Currently, a lot of names are being floated as possible Suns picks at 47. Most of the players I initially identified as bargains at 47 back in April have moved so far up the chart that they are now late first or early second round picks, including Tarris Reed, Henri Veesaar, and Zuby Ejiofor.
Only three or four players I have reviewed previously look like they might be available at 47: Jaden Bradley (12% chance of still being available at 47), Trevon Brazile (16%), Izaiyah Nelson (56%), and Bruce Thornton (58%). I’d be happy with any of them.
Unfortunately, there are nightmare scenarios where none of them are available (like the latest mock draft on The Athletic), and the Suns have to dig a bit deeper. I’ve gone and looked at all the mock drafts out there, plus the latest articles from The Arizona Republic and other reporting online to see who the Suns have been working out, or draft experts have flagged as guys who are “aligned” with Brian Gregory’s vision, and some who make no sense whatsoever.
I’ve broken them down into a few guys who make some sort of sense, those who are a definite maybe, and players I’d be VERY unhappy if we drafted them because I cannot envision a role for them on the team, or even in the NBA at all. I also look at a few players that will go undrafted, but have been mentioned as potential UFAs and summer league invites.
Makes Some Sort of Sense
These are players with some upside who fit the team’s vision and fill a team need. They’re guys whom I could see carving out a niche in the NBA with some skill that’s far above average, like rebounding or three-point shooting. They’re not going to be stars, but you could imagine a role for them on the team at some point.
Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia, Senior, C)
Ugonna Onyenso is a 7’0”, 245-pound center who emerged as an elite rim protector and efficient play-finisher during his senior season at Virginia. Possessing an impressive 7’5” wingspan and high-level athleticism, he projects as a low-mistake defensive anchor and rotational big man at the professional level.
Draft Range
Mid-30s to Mid-50s with an average of 44.9 and a median of 40.5.
Why He Makes Sense
Have you heard about second-Maluach? Onyenso, a native of Nigeria, seems like a 21-year-old carbon copy of the Suns’ big man, but with even better shot-blocking instincts. He averaged a ridiculous 5.7 blocks per 36 minutes and managed 57/28/73 shooting splits. That free-throw percentage suggests to me that his three-point shot and mid-range game might improve significantly as he gets older.
There’s only a 41% chance he will still be available when the Suns pick at 47, but if he’s still there, he should be the top target. Imagine Dikembe Mutombo with a three-point shot. The No Ceiling NBA Mock Draft V8 has the Suns picking him at 47.
Tyler Bilodeau (UCLA, Senior, PF)
Bilodeau is a 6’8”, 235-pound small/power forward high-IQ, three-level scorer who projects as an immediate floor-spacer at the professional level. Having started over 100 collegiate games, he brings significant experience, toughness, and a steady veteran presence. During his senior year, he shot 46.4% from three-point range.
Draft Range
Late 40’s to undrafted. Average: 54th; median: 56.5.
Why He Makes Sense
Bilodeau has been compared to Cameron Johnson, and it’s fair. He might be an even better shooter and might even be the best left in the draft. He averaged 17.6 points on 52/46/88 shooting splits, spitting distance from a 50/40/90 in college. He’s a below-average rebounder and defender, but he brings one elite skill to the table, and it’s the one that keeps people in the league. Combine with a better size than Brooks or O’Neale, and he could carve out a spot as an 11th or 12th man.
Pavle Backo (KK Mega Basket, 18.9 YO, C)
Pavle Backo, a skilled 18-year-old Serbian center for Mega Superbet, has officially declared for the 2026 NBA Draft. Standing between 6’10” and 7’0” and weighing 262 pounds, Backo fits the classic mold of a highly fundamental, slow-paced Balkan “offensive hub” center. He built major draft momentum by winning back-to-back U19 Adriatic League MVP honors and dominating the FIBA U18 EuroBasket. He averaged 36.5% from three-point range in Euroleague play.
Draft Range
Anywhere from mid-30s to undrafted. The average is 52.8, but the variance is so high that it is very hard to predict where he’ll land.
Why He Makes Sense
There’s always a spot in the league for centers who are legit 3-point threats, and Backo projects to be one. He’s only 18.94 years old, according to Tankathon, so he has potential to grow. Probably not the net Nikola Jokic, but a big body who could hit threes and has a feel for the game would be an interesting change of pace from the slight Ighodaro and the developing Maluach.
The Suns could do worse than taking a flyer on him and stashing him in the G League to develop, or even leaving him overseas as a draft-and-stash. NBA comparisons might be Pat Burke or Aron Baynes.
