2019 NBA Draft: Full Mock Draft 2.0 – Pelicans take Zion; who goes next?

#6. Phoenix Suns: De’Andre Hunter, F

School: Virginia | Class: Sophomore | Height: 6’8″ | Weight: 223 | Age: 21

The Phoenix Suns are a franchise that has struggled to turn the corner for quite some time now. Since coach Mike D’Antoni changed up their play style over a decade ago, Phoenix has struggled to find their identity. While the 19-63 record this year was an embarrassment for a team that added veteran stability to the roster with Jamal Crawford and Trevor Ariza, look for the franchise to make a significant improvement next year, starting with the 2019 NBA draft.

Enter De’Andre Hunter, a 6’8 defensive difference maker with a 7’2 wingspan.  While Hunter spent a significant amount of time in college as a guard, look for the Suns to transition him more into a forward playing alongside Deandre Ayton and a combination of Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges in the frontcourt.

Phoenix can use a boost to their perimeter shooting outside of guard Devin Booker, and Hunter can provide that with a highly impressive near-44% three-point percentage as a sophomore. Perhaps the most important quality Hunter can bring to the Suns is his defensive tenacity. Hunter’s instincts and impressive on-ball defense were vital pieces to Virginia’s NCAA championship victory.

As Phoenix will look to turn the corner with new head coach Monty Williams, Hunter will provide a high-floor prospect that will bring sharpshooting and high-end defensive production immediately to their lineup.

– Malcolm Banks (@BanksWorld2)