Another whirlwind of trades and wild moves to give us some more optimism this offseason
Wow, I didn’t expect that wild a day to transpire yesterday, but I’m glad it did. The Phoenix Suns came to play once again on day two of the NBA Draft and went guns blazing beforehand to set the stage in the best possible way for this team to end the night on a win. The team made multiple trades, sending out late second-round picks in this draft alongside other future seconds to land the first overall selection and the eleventh. With the two picks, they selected Rasheer Fleming from St. Joseph’s and Koby Brea from Kentucky.
With the Suns’ first selection in Rasheer Fleming, they got someone the organization was very high on in their drafting process. Even though they were unable to schedule a workout with him, or draft reports from John Gambadoro stated that after trading for pick 31, the Suns had him ranked in the top twenty on their big board.
The Phoenix Suns had Rasheer Fleming rated as a top 20-player on their draft board.
— John Gambadoro (@Gambo987) June 26, 2025
Not only that, but the team at pick 32, the Boston Celtics, wanted Fleming and moved down significantly once they knew he was going to Phoenix.
The Impact They Can Both Bring
The Suns acquired a player in Fleming who can make an immediate impact on the defensive end, which was a significant problem last season. Once again, the team strikes not only on the best available but also a great fit. With the Suns also having no power forward on the depth chart currently, I’d expect him to see some solid minutes in a bench role for the team.
With Koby Brea, the Suns got the best shooter in the draft class. A guy who can come in and immediately be ready to rip and shoot the lights out in the gym, even if it’s the Valley Suns gym to start. If you wanted someone who was another big-time shot maker, and someone not afraid of the moment, that is what you’re getting in Brea. Just look back at some of his highlights this season at Kentucky. The Suns need that, especially in a guy who is going to come ready to make an impact.
Playing Time?
With Fleming, it does seem he will get more playing time than a guy in Brea. Just for the overall need of the position of power forward and having the ability to plug someone with a 7’5” wingspan to disrupt opposing offenses, which is needed. This also all depends on how the roster looks. How many veterans or other moves are coming? With how the roster shapes out as of now, I’d guess he carves out a nice role as a rotational bench piece to start.
For Brea, it’s a little tricky once again, given the number of shooting guards on this roster. Now, the Suns will likely make more moves, but the question remains about the point guard situation, making it difficult for Brea to find minutes. That may lead him to see more time with the Valley Suns, getting some stints with them from time to time. My guess, though, is similar to Fleming; he will be a bench piece but might not get as much burn, due to the guard surplus on this roster.
Long Term Fit?
When discussing both prospects, I think it’s easy to say they could be great long-term fits. If Fleming can be one of the best 3&D wings in this class, and we pair him with Ryan Dunn, that is perfect for young defenders around Devin Booker. With the Suns needing wings as long as he develops nicely, Fleming will be a staple in the Valley. Brea’s someone they believe in and won’t trade soon either. If he can create as well, especially after these guard trades occur, it will add versatile shooting on a cheap contract.
Final Thoughts
Like I stated yesterday, the Suns surprised me and did a great job in drafting once again. Both players have the chance to be key impact guys, and were not the jaw-dropping, questionable pick we have seen in the years past. Now obviously, we still have to see on-court production, but so far, I am aligned with this new identity that the Suns are bringing to Phoenix.
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