PHOENIX — Even without a first-round pick, the upcoming NBA Draft represents a golden opportunity for the Phoenix Suns to bolster their roster. Sunday’s NBA Draft Lottery didn’t alter the franchise’s long-term outlook — the Suns remain without an unprotected first-round selection for the next five years — but that doesn’t mean they’re sitting idle.
In fact, Phoenix still has a chance to land a difference-maker in June’s draft. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo projects the Suns will use their 47th overall pick to select Michigan State point guard Jeremy Fears Jr., a player who could inject much-needed energy and playmaking into the backcourt.
Some fans might roll their eyes at another Spartan connection. Owner Mat Ishbia’s loyalty to his alma mater is well-documented — he’s already hired fellow Michigan State alumni head coach Jordan Ott and general manager Brian Gregory. But let’s be fair: both Ott and Gregory have exceeded expectations early in their tenures. The team’s playoff berth, combined with the arrivals of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, speaks volumes about the quality of those hires.
Fears, at just 21 years old, offers exactly what the Suns need: depth at point guard behind Collin Gillespie. While Devin Booker led the team with 6.0 assists per game and Gillespie chipped in 4.6, Fears brings a different dimension. He averaged a nation-leading 9.4 assists per game in 35 contests, along with 15.4 points. His playmaking is his calling card, and joining a Suns squad loaded with shooters could accelerate his development.
Standing 6’2”, Fears is slightly undersized, and his outside shooting — 32.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts per game — needs refinement. But his offensive game thrives on downhill aggression. He averaged 5.9 free throw attempts per game and converted at an impressive 88.5% clip. Considering Phoenix ranked near the bottom of the league in free throw attempts last season, adding a guard who can draw contact and finish at the line could be a game-changer.
In a draft where the Suns don’t have a lottery pick, selecting Fears would be a smart, strategic move — one that addresses a clear roster need while adding a proven winner from a powerhouse program.