For the Phoenix Suns, the 2017 NBA Draft could come down to the age-old debate: Should they take a player who fills a position of need, or should they simply take the best player available?
If the Suns go by best available, they just might add yet another Kentucky point guard to their roster. If they draft based on area of need, they could have their pick of three highly-touted forwards who could contribute right away.
Here's a look at four players (in alphabetical order) that the Suns might select with the fourth overall pick in the draft, which will begin Thursday at 4 p.m. on ESPN. (Click on each player's name for their full draft profile via DraftExpress.com.)
De'Aaron Fox (point guard, Kentucky)
The 6-foot-4, 171-pounder would become the fifth Kentucky guard on the Suns roster, along with Devin Booker, Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight and Tyler Ulis. Fox averaged 16.7 points and 4.6 assists per game for Kentucky last season, and he starred for the Wildcats during the NCAA Tournament. He needs to become a better shooter, but experts are impressed with Fox's size and speed, both of which are above average for a point guard.
Jonathan Isaac (small/power forward, Florida State)
Isaac is one of the draft's most versatile players, as he can play and defend multiple positions. The 6-foot-10, 210-pounder with a 7-foot-1 wingspan averaged 12 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for the Seminoles last season, and he shot 50.8 percent from the field, including 34.8 percent from 3-point range. Isaac is faster than most athletes his size, and his ability as a defender has some people believing the Suns will select him at No. 4.
Josh Jackson (small forward, Kansas)
Most experts believe the Suns will take the 6-foot-8, 207-pounder, who's one of the best defensive players in this year's draft. Jackson shot 51.3 percent from the field, including 37.8 percent from 3-point range, for the Jayhawks last season, and he averaged 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. One potential concern is Jackson's off-court problems: He was charged with criminal damage after allegedly kicking a female basketball player's car and threatening to "beat" her in December.
Jayson Tatum (small forward, Duke)
Despite Jackson's accolades, a number of experts believe Tatum is actually the best small forward in the draft. The 6-foot-8, 205-pounder averaged 16.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game and shot 34.2 percent from beyond the arc for the Blue Devils last season. Scouts are impressed with Tatum's footwork and quickness, and he presented matchup problems for nearly all of Duke's opponents.