Big Red Flags, but Maybe?
Maliq Brown (Duke, Senior, PF/C)
Maliq Brown (6’9.25”, 217 pounds) is an elite, positionless defensive prospect known for his active hands, elite quickness in pick-and-rolls, and the rare ability to defend all five positions. However, his limited offensive repertoire and lack of perimeter shooting have capped his draft stock, leading some to project him as a gritty, defensive-minded specialist.
Draft Range
High-30s to high-50s, with an average of 51 and a median of 53.5. There is an estimated 70% chance he will be available with the 47th pick.
Why He’s a Maybe
Maliq Brown is a defensive specialist with no offensive game to speak of. In the modern NBA, there’s really no place for players like this anymore. He does a lot of things really well on the defensive side of the ball, and he’s a willing passer, but does he have a place in the modern NBA game? He’s basically Ryan Dunn, but a couple of inches taller.
Given how Dunn struggled to stay on the court last year, it’s hard to envision Brown doing much better. NBA comparisons would be Ryan Dunn and maybe Draymond Green. He was mentioned as a possible target by AZCentral and ThePhoenixSuns.com website.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie (Tennessee, Senior, PG)
Ja’Kobi Gillespie (6’1”, 188 pounds) is a highly skilled, veteran combo guard whose prolific scoring, deep shooting range, and competitive point-of-attack defense make him an intriguing prospect for professional levels. Following his senior year, he emerged as a late-round draft prospect, particularly after a strong NBA Combine performance.
Draft Range
Mid-40s to late-50s with an average of 48.2 and a median of 47. There’s an estimated 60% chance he’ll still be on the board when the Suns pick.
Why He’s a Maybe
Gillespie is a solid defender and projects to be a good three-point shooter at the NBA level (38.3%). He doesn’t do anything amazingly well, but there’s nothing horrible either.
It’s hard to see him surprising the league because he lacks an elite skill, but his combine measurements, times, and shooting all looked good enough for the big show. The Suns could do a lot worse if they’re looking for a point guard to develop in the G-League. Draft Room and Bleacher Report have the Suns drafting him at 47, and it wouldn’t be the worst thing. At the same time, he lacks an elite skill, and his ceiling seems low.
Tamin Lipsey (Iowa State, Senior, PG)
Tamin Lipsey (6’1”, 200 pounds) is a tough, defense-first lead guard known for his elite on-ball pressure, high basketball IQ, and excellent assist-to-turnover ratio. The four-year Iowa State standout projects as a prototypical backup point guard and energy spark plug, with physical play that allows him to box out and guard bigger wings.
Draft Range
Late 40s to undrafted, with an average of 58.6 and a median of 54. Due to the small sample size and high variance, it is difficult to say with precision what the odds are that he will be available at 47, but it is likely to be very high (95+%).
Why He’s a Maybe
Lipsey is an able floor general who’s “got that dawg in him” on defense. He fits the Suns’ archetype of defensive-minded high-motor players. Statistically, there are a lot of things he is very good at, and they outnumber the bad. However, his size and so-so shooting (46/32/66 splits) are giant warning flags about his viability as an NBA player.
There are a number of more interesting players available, and there is roughly a 50-50 chance that Lipsey will go undrafted if the Suns want a second chance to try him with the Summer League team. One NBA comparison might be Markelle Fultz, who is, to begin with, something of a cautionary tale. He was mentioned as a possible target by AZCentral and ThePhoenixSuns.com website.
Quadir Copeland (NC State, Senior, PG/SG)
After a collegiate journey with stops at Syracuse and McNeese State, the 6-foot-6, 220-pound jumbo guard breakout season came as a senior under Will Wade at NC State, where he averaged 13.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game. He established himself as an elite offensive engine and defensive disruptor, earning All-ACC Third Team honors.
Draft Range
Late 40s to undrafted, though most likely undrafted. The average is 53, the median is 51. There is an estimated 73% chance he is available at 47, though in reality, it is likely higher.
Why He’s a Maybe
Quadir Copeland is intriguing as a backup to Booker or as someone who could play alongside him as a second distributor. He has the size and skills to play three positions. He was not known as a three-point shooter until his senior year, and still doesn’t take them at a high rate. He’s not stellar in any one area, but his three-point percentage, size, and ability to run an offense make him at least interesting. He’s only a mediocre defender at best.
Still, there is a strong chance he will go undrafted and will be available as an unrestricted free agent if the Suns are that interested. The Suns also have more shooting guards than they could play, meaning he’d be spending his time in the G-League for a year at least.
