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Six-year-old Jackson Tuyay isn’t on the Lakers roster, he doesn’t log minutes, his stats won’t show up in the box score — and yet, if you were inside Crypto.com Arena over the last two weeks, you’d swear he’s been the most important player in the building.

It all started March 14, in a 127–125 overtime thriller against the Denver Nuggets. The Los Angeles Lakers were dragging, searching, stuck in that familiar late-game fog. Then the videoboard cut to a kid — arms flailing, eyes wide, heart fully on display like a drum pounding against glass.

Tuyay wasn’t cheering. He was summoning something.

The arena shifted. The energy followed.

A legend pic.twitter.com/KE9tJ7cRno

— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) March 15, 2026

The Lakers stormed back, forced overtime, and won it on a cold-blooded fadeaway from Luka Doncic. Afterward, LeBron James said what everyone was thinking inside the arena. 

“He’s the reason why we won tonight.”

Say what you want about superstition, about logic, about grown men needing a six-year-old to spark them. Sports has never been about logic. It’s about belief — irrational, electric belief — and right now, that belief wears a kid-sized jersey Lakers jersey.

He’s back! 6-year-old Jackson Tuyay who won the Lakers fan of the game when they beat the Nuggets in overtime is back and trying to rally the #LakeShow to victory. pic.twitter.com/DcePoBCKeX

— Michael J. Duarte (@michaeljduarte) March 28, 2026

They’re calling him the Rally Kid now.

And when Tuyay returned Friday against the Brooklyn Nets, the script repeated itself. A handmade card for Doncic. Another fourth-quarter appearance. Another surge. Another win for the Lake Show.

The Lakers don’t need to explain it.

They just need him in the building.

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The Knicks could be getting a big boost to their rotation in the near future. 

SNY NBA Insider Ian Begley reports that guard Miles McBride remains on track to make his highly-anticipated return to the court during the team's current four-game road trip. 

McBride was ruled out before Friday's loss in Charlotte before tipoff, but sources have told Begley that next weekend's meeting with the defending champion Thunder is still on the table.

The 25-year-old has been sidelined since late January following surgery to repair a sports hernia. 

Prior to the injury, he had been enjoying some of the best success of his career in Mike Brown's system, producing 12.9 points per game on 43 percent shooting from the field and 42 percent from three. 

There's no denying that getting McBride back will be massive down the stretch heading into the playoffs. 

While he may still be limited in the early going, he figures to take minutes from Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek when he works his way back to full strength. 

Draft SZN is creeping in, and it is never too early to start digging into scouting reports, circling names, and figuring out who the Phoenix Suns should be eyeing when draft night arrives. The board starts to take shape long before the picks are made, and this is where the groundwork begins.

Brynn Tannehill put together a comprehensive list of prospects projected to land in that range where Phoenix is expected to be selecting, the sweet spot where value meets opportunity. These are the names that matter, the ones who could realistically be there when the Suns are on the clock.

So let’s dive into the list, break it down, and start connecting the dots on who fits, who fills a need, and who might be the next piece in what this team is building. This is a good page to bookmark, for it is filled with numerous prospects.

The Suns have only a single second-round pick in the loaded 2026 draft, and that pick looks to be somewhere around the 46^th. I looked at many, many mock drafts and player lists to come up with a selection of players who:

• Might be available
• Would be a good fit
• Fill a need
• Provide good value at (roughly) the 46^th pick

What I’m looking for in a player at the 46^th pick isn’t a potential superstar, or a guy with few if any flaws. I’m looking for guys who have at least one thing about them that’s elite, even if it’s just their box plus/minus. I also tend to value three-point shooting, rebounding, and free throw shooting because they translate directly to the NBA. In other words, if a guy is great at any of these things in college, they’ll likely be good at it in the NBA too.

I regard power forward as the Suns’ position of greatest need, with there being a need for better depth at point guard. I also see room for improvement at small forward, where Brooks’ advanced numbers are so-so, O’Neale is a traffic cone, and Ryan Dunn has failed to improve. Mark Williams is also proving to be pretty “meh” overall. I would not be surprised if he takes a contract way bigger than he’s worth this summer.

The Suns need another shooting guard the way I need a sucking chest wound, and as such, you won’t find any pure shooting guards on this list, and only one shooting guard/small forward. When I look at “fit,” I think guys who produce extra attempts via stocks and offensive rebounds will mesh with the Suns’ philosophy. I also believe they’ll want to look at stretch bigs as a change of pace to Oso and Williams.

With that, here’s my list of potential second round picks that are on my radar.

