Phoenix Suns GM James Jones said the team will be looking for playmaking, shooting, and defense in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Jones said he hopes to prioritize prospects capable of making plays, competing defensively, and playing on or off the ball, independent of what position they play. He would also go on to say the Suns are hoping to add more shooters to the mix.
Full quote from James Jones on this year's NBA Draft for the Suns: pic.twitter.com/EYea9PSv4m
— Kellan Olson (@KellanOlson) April 16, 2020
Jones is also among those who believe players will need ample time to get back into game shape if the 2019-20 season resumes (via Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic):
Jones said it will probably take “multiple weeks, maybe somewhere five, six, seven weeks” to get players ready to play again.
“We don't know, but I think the most important thing for us to be able to do is to get our guys back in the building for at least two weeks to just assess where they are as a league,” Jones continued. “It's kind of difficult to project how much time it would take to get back up to full speed because no one has ever done it like this.”
The Suns promoted Jones to be their full-time general manager last April, though he has gotten mixed reviews since taking over.
Jones traded T.J. Warren for cash prior to the 2019 NBA Draft, subsequently trading down and selecting collegiate veterans Cameron Johnson and Ty Jerome. The Suns also garnered criticism for the contract they gave Ricky Rubio.
However, the decision to re-sign Kelly Oubre paid big dividends, and Johnson has actually been a reliable floor-spacer and decent bench scorer in his rookie season. More importantly, the Suns far surpassed their win total from the previous season, and youngsters like Devin Booker and Deandre Ayton are growing into their roles as pillars of the franchise.
Jones will hope to find additional talent this summer as the Suns hope to make a playoff leap next year.
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