Get Out the Pitchforks and Torches
All of these players are a hard “no” from me: they don’t address team needs (i.e., the Suns need another shooting guard or small forward like they need Bradley Beal back), the player has no future in the NBA, or some combination of both. If the Suns spend the 47th pick on any of these players, it will be a waste of a pick.
Dillon Mitchell (St. John’s, Senior, SG/SF)
Dillon Mitchell (6’8”, 202 pounds) is an explosive athlete and defensive specialist whose value lies in his transition scoring, high-motor rebounding, and defensive versatility. However, his lack of perimeter shooting and traditional size for a wing present clear developmental hurdles for his offensive fit at the next level.
Draft Range
Low-40s to high-50s, with an average of 47.9 and a median of 46.
Why He’s a “No”
Mitchell shot 6.7% from three-point range as a senior. There’s really no place in the current NBA meta for wings who cannot shoot. Ryan Dunn is a way better shooter, and he already looks like he’s on his way out. He also plays positions where the Suns already have too many players. He was mentioned as a possible target by AZCentral.
Kylan Boswell (Illinois, Senior, PG)
Measuring roughly 6’1” barefoot and weighing a sturdy 226 pounds at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine, Boswell utilizes his unique “bully-ball” frame to disrupt opponents and absorb contact. After spending his first two collegiate seasons at Arizona, he transferred home to play his junior and senior years for the Illinois Fighting Illini, where he anchored a 2026 Final Four run.
Draft Range
50s to undrafted.
Why He’s a “No”
He’s a point guard who doesn’t do the necessary point guard things: namely, generate assists or shoot threes effectively (30.7% from range). The combination of the two means I don’t see a future for him in the NBA. He is likely to go undrafted for a reason: scouts can read a stat sheet, too. He was mentioned as a possible target by AZCentral.
Tobi Lawal (Virginia Tech, Senior, PF)
Lawal is a 6’8.5” (in socks), 214 pound forward from London, England, who spent his first two collegiate seasons at VCU before transferring to the Virginia Tech Hokies, where he broke out during the 2025–26 season and wowed onlookers at the 2026 NBA Draft Combine with a 45.5” vertical.
Draft Range
Mid-40s to late-50s, with an average of 52.9 and a median of 53.5.
Why He’s a “No”
Lawal lacks any sort of shooting range (25% from three) and has a poor feel for the game. He’s more “bad at his job” than good, per Tankathon. At his age, I don’t think there’s much chance his basketball IQ and skills ever catch up with his athleticism. I don’t see a future for him in the NBA. Rookiescale.com projects the Suns taking him at 47.
Tyler Nickel (Vanderbilt, Senior, SG)
Tyler Nickel is a 6’6”, 217-pound wing prospect known for his movement shooting and high basketball IQ. After a standout collegiate career, he projects as a late-second-round pick or a priority undrafted free agent, with his ability to space the floor and play within a system making him a valuable offensive asset.
Draft Range
Mid-40s to undrafted. Average of 48.7 and median of 47.5.
Why He’s a “No”
Nickel isn’t a bad player: he’s a 3-point specialist SG when the Suns have too many SGs, and they already have Koby Brea at home who can’t find minutes on the team either. In fact, Koby Brea is probably the better player of the two. Sam Vecenie at The Athletic projects the Suns taking Nickel at 47 for some unfathomable reason.
Milos Uzan (Houston, Senior, PG)
Milos Uzan (6’4”, 185 pounds) high-IQ floor general with a rare combination of modern point guard size, exceptional pick-and-roll patience, and strong defensive capabilities. After a breakout junior year leading the Houston Cougars to the NCAA Championship game, he returned for his senior season, establishing himself as a second-round prospect.
Draft Range
Late-40s to undrafted. Average of 51.3 and median of 51.
Why He’s a “No”
Three major mock drafts (Tankathon, Sports Illustrated, HoopsHype) have the Suns picking Uzan at 47, and I cannot tell you how much I hate this pick. Uzan is bad at just about everything, and the one thing he’s “good” at mostly involves not trying to pass the ball (turnovers). He doesn’t generate assists, and shot a putrid 38% from the field. I look at his stat profile as a senior from Tankathon, and I cannot imagine him having any sort of future in the NBA: he’s bad at a lot of things, and what he’s good at doesn’t really matter.
