2024 NBA Draft: Suns Overlooking Blatant Concern for Zach Edey Could Prompt Kevin Durant’s Fury

The Phoenix Suns are engaged in a fierce battle for a guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference. With less than 5 regular season games left, the Suns currently occupy the 6th spot in the standings. However, the Pelicans and the Kings are heavily breathing down their necks. Despite all the tensions, the Suns’ front office may be keeping an eye on Purdue’s 7’4” center, Zach Edey, one of the most prominent prospects, in the 2024 Draft.

The 22-year-old Canadian Center led the Purdue Boilermakers to the NCAA Finals where they lost to UConn. However, Edey demonstrated his freakish scoring ability on the biggest stage by recording 37 points and 10 rebounds in the finals. His impressive performances have enhanced his prospects of being selected in the 1st round.

However, several mock drafts have predicted that the Suns might decide against drafting Edey, as they already have Jusuf Nurkić. Furthermore, there are concerns that Edey’s style of play may not complement the ball-dominant skills of stars like Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. While Zach Edey certainly possesses freak scoring ability, Nurkic’s passing complements Phoenix’s style of play better.

The Phoenix Suns’ passing has come under the spotlight in recent weeks. In a crucial matchup against the OKC Thunder, the Suns committed 22 turnovers, while their opponents only had five turnovers throughout the game. This stark contrast in turnovers meant that the Suns lost another game because of them. Kevin Durant was one of the prime suspects who turned the ball over on several occasions. After the game, a frustrated KD stated that he had to be better with his turnovers, as per Gerald Bourguet. Is this a factor that may contribute to their decision to not select Zach Edey in the draft?

Could Zach Edey prove the Phoenix Suns wrong?

There were few better players than Zach Edey during the 2023-24 collegiate season. He averaged 25.2 points (most in men’s college basketball), 12.2 rebounds (third most in men’s college basketball), and 2 assists per game. Furthermore, he has shot at a highly effective FG% of 62.3%. Edey’s performances have earned him rave reviews from several experts. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony even called him “the most dominant player in college basketball history.”

Givony even projected Zach Edey to become a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. But despite his god-given scoring abilities, Edey’s lack of a three-point shot and limited passing ability has raised some concerns. However, his ability to dominate the paint and his 7’4” frame have many fans excited.

He has spent four seasons at Purdue learning from one of the best coaches in college basketball. And that might sometimes come in handy, as increased tactical know-how could make the transition from college basketball to the NBA a little bit easier.

Regardless of which team selects Edey in the draft, he will probably require time to develop his skills. However, the question remains whether he will be afforded that developmental opportunity at the NBA level.

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