year at Georgetown

2024-25 Statistics: 14.5 points (53.2 FG%, 16.2 3PT%, 72.4 FT%), 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.0 blocks, 1.5 steals

With their pick back from the Rockets, I can finally write about my favorite prospect in the draft, Thomas Sorber. It had been known that the Suns wanted another draft pick in a Kevin Durant deal. I was hoping it would be in the lottery so that the possibility of drafting Sorber would be available, and luckily, that case still stands. I have not seen any media member of the Suns talk about him, and it’s truly a shame, as he would be the perfect fit, so let’s prove why that is the case.

Strengths?

Thomas Sorber has many strengths that will help him translate to the NBA level, and the most impactful would be on the defensive end. He is an absolute beast in the paint and would be fantastic for the Suns in drop coverage. His ability to play on the perimeter is not the best, but he is mobile enough to switch and try to hold his own. He averaged two blocks on a short season last year, which registered him a 7.6% block percentage. Sorber’s ability to move quickly allows him to be a stout rim protector and interior paint defender. Opposing teams shot 57% at the rim with him on the floor in a short first year due to injury.

He has the potential to be one of, if not the best, defenders at the center position in this class. Add to that the length to generate 1.5 steals a game and get down the court in transition, which would be a complete 180 from what we saw last year. Last season, the Suns were ranked 27th in defense and were one of the worst teams in transition. Sorber solves both of those issues, but that is not all.

Remember how I said Sorber was mobile and could move quickly? Well, that does not just translate to the defense side of the ball. Sorber is an absolute beast on the offensive end as well, utilizing those quick movements to be fantastic underneath the basket. He had success last season as a guy who can finish around the rim, but also with scoring in the post, dunker spot, and decently cut to the basket back door for some easy layups.

His spin move out of the post might be one of the best parts of his game. His physical ability is also a key. When he attacks down low, Sorber knows how to position himself, use his body to take on the smallest amount of contact, and still make the basket.

Sorber is also fantastic in the pick-and-roll on both sides of the floor. On the defensive end, he will most likely drop and await the contest at the rim, but he can switch if needed. For the offensive end, he can run either roll or pop, as both were utilized in college. He is better as a roller to the basket, as his ability to cut and score underneath the basket is immaculate, but if he wants to pop, his mid-range jump shot is not the worst. Working the dribble hand-off with the spacing the Suns will have with the shooters, and scoring on this lineup would be a plus for Sorber to grow.

From the film I have also been able to watch, Sorber has presented himself as an effective passer. With this all being brought to light, it seems that he could bring some great qualities to this team that they are missing or lacking.

Concerns?

With every prospect’s bright shining lights, some uncertainties arise. The one question that everyone will ask is how healthy he is. The big suffered a season-ending foot injury that required surgery in February of this year. That, sadly, cost the freshman another chance to showcase his skills at the combine and leaves some uncertainty about his stock in the draft to this day.

Sorber is also not the best three-point shooter. Last season, the center shot just above 16% beyond the arc on 1.5 attempts per game. Now we saw this story last season with Ryan Dunn, so I will not count out the ability for Sorber to prove us wrong in that regard.

Why This Pick Makes Sense.

For many reasons, this pick would be a slam dunk to me. Here are two key reasons why

1. The Suns need a center
2. Jordan Ott worked with last year’s DPOY, let’s draft him the next version of that

Alright, let’s be real. This team construction is not the final one. With five guys under the roster playing the two guard position, it is clear other moves will transpire over the next couple of days to discover those other roster needs. A center is one of them. The Suns do not have a starting capable one and need one for this roster around Booker. Unfortunately for the Suns, those centers are unavailable via trade, and the market for this position is very dry in free agency.

Therefore, drafting this position is the best-case scenario for this team. Not only do they fill a position on need, but on a rookie-scale contract. That gives the team flexibility to build in other areas, and if the pick pans out, it gives them a building block around Booker on a cheap contract. One that will continue to improve as the years go on, and get a more defined vision of this retool.

My second point is the biggest reason why I think Sorber will be a game-changer compared to other centers. Sorber’s defense instincts are unmatched. He is one of the best defenders in this class at his position. With Jordan Ott already having success with a player like Evan Mobley, I would love to see that translate here in Phoenix.

Now, obviously, Mobley and Sorber are not identical. Sorber is not nearly the offensive hub that Mobley is, but the defensive impact is there. Since Mobley had his best defense brought out by Ott, with a similar style of frame and defensive player in Sorber, you can see that happen here in Phoenix. Even if the offense doesn’t translate fully, that type of defender, paired with Devin Booker while on a rookie-scale contract, excites me.

Final Thoughts

I think Sorber is the best fit for the Suns in the lottery, but there are plenty of other great talents in this draft class. I am just shocked that none of my peers have discussed him or given him any shining light, so I’m hoping this article will help them understand how impactful he can truly be for Phoenix.

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