Felix Okpara (Tennessee, Senior, C)
Felix Okpara is a highly athletic, defensive-minded center prospect with elite physical tools. At 6-foot-11 and roughly 237 pounds, he features a massive 7-foot-4 wingspan and a standing reach of 9-foot-4. Known for his rim protection and lob-catching.
Draft Range
Late-40s to undrafted. Average of 50.1 and median of 51.
Why He’s a “No”
Okpara is another one of those amazing athletes who isn’t a basketball player. He’s not good at much, but he’s bad at a lot of things. He doesn’t do the things you want a center to do (rebound, block shots). I do not see him as having a future in the league. CBS projects the Suns picking Okpara with the 47th pick.
Otega Oweh (Kentucky, Senior, SG)
Otega Oweh is a prototypical two-way wing known for his relentless motor, physical toughness, and high-level perimeter defense. Measuring 6’4” barefoot with a near 6’9” wingspan and a chiseled 216-pound frame, he excels as a downhill slasher and a versatile, disruptive stopper who consistently guards the opposing team’s best scorer.
Draft Range
Late-30s to Undrafted. Average: 46.6; median: 46.
Why He’s a “No”
A lot of people like Oweh far more than I do, but he makes no sense on a Suns team with too many shooting guards already. His three-point shooting is mediocre at best (34.3%), and his defensive rating is not great. There’s nothing he does that’s elite, and there are a lot of things he’s below-average at. It’s hard to envision him having a role in the league, much less the Suns. Despite this, NBADraft.net projects the Suns taking him at 47.
Guys Who Will Go Undrafted
These are players that have been mentioned in connection with the Suns’ workouts, whom I 100% expect to be undrafted free agents. If the Suns bring them on, it’s mostly for the attitude they bring.
Derrian Ford (Temple, Senior, PG/SG)
Derrian Ford is a physical, tough-minded 6-foot-3, 200-pound combo guard who declared for the 2026 NBA Draft following an outstanding breakout senior season as Temple University’s leading scorer. He averaged 18.1 PPG on 42.7/37.9/85.2 shooting splits with 4.3 RPG and 1.9 APG.
Isaac McKneely (Louisville, Senior, SG)
Isaac McKneely is a highly efficient 6’4″, 195 lb shooting guard prospect noted for his elite three-point shooting, high basketball IQ, and steady playmaking. Following a successful three-year stint at Virginia, he finished his final college season at Louisville. He averaged 10.9 PPG on 41.6/39.5/86.0 shooting splits, with 3.0 RPG and 1.4 APG.
Trey Kaufman-Renn (Purdue, Senior, PF)
Trey Kaufman-Renn is a 6’9”, 241 lb, fundamentally sound, physical, and highly efficient inside scorer and rebounder entering the 2026 NBA Draft following a standout redshirt senior season at Purdue University. He is currently projected as a late second-round pick or high-priority undrafted free agent who recently boosted his draft stock with a standout performance at the G League Combine, earning a call-up to the official NBA Draft Combine. He averaged 14.2 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.5 APG, with .6 stocks on 57.8/15.4/63.6 shooting splits in his senior year.
Conclusions
At this point, I have reviewed 18 players likely to go in the second round. Many of them were effectively me doing it at gunpoint: mock drafts by people who seem to have no understanding of how the Suns’ roster is constructed or what makes a viable NBA player.
Realistically, the Suns have a shot at 8 players of real interest to me with the 47th pick. My ranking of these, and the likelihood they will be available, are listed below. In effect, this would be my draft board for the Suns with the 47th pick.
- Trevon Brazile (15.7%): Freaky tall and athletic 4/5 who shoots the three, but there are questions about his intensity.
- Bruce Thornton (58.6%): My pick for the most underrated player in the draft. Does a lot of things very well, fantastic intangibles, but scouts are hung up on his speed and height.
- Ugonna Onyenso (41.2%): Elite rim protector with three-point range. Might make Mark Williams expendable. Projects are a dangerous backup center.
- Jaden Bradley (12.2%): Arizona product with a lot of nice intangibles, decent stats, and no giant red flags
- Izaiyah Nelson (56.4%): Freaky athletic and long PF/C with a high motor, but no 3-point range
- Tyler Bilodeau (86.2%): Ultimate low ceiling, low risk player with power forward size and great 3-point range, and not much else. Great fallback option.
- Pavle Backo (59.4%): Great draft-and-stash candidate if the Suns don’t know what else they want to do. Young, skilled, 6’11” center with three-point range has some potential future value.
- Maliq Brown (70%): Defensive specialist who might be worth a look as a Draymond Green-type player, but whose archetype generally no longer has a place in the NBA.
