Will Phoenix Suns meet with Lonzo Ball in final days before NBA draft?
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Lakers and Lonzo Ball proposal possibly fizzling out? | 1:54
Sarah McLellan and Dan Bickley talk Lakers and potential trades with the Suns involving Lonzo Ball, and which golfers to watch at the U.S. Open.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSGonzaga’s Zach Collins talks Suns workout | 1:42
Zach Collins, from Gonzaga, discusses his performance in the Suns’ pre-draft workout, Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns Assistant GM Pat Connelly describes Zach Collins’ workout | 1:30
Phoenix Suns Assistant GM Pat Connelly describes Zach Collins’ pre-draft workout, Tuesday, June 13, 2017. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNBA Finals: Cavs avoid sweep with historic performance | 0:54
The Cleveland Cavaliers needed an all-time performance to beat the Golden State Warriors and force a Game 5. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSJordan Bell talks Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout | 2:21
Oregon’s Jordan Bell talks about his pre-draft workout with the Phoenix Suns, June 9, 2017. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns Assistant GM Pat Connelly talks Jordan Bell, pre-draft workouts | 1:52
Phoenix Suns Assistant GM Pat Connelly talks about his impressions of Jordan Bell from the pre-draft workouts, June 9, 2017. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSPhoenix Suns’ three-minute run workout | 2:51
Phoenix Suns prospects do a three-minute run during a pre-NBA draft workout, with Oregon’s Jordan Bell leading the way, June 9, 2017. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTim Kempton Jr. at Suns workout | 0:58
Tim Kempton Jr., from Lehigh University, talks about his Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout, June 9, 2017. Scott Bordow/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSAndrew White III talks Suns pre-draft workout | 2:22
Andrew White III talks about his pre-draft workout with the Suns, June 9, 2017. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns Assistant GM talks Tim Kempton Jr., Andrew White III | 1:30
Suns Assistant GM Pat Connelly discusses Tim Kempton Jr. and Andrew White III during a pre-draft workout, June 9, 2017. Andrew Vailliencourt/azcentral sports Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Lakers thinking Josh Jackson? | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Scott Bordow discuss the upcoming NBA draft and the drama surrounding the Lakers’ pick. Could they pass on Lonzo Ball?
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Nice shot, KD, but LeBron’s still best | 1:58
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Kevin Durant vs. LeBron James and the shaky status of Diamondbacks pitcher Patrick Corbin.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDillon Brooks breaks down his Suns workout | 1:31
Oregon’s Dillon Brooks discusses working out for the Phoenix Suns on June 7, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSParadise Valley’s Paul Watson on Suns workout | 1:06
Former Paradise Valley star Paul Watson talks about working out for the Phoenix Suns on June 7, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns Assistant GM breaks down Wednesday workout | 1:19
Pat Connelly discusses the Phoenix Suns’ workout on Wednesday, June 7, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMalik Monk breaks down his Suns workout | 0:41
Kentucky’s Malik Monk discusses his fit with the Suns after his workout on June 6, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns assistant GM on Malik Monk’s workout | 0:22
Pat Connelly discusses Malik Monk’s shooting performance at the Kentucky guard’s workout on June 6, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSMalik Monk runs 3-minute drill at Suns workout | 2:59
Watch Kentucky’s Malik Monk runs the -3 minute drill at the end of his workout with the Suns on June 6, 2017.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSemi Ojeleye, forward from SMU, on Suns’ workout | 0:35
Semi Ojeleye discusses the Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLuke Kornet, center from Vanderbilt, on Suns’ workout | 1:00
Luke Kornet discusses the Phoenix Suns’ workout on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKennedy Meeks, center from North Carolina, on Suns’ workout | 0:49
Kennedy Meeks discusses the Phoenix Suns’ workout on Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. By Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSKobi Simmons, guard from Arizona, during the Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout | 0:51
Kobi Simmons, a guard from Arizona, talks during the Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSVillanova’s Josh Hart at the Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout | 0:41
Josh Hart, a guard from Villanova, talks about being part of the Phoenix Suns pre-draft workout on Monday, May 29, 2017 at Taking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Ariz. Rob Schumacher/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Lonzo Ball can’t blame dad for this one | 1:53
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss Lonzo Ball skipping a Celtics workout and a dark-horse pick for the Suns at No. 4.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Suns, don’t worry, take Josh Jackson | 1:59
