The Phoenix Suns have various strategies to consider for their No. 22 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft on June 26.
Following a first-round sweep, the Suns have clear needs such as a backup point guard, an athletic wing/forward, and a rim-protecting or stretch center. General Manager James Jones has also highlighted the need for additional shooting this offseason.
On draft day, June 26, the Suns can trade both their No. 22 pick and their 2031 first-round pick, but not before. Team owner Mat
Ishbia expressed a lack of attachment to both the current year’s pick and the 2031 pick during his recent end-of-season remarks. “If fans are looking ahead and thinking, ‘I’m excited about that 2031 draft pick because a talented seventh-grader might be available then,’ they won’t like our approach,” Ishbia said. “We believe draft picks are assets to acquire great players.”
The Suns are projected to face the highest luxury tax bill in the NBA next season at $209 million, significantly restricting their ability to make trades or sign free agents beyond veteran minimum contracts due to operating over the second tax apron, which is set at $190 million. This means the team cannot take in more salary than they send out, use cash in trades, aggregate contracts, or use preexisting trade exceptions.
Despite popular misconceptions, the Suns will still hold first-round picks in 2026, 2028, and 2030, but these are subject to swaps. Phoenix cannot currently trade these picks. Their only second-round pick is a protected one from the Boston Celtics in 2028.
Given these constraints, the No. 22 pick becomes crucial for acquiring a player who can contribute immediately. Mock drafts from ESPN and Bleacher Report both predict that the Suns will select Duke’s 6-foot-11 center Kyle Filipowski at No. 22.
ESPN’s Jeremy Woo describes Filipowski as a ready-made contributor with size and skill, potentially enhancing the Suns’ frontcourt. Despite his wide draft range, Phoenix also has a significant need for a point guard, which might influence their decision.
Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman notes that while Filipowski’s measurements and athletic tests are not outstanding, his shooting range, post skills, improved finishing, passing, and defensive versatility make him a valuable asset for a stretch 4 or 5 role. His consistent draft stock suggests he could be a late lottery to mid-first-round pick.
NBA executives, as reported by HoopsHype, have mixed views on Filipowski. One executive sees him as a long-term eighth or ninth player unless he excels in three-point shooting like Kelly Olynyk. Another executive and an NBA scout highlighted his mid-range effectiveness and passing ability but questioned his quickness and shooting consistency for a pick-and-pop role.
During his two seasons at Duke, Filipowski led the Blue Devils in scoring, averaging 16.4 points on 50.5/34.8/67.1 shooting splits, along with 8.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.1 steals in his sophomore year. His performance and potential make him a compelling option for the Suns as they aim to build a competitive roster.
ESPN’s Chris Canty has his own take on court storming that put some of the responsibility on Kyle Filipowski himself for getting injured.
“He’s acting like he’s going on a walk through the quad on campus… he has to have more awareness of the situation and have urgency about… pic.twitter.com/NTZJRKy0qd
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 27, 2024
Never forget that Kyle Filipowski almost died on the court just weeks ago. The fact that he’s even playing is remarkable. Some things are bigger than sports. pic.twitter.com/5LYUFeUt3i
— Dairy Daddies (@DairyDaddies) March 10, 2024
The Suns already have Grayson Allen, a former Duke player once infamous for tripping opponents but now a fan favorite in Phoenix. Might they consider bringing in another former Duke player through the draft?
