[tps_header]Texas’ Turner a good fit for Suns[/tps_header]
[tps_title]Nos. 15 to 11[/tps_title]
No. 15 Atlanta Hawks
Bobby Portis, PF, Arkansas
Many NBA insiders have Portis (6’11” and 245 pounds) pegged to Atlanta because Paul Millsap, Pero Antic, DeMarre Carroll and Elton Brand are free agents. He also provides insurance in the frontcourt with Mike Scott struggling in the playoffs. Portis fits the scheme of Atlanta coach Mike Budenholzer with his unselfish style of play and high motor. He also provides the Hawks more of a scorer at the post area, a deficiency that came to light in their Eastern Conference finals series against Cleveland.
No. 14 Oklahoma City Thunder
Kelly Oubre, SF/SG, Kansas
The Thunder might take a chance on Delon Wright, but many scouts believe this spot would be too high for the former Utah guard. Wright was not overwhelming with his physical measurements during the NBA scouting combine. Oubre can lend Oklahoma City versatility on the wing on both sides of the court. His size at 6’7” and 205 pounds reportedly intrigues new coach Billy Donovan because of his ability to match well against the three perimeter spots.
No. 13 Phoenix Suns
Myles Turner, C, Texas
Turner is widely believed to land in this spot for the Suns, who are enamored with his ability to score on the blocks to go along with his strengths of rebounding and defense. Turner, only 19 at 6’11” and 240 pounds, is not fully developed especially on offense. The Suns brass reportedly believes Turner can only get better as an interior presence on offense. He already can stretch the defense with his ability to knock down the mid-range jumper.
No. 12 Utah Jazz
Frank Kaminsky, PF/C, Wisconsin
The Jazz already has size with Mehmet Okur, Derrick Favors and Rudy Gobert, but those players lack the ability to stretch a defense like “Frank the Tank”. Kaminsky (7’1” and 230 pounds) fits Utah’s needs with his inside-outside ability in the paint while the Jazz could help with his strength and development with him going against the big men already there. A concern about Kaminsky from NBA scouts is his strength especially with his age of 22. The players around him with the Jazz can alleviate that concern.
No. 11 Indiana Pacers
Cameron Payne, PG, Murray State
Most NBA insiders believe if Payne is available at this spot, Indiana will snatch him up. Some rumblings suggest Oklahoma City wants him but the Thunder will likely not see him slip to their No. 14 spot. Indiana is in need of a dynamic point guard and Payne (6’2” and 185 pounds) showed that ability at Murray State, averaging 20.3 points and 6 assists per game. Payne has the ability to get others involved because he is adept at the pick-and-roll.