Alex Karaban (UConn, Senior, SF/PF)

Alex Karaban is a 6’8″, 220-pound elite floor-spacing forward with a 6’11” wingspan, known as a high-IQ, high-volume shooter (from three) with excellent off-screen movement and solid passing skills. A two-time NCAA champion, he projects as a reliable, NBA-ready rotation player, likely a 3-and-D forward, despite lacking elite athleticism or high-level self-creation.

Key Statistics

PPG: 13.3, 48.2 FG%, 39.4 3FG%, 84.9 FT%, 5.2RPG, 2.3 APG, 1.6 stocks

Strengths

• Elite Shooting: A consistent shooter (38-40%+ from three-point range) with quick release and high basketball IQ for finding space.
• Movement Shooter: Excellent at shooting off screens, which is his most frequent and effective play type.
• Size & Wingspan: Good positional size at 6’8″ with a long 6’11” wingspan, aiding in defense and rebounding.
• High IQ/Connective Passer: Makes smart, quick decisions and acts as a connector in the offense.
• Efficient Scorer: Highly efficient, able to impact the game without needing many touches. 

Weaknesses

• Athletic Limitations: Lacks high-end quickness or explosive verticality, which limits his ability to create his own shot or defend quick guards.
• Defensive Concerns: Struggles with lateral quickness and navigating screens, potentially making him a target in isolation.
• Finishing: Below-the-rim finisher. 

Draft Range

Between 20-50 at the extremes, and most likely 38-45.

Why The Suns Should Take a Look

Karaban projects as a tweener forward on a team where the front court has all sorts of issues. Ryan Dunn has failed to develop offensively and has gone long stretches on the bench. Royce O’Neale is a traffic cone on defense, and Dillon Brooks’ on-court and off-court antics (and arrests) are a distraction. Karaban fills a need, and ticks the boxes for fitting the Suns’ vision for versatile, unselfish, high basketball IQ players who can hit the three. There is a chance he will still be available when the Suns make their pick.

NBA Comparisons

Georges Niang, Sam Hauser

Joshua Jefferson (Iowa State, Senior, PF)

Joshua Jefferson is a 6’9″, 240-pound versatile senior forward for Iowa State (formerly St. Mary’s), projected as a 2026 NBA Draft prospect. He is a highly skilled playmaker with elite passing vision and high IQ, frequently acting as a “point-forward”. He is also a reliable, efficient scorer in the paint (99th percentile, 73.9% at the rim) with an improving 3-point range. Defensively, he uses his strength to guard multiple positions and displays strong awareness (2.0+ SPG as a junior). Sixth in the nation in Box Plus Minus (13.4).

Key Statistics

16.4 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 4.8 APG, 47.1 FG%, 34.5 3FG%, 70.0 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Playmaking & Passing: Possesses “point-forward” vision, making advanced reads from the post, in the short-roll, and off the dribble.
• Efficient Scorer: A high-level finisher at the rim (73.9%) and effective post-up player.
• Versatile Defense & IQ: Uses a 6’9″ frame and 240-pound build to defend multiple positions with high, consistent effort.
• High-Basketball IQ: Known for high-level “feel” and spatial awareness. 

Weaknesses

• Limited Verticality: Lacks elite vertical explosiveness, which limits his ceiling as a rim protector and finisher.
• Foot Speed: While generally solid, he can struggle against exceptionally quick, smaller guards on the perimeter.
• Shot Creation: Relies more on strength and finesse than explosive first-step quickness. 
• Age: Almost 23 by the time the 2026-2027 NBA season starts

Draft Range

Mid-to-late first round (18-27), though a few mocks have shown him slipping.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Jefferson is one of the best defensive PFs in the draft. He comes with the 10^th highest defensive Box Plus Minus (DBPM) in the NCAA, and the 6th highest BPM overall. He’s an interior scorer that the Suns lack, and his passing means that he would do well at finding the open man outside the three-point line. He generates a surprising number of steals for a big, and his passing for a power forward is top-tier, resulting in a remarkably high assist-to-turnover ratio. Again, he grades as a “high-IQ, high-energy” player that the Suns crave.

His lack of three-point shooting and elite athleticism are concerns, but he would bolster a weak Suns frontcourt. All that said, he is unlikely to fall all the way to the mid-second round. If he does, the Suns should take a long, hard look given his credentials. The primary knocks on him are his age, athleticism, and lack of a reliable (but improving) 3-point shot. For all of these reasons, I could see him slipping back to the Suns.