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and JJ Hensley discuss the Suns draft as well as ‘The Bartender,’ the key reliever for the Diamondbacks.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Lottery therapy; ASU’s starting QB? | 2:02
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss the NBA lottery and the ASU football quarterback situation.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDoug Haller and Dan Bickley recap Suns’ misfortune in NBA draft lottery | 2:28
azcentral sports’ Doug Haller and Dan Bickley discuss Tuesday’s NBA draft lottery, in which the Suns fell to the No. 4 overall pick, at Talking Stick Resort Arena. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns GM McDonough: ‘A little bit of disappointment’ but odds favored No. 4 | 1:33
Suns General Manager Ryan McDonough discusses the Suns earning the No. 4 overall selection in next month’s draft at the team’s NBA draft lottery party at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Tuesday. David Kadlubowski/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Suns fight AZ’s bad lottery luck | 2:09
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley talk NBA lottery picks and a team that might be eyeing the Diamondbacks’ Zack Greinke.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSWhat can Suns expect with top-five pick? | 1:36
With a top-five pick and five players with star potential, the Suns are in a good place. But how has each selection shown success? Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDevin Booker surprises young fan with trip to NBA draft lottery | 0:59
Suns star guard Devin Booker went to Navarrete Elementary School to surprise student Noah Smith with a trip to the NBA draft lottery in New York City on Friday. Patrick Breen/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLakers say LaVar Ball won’t influence decision on Lonzo | 0:39
LaVar Ball won’t affect whether the Lakers select his son Lonzo in the upcoming NBA draft, Lakers president Magic Johnson told ESPN’s Jeff Goodman. Time_Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSLaVar Ball’s shoe line has poor first week of sales | 1:17
Lonzo Ball’s signature shoes garnered a lot of attention when they were first released. But the sales numbers suggest the sneakers aren’t selling as well as the Big Baller Brand would like. USA TODAY Sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns look to emulate Warriors, Thunder in rebuild | 1:18
As the Suns look to rebuild through the NBA draft, they are looking to Golden State and Oklahoma City as examples of how to do it right. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Ex-Suns player Isaiah Thomas shines | 1:50
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Doug Haller discuss how Boston Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas has become one of the best players in the NBA and who the Suns want in the NBA draft.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Is the NBA draft lottery rigged? | 1:57
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley talk about the possibility of the NBA draft lottery is rigged and an updated on Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington on Friday. Diana Payan/azcentral
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Rockets sizzle, D-Backs fizzle? | 1:49
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss the Rockets’ explosion against the Spurs and a possible pitching implosion for the Diamondbacks.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNBA mock drafts: Popular picks for Phoenix Suns | 1:01
The Suns are guaranteed to have a Top 5 NBA draft pick. Here are some players they could take.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: Kevin Durant closer to a ring | 1:50
azcentral sports’ Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley discuss Kevin Durant and the Warriors as well as Zack Greinke’s start against the Padres.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSFamiliar faces: Notable former Suns in NBA playoffs | 1:02
Several former Phoenix Suns players are in the NBA playoffs. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSNotable Suns player salaries for 2017-18 | 1:11
Take a look at the Suns players that have guaranteed contracts for next season. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSSuns coach Watson wraps up season at press conference | 0:56
Suns coach Earl Watson takes questions from the press at an end-of-season gathering at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDevin Booker: ‘I want to be a winner’ | 1:11
Suns guard Devin Booker discusses the 2016-17 season and how his team can improve throughout the offseason on Wednesday at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Video by Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDoug Haller wraps up Suns’ 2016-17 season | 2:05
Doug Haller sums up interviews with Phoenix Suns management and players at Talking Stick Resort Arena on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. || Tom Tingle/azcentral sports
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSTop 5 Devin Booker moments of 2016-17 season | 1:29
Breaking down the top five moments in Suns guard Devin Booker’s season. Wochit
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSShot Clock: NBA MVP and surprising D-Backs | 1:49
Jay Dieffenbach and Dan Bickley disagree on the NBA MVP and share their thoughts on the D-Backs’ hot start.
