With the date for the 2020 NBA Draft set, we begin our look at each team in the lottery relative to LaMelo Ball. What’s the outlook of the team, how does Ball fit into their roster and plans and what’s the likelihood of him landing with the franchise? We continue our profiles with the San Antonio Spurs.
Boston Celtics profile
New Orleans profile
Sacramento Kings profile
San Antonio Spurs profile
The Team
For some, like the New Orleans Pelicans, the bubble served as the final confirmation that something wasn’t quite right. For others, like the Phoenix Suns, it served as confirmation that their plan was working. Long the butt of the joke in the NBA, no team played better during their time in the bubble than Phoenix.
Despite their best efforts of an undefeated 8-0 run, the Suns missed out on the playoffs. It was a bit of the best of both worlds as the team benefitted from the records for the draft lottery be based on pre-bubble performance.
That leaves the Suns with both the No. 10 pick and a host of momentum to build on. The bevy of lottery picks they’ve had in recent years means the team has no obvious weaknesses in the starting lineup.
But that doesn’t mean there wouldn’t be a spot for LaMelo Ball. Ricky Rubio has been a terrific guard in Phoenix and but is also approaching 30 years old and has two years left on his contract. In theory, Ball could come in without the pressure of needing to start from day one and could develop accordingly.
At the 10th spot, the team would be well out of range for Ball but do have the assets to move up. They do not owe any first round picks nor do they have any going out, giving them the draft capital to move up in the draft. Paired with the number of young players on the roster and the team has the assets to move up.
The Fit
On paper, a Ball-Devin Booker backcourt would be one of the best offensive duos in the league from day one. Both are capable of playing on and off the ball, both are capable of running ballscreens and both can be playmakers.
The most interesting aspect of Ball potentially landing in Phoenix, though, would be Rubio’s influence on him. As a player who has had a lengthy and successful career as a player who has largely struggled as a shooter. While most expect Ball to develop a jumper, Rubio would be a terrific mentor.
The Suns do, though, have a history of not developing draft picks. The likes of Josh Jackson, Dragan Bender and Tyler Ennis have all been former first-round draft picks that did not pan out in Phoenix.
Would Ball follow that path or the one of Booker, DeAndre Ayton and Mikal Bridges?
The Likelihood
Phoenix and Ball would be a solid fit on the court but to make that happen, the team would have to part with a number of assets. It’s unlikely that happens.
Chances of Ball landing in Phoenix: 8%