NBA Comparisons

Wendell Carter Jr., Jaylin Williams, Julius Ranlde, and Toumani Camara

Milan Momcilovic (Iowa State, Junior, SF/PF)

As a 22-year-old senior, Jefferson has improved his draft stock significantly by developing into a more consistent three-point shooter and reliable playmaker in Iowa State’s system. He is projected to be a 2026 NBA draft pick in the mid-to-late first round or early second round (Mock 23rd by Tankathon). 

Milan Momcilovic is a 6’8″, 210-225-pound forward for Iowa State, recognized as a high-level shooter with elite touch from mid-range and 3-point range. He is a crafty offensive player with strong footwork and a quick release, often using a “Dirk-ish” fadeaway, though he lacks elite speed and strength. Scouts highlight his shooting, but have concerns about his on-ball defensive mobility and rebounding. 

Key Statistics

17.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.3 stocks, 51.2% FG, 49.3% 3FG, 87.7 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Shooting: Possesses a very quick, high-release shot, shooting with high accuracy from 3-point range.
• Offensive Skillset: Crafty in the post, utilizing pivot moves, footwork, and a high-arcing turnaround jumper.
• High Basketball IQ: Understands spacing, moves well off the ball, and is a reliable passer.
• Positional Size: At 6’8″, he has the size to play forward and space the floor, often described as a potential “stretch 4” or shooting wing. 

Weaknesses

• Athleticism/Lateral Quickness: Lacks elite run/jump ability, struggling to contain smaller guards or quick wings on defense.
• Strength/Rebounding: Needs to add strength to defend against bigger players and improve his rebounding, which is considered low for his position.
• One-Dimensionality: At this stage, his game is heavily reliant on shooting, leading to questions about his secondary offensive skills at the NBA level. 

Draft Range

Mid-second round to undrafted

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Momcilovic brings one ultra-elite skill to the table: he is one of the best three-point shooters to ever emerge from the NCAA. The downside is he’s not great at anything else. If the Suns decide that they need a cheap replacement for Royce O’Neale, they could do worse than Momcilovic.

It’s also worth remembering that shooters who do nothing else on the court are still capable of carving out long careers for themselves (Kyle Korver and Luke Kennard come to mind). If he’s still available when the Suns pick, Milan strikes me as a low-risk, low-ceiling, WYSIWYG pick who will bring elite 3-point shooting with him to the NBA level.  Given that most second round picks rarely last more than a few years, selecting a guy who stands a good chance of lasting a decade in the league seems like a solid way to go.

NBA Comparisons

Sam Hauser, Bojan Bogdanovic, Georges Niang

Baba Miller (Cincinnati, Senior, PF/C)

Baba Miller is a 6’11”, 215-pound forward with exceptional perimeter skills, length, and versatility for his size. Originally from Spain and developed through Real Madrid’s system, he is a fluid athlete with high-level basketball IQ, acting as a “point-forward” with strong passing instincts and capable of initiating fast breaks.

Key Statistics 

13.0 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.9 stocks, 52.9 FG%, 19.2 3FG%, 65.8 FT%

Strengths

• Perimeter Skills: Possesses advanced dribbling ability for a 6’11” player, allowing him to play as a guard, handle the ball in transition, and create for himself or others.
• Defensive Versatility: Possesses a reported 7’2″ to 7’3″ wingspan, making him an effective rim protector, helper, and capable of guarding multiple positions, including covering guards on the perimeter.
• High Basketball IQ: Demonstrates great awareness, quick decision-making, and high-level, unselfish play.
• Shooting Potential: Shows promise as a floor spacer, with the ability to shoot from beyond the arc. 

Weaknesses

• Strength & Physicality: Needs to continue adding weight and strength to hold his spot in the post and withstand physical play.
• Consistency in Shooting: While promising, his three-point shot needs to become more consistent
• Offensive Aggression: Needs to be more aggressive offensively on a consistent basis.

Draft Range 

Early-to-mid second round

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Baba Miller comes with two top-tier skills: total rebounding and defensive rebounding in particular. He’s also a fantastic passer for a big and draws fouls at a high rate. He’s not a three-point shooter, and his free throw percentage is “meh”. He’s an excellent defender in space and moves very well, which fits well with the Suns’ defensive schemes.

In many ways, I would regard him as similar to Oso Ighodaro, but a better rebounder and free throw shooter. He’s capable of playing power forward or center, and might prove a good insurance policy if the Suns don’t think they can re-sign Mark Williams.

NBA Comparisons

Jared Jeffries, Leonard Miller, Nerlens Noel,  Oso Ighodaro if he could hit free throws and rebound

Pryce Sandfort (Nebraska, Junior, SF)

Pryce Sandfort (Nebraska) is a 6’7″, 215-pound sharpshooting wing with immense potential for the 2026 NBA Draft due to his elite 3-point shooting and high-efficiency offensive game. He excels as a high-volume shooter (nearly 48% 3P in conference play), proficient at attacking closeouts, with a very low turnover rate. 