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WATCH THE LATEST SUNS AND NBA VIDEOS FROM AZCENTRAL SPORTSDevin Booker on his 70-point night | 1:40
Suns guard Devin Booker discusses his 70-point game against the Boston Celtics.
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Sixty-eight days have passed since the Suns closed out the regular season. Thirty-three have passed since the NBA draft lottery, which gave Phoenix the fourth pick.
After all the speculation and rumors, the end almost is here. Which direction will Phoenix go? The Suns will have one last draft workout Monday and then finalize their draft board for next Thursday’s event in Brooklyn.
“At the very beginning you start with a super wide net with hundreds of players and it’s a constant narrowing process, kind of like a funnel,” Suns Assistant General Manager Pat Connelly said. “We’re kind of reaching the end of the funnel at this point in terms of guys we’ll really consider for our different picks.”
In addition to the fourth pick, the Suns also have the 32nd and 54th overall selections, but all the debate and attention the past two months have focused on their first-round intentions. For an organization that has not made the playoffs in seven years, one that has urged patience through a painful rebuild, this is an important foundation step.
UCLA point guard Lonzo Ball could join the mix if the Lakers decide to go a different direction at No. 2, as some suggest they might. ESPN.com recently reported that Ball – who as of Friday had worked out only for the Lakers – might be open to talking with other teams.
If so, the Suns would welcome the opportunity. Ball is considered the best passer to enter the draft in years. Some consider him a can’t-miss prospect simply because of his ability to make teammates better.
The Suns also could trade up or down – national reports have linked them to such a possibility – but that’s true of nearly every team. With two-second round picks as well as Miami’s 2018 and 2021 first-round picks, the Suns have assets to dangle should General Manager Ryan McDonough decide to go that direction.
ESPN draft analyst Fran Fraschilla envisions the Boston Celtics taking Washington guard Markelle Fultz with the first pick and the Lakers selecting Ball at No. 2. Philadelphia’s intentions at No. 3 remain a mystery (reports surfaced Friday that the 76ers are trying to acquire Boston’s No. 1 spot) but either way, Fraschilla thinks the Suns are in a good spot.
“Given where they are with their team and the way the backcourt played this year, they’re going to have a great opportunity at either Josh Jackson, Jayson Tatum or Jonathan Isaac,” he said. “All three of those guys would fill a need.”
Both Tatum and Jackson are talented enough to become first-year starters, albeit for different reasons. The 6-8 Tatum is among the draft’s most skilled offensive players, especially in the mid-range, while the 6-8 Jackson might be the draft’s best perimeter defender.
At 6-11, Isaac has tools that every team covets – most notably the skills to defend multiple positions – but his NBA adjustment might require more time. The Suns watched the Florida State product workout in Las Vegas and later hosted him in Phoenix.
McDonough has not talked to media throughout the workout process, but after the draft lottery he said the Suns would take the best player on the board, regardless of position. This puts Fox in play.
The Kentucky product did not work out or meet with the Suns in Phoenix, but the Suns visited with Fox at the NBA combine in Chicago and also attended Fox’s agency pro day. They have the point guard’s medical information and feel comfortable with where they are with him.
In addition to elite athletic ability, Fox has defensive potential that could help the Suns, who last season ranked among the league’s worst defensive teams. In a draft stocked with point guards, some experts rank Fox ahead of Ball.