The Phoenix Suns have a chance to swing for the fences with this high-upside prospect.
Nothing changes draft conversation like having a new top-10 pick to dive into, which is exactly where the Phoenix Suns find themselves after trading Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets on Sunday.
That No. 10 overall pick Phoenix acquired is arguably the most valuable asset to come of that trade, even more so than the already-too-expensive Jalen Green.
That only magnifies the importance of hitting on the pick, especially as Brian Gregory started his tenure as general manager off with a trade that’s underwhelming if we’re being kind.
So let’s dive into some of the upside bets that could be available at 10, and what they could offer Phoenix. Another story on the safer picks will come later.
Starting off with a nod to Duke center Khaman Maluach (No. 7 via ESPN), who Brandon Duenas has already circled on his wish list.
He could be the answer to Phoenix’s longstanding rim protection issues, but it likely wouldn’t be right away, as he’s still filling into his enormous frame, and the processing is behind that of an NBA shot blocker. That’s understandable, as he’s only been playing in high-level competition for a few years.
I’ve had plenty of hesitations with Khaman Maluach, but when he’s locked in, his defense is incredible. It is rare that players his size can move like this in space. One of my favorite clips for any prospect this year is his defensive possession at the 2 minute mark.
Maluach… pic.twitter.com/9mbNPq44LV
— Tyler Metcalf (@tmetcalf11) June 22, 2025
Oklahoma point guard Jeremiah Fears (No. 8) is similar to Maluach in that he has an area of exceptionalism but is raw in most other places.
Lucky for Fears, he’s exceptional as a creative ball handler and shot creator. He reminds you of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with his slithery movement to crease between angles, but SGA has size that Fears doesn’t. If he flames out in the league, it’s because he wasn’t able to overcome that consistently.
Just finished a new film school scouting report on Jeremiah Fears and I could not be more in. He’s so much fun. pic.twitter.com/jpWLCtWNkJ
— Tyler Metcalf (@tmetcalf11) June 13, 2025
Maryland center Derik Queen (No. 14) provided one of the NCAA Tournament’s best moments with his game-winning shot over Colorado State, and it showed exactly the ways he can be special.
INSANE VIEW OF DERIK QUEEN’S GAME WINNER #MarchMadness @TerrapinHoops pic.twitter.com/lGpjOFQzzc
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) March 24, 2025
Illinois point guard Kasparas Jakucionis (No. 10) is another favorite of mine because of how he dissects defenses and hits pull-up 3s from anywhere, but as long as Devin Booker is on the Suns, he’s positioned as the sole engine, which would take away from maximizing Jakucionis’ game.
Kasparas Jakucionis is still one of my favorite players in the 2025 NBA Draft. I get the concerns over the drop off in his shot late in the year, but everything about his game screams that he’s a pro.
Jakucionis is one of the most versatile and creative on-ball creators in this… pic.twitter.com/pwdMmypn3G
— Tyler Metcalf (@tmetcalf11) June 23, 2025
And while we’re here, should Rutgers forward Ace Bailey (No. 3) fall that far because he has reportedly not worked out for a single team, canceling any visits that get scheduled, he’s the type of talent you shouldn’t think twice about if available.
Ace Bailey isolation scoring.
99th percentile in isolation possessions in the nation, per @SynergySST. pic.twitter.com/kyynDPyZV3
— Mohamed (@mcfNBA) April 27, 2025
Which of these high-upside picks intrigues you the most? Tomorrow, we’ll turn our attention to the safer bets, but today is about dreaming big.
Listen to the latest episode of the Suns JAM Session Podcast below. To stay up to date on every episode, subscribe to the pod on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, YouTube Podcasts, Amazon Music, Podbean, or Castbox.
Please subscribe, rate, and review.