Key Statistics

17.9 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.2 stocks, 47.5 FG%, 41.0 3FG%, 85.0 FG%

Strengths

• Shooting: Elite shooter with a quick release and deep range. He thrives in catch-and-shoot scenarios, often grading in the top tier nationally for efficiency.
• Offensive Versatility: Beyond shooting, he can attack the rim, often finishing at a high rate (around 70%+ true shooting). He makes intelligent reads off the dribble and as a passer.
• Efficiency: Shows remarkable efficiency with a low turnover percentage (6.7% TOV%), making him a low-mistake player.

Weaknesses

• Defensive & Physicality: As a, at times, average-athleticism defender, he may face questions about his ability to defend quicker players at the next level. However, his positional size and length are beneficial, and he has shown improvement in disrupting plays.

Draft Range

Mid-second round to undrafted

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Sandfort is basically Koby Brea with a little more meat on him. His defensive numbers aren’t great, but he’s a high-volume, high-efficiency three-point shooter with many of the same qualities seen in Koby Brea. If the Suns want a redo on picking Brea, here’s their chance. Otherwise, there’s probably going to be at least one other player out there who’s a better prospect.

NBA Comparisons

Klay Thompson (high end), Koby Brea (realistically)

Juke Harris (Wake Forrest, Sophomore, SG/SF)

Juke Harris is a 6’7″ 200-pound wing known for his elite scoring jump, shooting efficiency (35.7% 3PT), and improved, high-volume production (20+ PPG). He is considered a “top-tier” shooter with significant physical tools, including a long wingspan and strong athleticism. He is regarded as a potential 2026 NBA Draft prospect, frequently mentioned as a “sleeper” or second-round talent with “boom or bust” potential. 

Key Statistics

21.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 1.9 APG 1.5 stocks, 44.4 FG%, 33.2 3FG%, 78.3% FT%. 

Strengths

• Elite Shooting: A high-level shooter, especially in catch-and-shoot situations (84th percentile).
• Positional Size & Athleticism: At 6’7″, 200 lbs, he possesses great size for a 2/3 guard with a near 7-foot wingspan and solid lateral speed.
• Scoring Versatility: Shows ability to score in the lane with soft touch and from mid-range, improving his off-the-bounce game.
• Rebounding: A very good rebounder for his position.
• Improved Playmaking: Demonstrates low turnover rates (10.5%) while handling increased offensive responsibility. 

Weaknesses

• Defensive Consistency: While athletic, he needs to improve off-ball attention and defensive consistency to become a reliable plus defender at the next level.
• Physicality/Strength: Continued strength development will help him as a finisher and defender. 

Draft Range

Juke’s stock has been rising, from 2^nd round consideration to being a late-first to mid-second (25-45) high-risk, high-reward pick.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Harris has some of the qualities the Suns have been seeking: he’s got a high wingspan to height ratio, he’s athletic, and he rebounds well for his position and size. He’s a capable scorer In a lot of ways, he reminds me of a bigger Jalen Green (both good and bad). He’s got some real deficiencies (particularly on defense), but he’s also young enough that improvement seems plausible. He was named ACC’s Most Improved Player, averaging a 15.6 PPG increase from the previous season.

NBA Comparisons

Caleb Martin

Henri Veesaar (North Carolina, Junior, PF/C)

Henri Veesaar (7’0″, 225 pounds) is a skilled Estonian center at North Carolina (transferred from Arizona) projected as a high-upside prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft. He is a mobile, pick-and-pop big with a high basketball IQ, solid shooting touch, and impressive rim and rim protection/finishing, though he needs to add strength to improve defensive consistency.

Key Statistics

17.0 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 2.1 APG, 1.8 stocks, 60.8 FG%, 42.6 3FG%, 61.5 FT%

Strengths

• Stretch Big Ability: Veesaar has a developing 3-point shot, making him a threat to pick-and-pop.
• Offensive Efficiency:  He is a strong finisher at the rim, shooting over 75% there in recent action.
• Mobility & IQ: He moves well for a 7-footer, displaying high-level passing, cutting, and intelligent movement within offensive sets.
• Rim Protection: His length and timing make him an effective shot-blocker.
• Offensive Rebounding: He is active on the glass, averaging high offensive rebound rates. 

