Phoenix Suns 2006 Draft Preview

Phoenix enjoed its succes without star forward Amare Stoudemire, who tried to comeback from a left knee injury but was limited to just three games. The team is hopeful that the former All-Star can recover and return 100 percent healthy.

Guard Steve Nash won his second straight MVP. The Santa Clara product averaged 18.8 points and a league-best 10.5 assists, while All-Star forward Shawn Marion led the Suns in scoring (21.8 ppg) and rebounding (11.8 rpg). Nash and Marion led Phoenix to an excellent season and make the Suns one of the elite teams in the NBA.

Leandro Barbosa, Raja Bell, Boris Diaw and Tim Thomas, who signed with the team after being released by Chicago during the season, had excellent playoffs. Thomas is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent and his value is extremely high after his stellar performance during the postseason.

Barbosa, Bell and Diaw all stepped up big time in the postseason. The versatile Diaw has a complete game and can play all five positions, while Barbosa showed his skill and quickness in the playoffs and Bell is solid defender who can also hit the outside jumper.

The Suns have a pair of first-round picks (21st, 27th). They will try and add some size and rebounding to their roster. Phoenix’ roster is made up of shooters who can play alongside Nash. This organization has a plan and will continue to follow it on draft night.

Key Player(s): Leandro Barbosa (Guard), Raja Bell (Guard), Boris Diaw (Guard), Shawn Marion (Forward), Steve Nash (Guard), Amare Stoudemire (Center/Forward), Kurt Thomas (Center/Forward), Tim Thomas (Forward).

Team Needs: Rebounding and size down low.

Draft picks: 1st round (21st overall), 1st round (27th overall).