Weaknesses

• Strength & Frame: Needs to add strength to handle physical post play, improve finishing through contact, and hold his ground defensively.
• Defensive Consistency: While skilled, he can be foul-prone and struggles in space against quicker guards.
• Consistency: Needs to stabilize his shooting percentages to be a reliable floor spacer at the next level. 

Draft Range

Late-first to early second round, between 25 and 38 at the extremes.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Veesaar offers a lot to love as a mobile PF/C who can hit the three at a high rate and isn’t afraid to take that shot. Recent drafts have shown the “skinny big who hits threes and is drafted late” like Maxime Renaud have a real place in the league.

He’s not as mobile as Baba Miller, but as a 7-footer who shoots threes and passes well, he would fit very well into a 5-out Suns lineup that features Rasheer Fleming at the 4. He’s unlikely to be there when the Suns draft, but if they found a way to move up a few slots, or he slips for some reason, the Suns would do well to take him for how well he fits team needs.

NBA Comparisons

Isaiah Hartenstein, Frank Kaminsky

Alex Condon (Florida, Junior, PF/C)

Alex Condon is a 6’11” (7’0.75″ wingspan) 225-pound Australian forward/center at Florida known as a high-motor, mobile “fixer” with excellent passing, rim protection, and defensive versatility.

Key Statistics

15.1 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 2.1 stocks, 55.6 FG%, 17.0 3FG%, 64.9 FT%

Strengths

• High Motor/Mobility: Elite runner for a big man with impressive lateral quickness and fluid movement, allowing him to handle switch-heavy defensive coverages.
• Passing & Feel: Displays high-level vision and “big-to-big” passing ability, acting as a connecting hub in the offense.
• Defense & Rebounding: Strong rebounder and disruptive rim protector (approx. 1.3-1.4 blocks/game) with disciplined interior positioning.
• Physicality: Plays with a physical edge and high toughness, honed from a background in Australian rules football. 

Weaknesses

• Offensive Polish: Limited offensive game; currently thrives mostly on cuts, offensive rebounds, and handoffs, lacking advanced post or isolation moves.
• Perimeter Shooting: His 3-point shot remains a work in progress, and not improving
• Size/Strength: While 6’11”, his wingspan is barely as wide as he is tall
• Free Throw Shooting: Inconsistent at the line, often hitting in the 65% range. 

Draft Range

Mock drafts have Condon going anywhere between 19 (USA Today) and 50 (NBA Draft Room). Averages out to the 38-41 range.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Condon has improved his stats in every key category over three seasons at Florida. He’s a dirt worker, high-IQ, energy guy who often tends to find a way to stick in the league. The Suns could do a lot worse by bringing him in to fill a Jock Landale/Lou Amundson role to provide depth at the 4/5 position. 

NBA Comparisons

Isaiah Hartenstein, James Augustine, Jock Landale

Zuby Ejiofor (St. John’s, Senior, PF/C)

Zuby Ejiofor (6’9″, 245 pounds) is a high-energy, physical senior forward/center widely regarded as a 2026 NBA Draft prospect and 2026 Big East DPOY. He thrives as an undersized rim protector with a 7’1″ wingspan, good rebounding ability (14.6 ORB%), and versatile defensive potential. He is considered a “glue guy” due to his high motor and improved passing.

Key Statistics

16.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.5 APG, 3.4 stocks, 54.5 FG%, 29.6 3FG%, 71.8 FT%

Strengths

• Defensive Versatility: Strong, physical interior defender who can also switch onto guards in a high-switch scheme. Averaged 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals in 2025-26.
• Rebounding/Motor: Relentless on the boards, particularly on the offensive end, with a high-energy, high-motor style.
• Passing/Playmaking: Surprisingly high assist rate for a big, showing ability to operate at the top of the key and find cutters or open shooters.
• Physical Finisher: Strong rim runner who excels at put-backs and finishing with contact. 

Weaknesses

• Size Constraints: At 6’9″, he is slightly undersized for a pure NBA center, which may cause issues against elite 7-footers.
• Perimeter Shooting: While improving, his 3-point shot (approx. 30% on low volume) is not yet a consistent weapon to pull opposing bigs out of the paint.
• Off-ball Discipline: Can be lured out of position defensively by clever opposing offenses. 

Draft Range

Ejiofor is widely projected to be a second-round pick, with some projections pushing him into the late first-round range due to his 2026 performance, where he won both Big East Player and Defensive Player of the Year. He is expected to be an energy big-man backup in the NBA. 

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Ejiofor jumps off the page with how his advanced stats jump off the page. He was third in national BPM rankings (14.5), 8^th in DBPM, and 10^th in OBPM. Only Cameron Boozer and Yaxel Lendeborg rank higher. What keeps him from being a lottery pick is his size for playing center in college, the need to adapt to playing power forward in the NBA, and perimeter shooting.

However, there’s so much to like here as well. He’s a hustle and grit guy who also has good court awareness. He anticipates very well, leading to 3.5 APG and 3.4 stocks. He plays bigger than 6’9” due to his wingspan. His free throw shooting is good enough that he could plausibly improve in other areas (such as the mid-range).

Looking at his Tankathon profile, the thing that jumps out at me is that I’ve only seen one other second round pick with so many strong positives, and so few negatives (which single him out as being a slightly below average rebounder for his size, and being older than the ideal draft pick), and that was Rasheer Fleming (though Ejiofor has more positives than Fleming, which is saying a lot).

If Ejiofor is still on the board when the Suns make their pick, they’d be foolish not to roll the dice on a player that’s got so many of the intangibles the Suns are looking for.

NBA Comparisons

Xavier Tillman, Isaiah Stewart

JT Toppin (Texas Tech, Junior, PF)

JT Toppin is a highly productive, 6’9″ (230 pounds) power forward/center with a 7’0.5″ wingspan, known for his elite motor, rebounding, and interior finishing. Toppin projects as an energy big or “garbage man” scorer who thrives on cuts, putbacks, and defensive versatility. 

Key Statistics

21.8 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 3.2 stocks, 54.8 FG%, 28.1 3FG%, 57.9 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Rebounder & Motor: Toppin is regarded as one of the nation’s best rebounders, high-motored, and relentless on the offensive glass.
• Finishing & Touch: Excellent finisher around the rim with both hands, especially on cuts and in the dunker spot (63.3% on cuts).
• Defensive Versatility: Possesses quick feet for a big man, allowing him to switch onto guards effectively. He is a disruptive defender with good length (7’0.5″ wingspan) and shot-blocking capability (1.9 blocks per game as a freshman).
• Improvement: Showed significant development from his freshman year at New Mexico to his sophomore year at Texas Tech, improving his free throw shooting from 56% to over 70%. 

Weaknesses

• Lack of Spacing: While he has shown flashes of a pick-and-pop game, he is not yet a consistent threat from 3-point range.

• Size for Position: He is considered a “tweener” at 6’9″, potentially undersized to be a full-time NBA center, requiring him to play the 4 or improve his perimeter skills.
• Playmaking: He has shown a tendency for a negative assist-to-turnover ratio, indicating a need for better feel and decision-making in his offensive game.
• Defensive Discipline: Despite his athleticism, he can be prone to biting on pump fakes and overcommitting. 

Draft Range

JT Toppin projects in the 25-40 range, but most likely 25-35. He probably would go higher than that if he had not torn his ACL in February 2026.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

The Suns don’t have a lot of great options at PF. They also don’t have much in the way of cap space. Nor do they have much in the way of draft assets. JT Toppin is a first round talent who’s likely to fall into the second round due to his ACL injury. If other teams are scared away by the length of his recovery, the Suns should take a long-term view and pick him up. I look at Toppin as one of the most likely people to fall in the draft through no fault of their own, making him one of the best potential “value picks” possible. On top of that, his stocks and hustle make him a good fit with the Suns’ overall philosophy of what sort of players they want.

NBA Comparisons

Larry Nance Jr. or Jarred Vanderbilt with better offensive touch.

Bruce Thornton (Ohio State, Senior, PG)

Bruce Thornton is a 6’2″, 215-pound point guard known as a “master of control” with high-level efficiency, elite ball security, and a strong, stocky frame. He is a consistent three-level scorer (50% FG, 42% 3PT in 2024-25) who excels in the pick-and-roll, plays physically, and acts as a safe, high-IQ floor general. While sometimes limited by his height and lack of elite burst, he is projected as a 2026 second-round pick.

Key Statistics

19.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.0 stocks, 1.0 TOPG, 55.4 FG%, 40.0% 3FG%, 82.9 FT%

Strengths

• Offensive Efficiency: A highly controlled and efficient scorer, often working with a 50/40/85+ shooting split.
• Physicality & Strength: Known as a “running back” built guard who can absorb contact at the rim and hold his own against larger opponents on defense.
• Elite Decision Making: Possesses a very high assist-to-turnover ratio (3.15 in 2025-26) and operates pick-and-roll at an NBA level.
• Mid-range & Floater Game: Excellent at operating within the mid-range with a high-level floater and pull-up jump shot.
• Defensive Intensity: A tenacious on-ball defender who plays with high intensity and uses his strength to disrupt ball handlers. 

Weaknesses

• Undersized for NBA: At 6’2″, he lacks the ideal height and length for a modern NBA guard, which may limit his defensive versatility.
• Lack of Elite Burst: Relies more on strength and timing than quick acceleration, making it difficult to create separation against top-tier athletic defenders.
• Fastbreak Scoring: Struggles to generate points in high-tempo, open-court situations.
• Age: He is 22.5 years old as of early 2026, which limits his upside

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Nothing about Thornton immediately stands out as something elite. However, when you dive a little deeper into his statistics, you see that this isn’t true. For a point guard, Thornton is elite in a lot of areas, including two-point field goal percentage, true-shooting percentage, offensive rating, assist-to-turnover ratio, turnovers, rebounding, and three-point field goal percentage. He gets these numbers while shooting at a high volume from both inside and outside the arc. I’m not bothered by his middling assist rate: he makes smart passes, runs an offense extremely effectively, and was 30^th in the nation in scoring while shooting a ridiculous 62.6% EFG and 66.5% TS.

While many writers have bemoaned his 6’2” stature, that’s an inch off the “ideal”. Unlike many other “smaller” point guards, his running back frame makes it impossible for other guards to simply push him out of the way.

There’s also his “almost intangibles” measured by his plus/minus metrics. Thornton was 8^th in the nation in total Box Plus Minus (BPM), and 4^th in Offensive BPM. This tells me that on offense, Thornton does all the “little things” that make his team better, along with things that show up in traditional stats. His defense is just ok, but his high motor, high basketball IQ, and strength to fight through screens will prevent him from being a complete minus the way Tyus Jones was. My opinion is that Thornton has the tools to be another Colin Gillespie-type player: borderline starter on a good team that will be available late in the second round.    

NBA Comparisons

Jalen Brunson, Jevon Carter

Rueben Chinyelu (Florida, Junior, PF/C)

Rueben Chinyelu (6’10”, 265 pounds) is a high-motor, physical Florida Gators center and 2026 NBA Draft prospect known as an elite rebounder and rim protector with a massive 7’8″ wingspan. He projects as a “Bismack Biyombo-type” energy big, offering immense strength, defensive versatility, and finishing ability, though he is currently limited offensively outside the paint.

Key Statistics 

24.5 MPG, 10.9 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.8 stocks, 58.9 FG%, 69.5% FT%,

Strengths

• Physicality & Motor: Chinyelu has an NBA-ready frame with elite strength and high-intensity energy, making him a dominant presence in the paint.
• Defense & Rim Protection: He is an exceptional defender with great verticality, lateral agility to switch on the perimeter, and shot-blocking ability.
• Rebounding: He is considered one of the best rebounders in college basketball, regularly posting double-doubles.

Weaknesses

• Offense: Limited to playing around the basket. He excels at dunks and offensive putbacks but lacks a consistent perimeter shot.
• Decision making:  Needs to refine his offensive game, improve decision-making under pressure (0.7 A:TO ratio), and manage foul trouble. 

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Chinyelu projects as a Suns kind of role-player. He has an insane wingspan ratio and plays taller than he is, meaning that he can switch and recover like a 6’10” player, and block shots like a guy who’s closer to 7’2”. He has a standing reach of 9’4” inches, which is only 2 inches less than Khaman Maluach, who is also known for having a ridiculous vertical reach.

He’s also known as a “maximum effort” player who is aggressive almost to a fault, though this has improved in his Junior year. Chinyelu is like Momcilovic: he has a generational-level elite skill in one area. While Momcilovic may be the best three-point shooter to come out of college hoops in a decade, Rueben Chinyelu is the best per-36 rebounder in a decade as well. To put it in comparison, his RPM per minute is on par with Dennis Rodman at his peak.

The reason I include both players on this list is that rebounding and three-point shooting (along with free throw percentage) tend to be the skills that translate most readily to the NBA.

The other sneaky thing I like about him is the improvement he’s shown every year in college. This is guy who isn’t just getting better every year, it’s in every area and by leaps and bounds. This guy is not done improving. He’s from Nigeria and took up the game later than most, meaning that he has more “upside” than most players his age as he learns the game.

NBA Comparisons

A bigger Bismack Biyombo if he were an average free throw shooter. Or, Clint Capela with better mobility and free throw shooting.

Final Analysis

Given all of these factors, if I had a draft board that ranks who I would take if they’re available, this is how it would shake out:

1. Joshua Jefferson: Very unlikely to be available, but Julius Randle-level upside
2. JT Toppin: A borderline lottery pick if not for injury
3. Zuby Ejiofor: One of the best players two years running at the college level. Elite intangibles
4. Henri Veesaar: Sweet shooting PF/C to stretch the floor
5. Rueben Chinyelu: Rebounding machine with a clear NBA role and good fit 
6. Milan Momcilovic: 6’8” 50% three-point shooters will always have a spot in the league 
7. Bruce Thornton: Smart, efficient point guard with a bad rap for being one inch too short. Could easily be a steal of the second round like Gillespie 
8. Alex Karaban: He shoots threes, meh rebounder, and can play a little 4. Nothing special 
9. Alex Condon: We already have Oso Ighodaro at home, dear. 
10. Baba Miller: Kirkland-brand Oso Ighodaro 
11. Pryce Sandfort: Not sure what he provides that Koby Brea doesn’t
12. Juke Harris: Low efficiency chucker who doesn’t play defense either. No future in the league. See also: Cam Thomas, Ricky Davis

The NBA Draft is 89 days away, set for June 24, and although the league now stretches it into a two day event, it looks like the Suns will be waiting until day two before they are on the clock in the second round. That leaves plenty of time to do your own scouting, form your own opinions on these prospects, and change your mind five different times before draft night finally gets here.

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The Phoenix Suns host the Utah Jazz tonight at Mortgage Matchup Center as the home team looks to get back on track in the win column.

The Utah Jazz are actively trying to lose games, but my Jazz vs. Suns predictions expect the visiting squad to keep the game somewhat close and cover a huge spread.

Here are my best free NBA picks for this Western Conference matchup on Saturday, March 28.

Jazz vs Suns prediction

Jazz vs Suns best bet: Jazz +16.5 (-110)

Tanking has gotten so out of hand that spreads this large aren’t surprising anymore, and no team has refined the art of the tank better than the Utah Jazz. Utah’s young rotation players continue to play competitive basketball despite leading scorers, rebounders, and facilitators missing significant time.

Utah has either lost by less than 17 points or outright won eight of its last 10 games, including a close loss to the Nuggets on Friday. The Jazz are 18-17 ATS on the road and 16-16 as the road underdog. Utah is 3-1 ATS as an underdog of 10+ points on the road.

The Phoenix Suns haven’t played well enough as of late to be favored by 17 points. The Suns are 7-3 ATS across their last 10 games, but Phoenix is just 4-6 straight up and won only one game by 17 or more points.

Phoenix is just 10-11 ATS as the home favorite and 2-2 when favored by at least 10 points at home.

Phoenix has the rest advantage tonight, as the Jazz are playing the second leg of a back-to-back set. Bettors shouldn’t be concerned, as the Jazz are 8-6 ATS on no rest. I’ll take the shorthanded Jazz to keep this game within punching distance and cover a monstrously large spread.

Jazz vs Suns same-game parlay

The Jazz play at a fast pace and play very little defense. Utah has hit the Over in eight of its last 10 games, and Phoenix has done so five times in that span. The point total is set a bit low tonight, so I lean the Over.

Kyle Filipowski has averaged 13.2 points in 35 games as a starter, scoring 13+ 20 times. Over his last 10, he's averaged 14.5 points and hit the Over five times. In that 10-game span, the big man has corralled 8.6 rebounds, going for 8+ six times, including three of his last four. 

He’s the last man standing in Utah’s decimated frontcourt, and he’s made the most of his opportunities as the team’s starting center.

Jazz vs Suns SGP

• Jazz +16.5
• Over 230
• Kyle Filipowski Over 12.5 points
• Kyle Filipowski Over 7.5 rebounds

Our "from downtown" SGP: Youth Gone Wild!

Utah's young scorers have stepped up in a big way down the stretch, and they'll need to continue scoring at a high level to stay competitive with Phoenix.

Brice Sensabaugh finished with just 13 points in Friday's loss to the Nuggets, but he scored 21+ in six straight games before that dud while averaging a robust 28 points.

Ace Bailey has averaged 25 points across his last five games, scoring 18+ three times in that span.

Jazz vs Suns SGP

• Kyle Filipowski Over 12.5 points
• Kyle Filipowski Over 7.5 rebounds
• Brice Sensabaugh Over 20.5 points
• Ace Bailey Over 17.5 points

Jazz vs Suns odds

• Spread: Jazz +16.5 | Suns -16.5
• Moneyline: Jazz +800 | Suns -1300
• Over/Under: Over 230 | Under 230

Jazz vs Suns betting trend to know

The Phoenix Suns have only covered the 4Q Spread in 14 of their last 40 games (-16.55 Units / -35% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Jazz vs. Suns.

How to watch Jazz vs Suns

Jazz vs Suns latest injuries

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