We wrap up our series on first round draft prospects by taking a look at players who could be available if the Suns decide to trade into the 29 to 31 range. Unlikely? Sure. Still worth doing the homework? Absolutely.

That range currently includes the Cavaliers at 29, the Mavericks at 30, and the Knicks at 31, which technically opens the second round as the first pick on day two of the draft. 

The reason for doing the due diligence is simple. It’s not something we did last year until late in the game. We didn’t believe the Suns would trade up into the lottery, so a lot of the focus stayed on picks 29 and 52, which is where Phoenix originally looked slotted to select. Then draft night happened, and suddenly the board changed.

That’s part of this process. Things move. Teams pivot. Opportunities appear out of nowhere. That’s why it helps to take a holistic approach, explore every realistic avenue, and have a feel for all the options on the board. That way, when draft night arrives, and something unexpected happens, you’re ready.

Prospects at 29-31

I’ve previously reviewed Zuby Ejiofor, Ebuka Okorie, Henri Veesaar, and Joshua Jefferson. All of them would be potential targets in this draft range (though Okorie and Veesaar both have an average draft spot of 28, which might make them targets for the Suns at 26). However, there are a couple more prospects here that the Suns might take if they’re looking for a point guard behind Gillespie or expect Mark Williams to leave in free agency.

Tarris Reed (University of Connecticut, Senior, C)

Tarris Reed Jr. is a physically imposing, 6’11” and 270-pound center known for his elite screening, interior dominance, and high-motor rebounding. He offers NBA teams a ready-made “glue guy” profile who does the dirty work, sets heavy picks in the pick-and-roll, and finishes efficiently around the rim.

Key Statistics

27.3 MPG, 14.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 2.3APG, 2.9 stocks, 60.7 FG%, 0.0 3PT%, 61.7 FT%

Strengths

• Size & Length: Boasts a massive, NBA-ready frame with a rumored 7’4″ wingspan. He uses his strength well to carve out deep post position.
• Mobility: Moves surprisingly well for a player of his bulk. He did very well at the combine in both lane agility and the shuttle run.
• Screening & Rolling: One of his best traits is his ability to set heavy, bruising screens that open up driving lanes for perimeter players. He rolls hard and possesses soft hands to catch and finish.
• Touch & Efficiency: Scores efficiently around the basket, particularly on layups and dunks. He has a soft touch on hook shots and interior finishes.
• Playmaking: Flashes underrated passing vision from the post and short roll, consistently making smart, connective passes to open cutters.
• Interior Presence: Acts as a capable rim protector and a steadying presence in drop coverage. He alters shots and controls the defensive glass well.
• High Motor: Brings constant energy, competing hard on both ends of the floor, which translates to him reliably grabbing contested rebounds.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Floor Spacing: He operates almost entirely in the paint and the dunker spot. He has rarely attempted three-pointers and lacks a face-up scoring bag or perimeter creation.
• Free-Throw Shooting: Struggles from the charity stripe, which can be a limiting factor in late-game situations.
• Foul Trouble & Defensive Versatility: Can occasionally get into foul trouble when defending more agile, face-up bigs. While his drop coverage is solid, he can still improve his timing and switchability when defending pick-and-rolls on the perimeter.

Draft Range

After stellar late-season tournament runs and impressive measurements at the NBA Draft Combine, Reed has risen up draft boards into late first-round or early second-round projections. Reed projects to go anywhere between 21^st and 44^th, with an average of 31.5 and a median of 34.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Bobby Marks at ESPN estimated what the salary value for top free agents was this summer, and he came up with $42 million over 3 years for Mark Williams. Because the Suns are saddled with Jalen Green’s contract and Bradley Beal’s buyout, they’re likely to have to do some penny pinching this offseason. In a lot of cases, Williams failed to pass the advanced metric test this year and missed 22 games plus all of the playoffs. 

Gambo reports that Goodwin and Gillespie are higher priorities for the franchise, which may elect to stand pat with Oso Ighodaro and Kaman Maluach. If they decide to do so, Reed would make a fine replacement for Williams as a defensive-minded center who moves well, plays hard, and has a nose for rebounds. Ryan Kalkbrenner fit a similar profile in 2025, and he had an outstanding rookie campaign.

NBA Comparisons

Andre Drummond, Steven Adams, Isaiah Stewart

Tyler Tanner (Vanderbilt, Sophomore, PG)

Tyler Tanner is a highly dynamic, polarizing sophomore point guard out of Vanderbilt who is testing the 2026 NBA Draft process. Following a massive breakout sophomore campaign, he earned First-Team All-SEC and SEC All-Defensive Team honors. His evaluation is defined by a battle between elite, modern advanced metrics and traditional height requirements as a 5’11” (in socks) 167-pound point guard.

Key Statistics

27.3 MPG, 19.5 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 5.1APG, 2.4 steals, 48.5 FG%, 36.8 3PT%, 85.3 FT%

Strengths

• Elite Playmaking & Decision Making: Tanner serves as an exceptional floor general with an airtight 5.1-to-1.9 assist-to-turnover ratio. He reads defensive rotations at light speed, utilizing advanced spatial awareness to deliver precise skip-passes or pocket-passes out of the pick-and-roll.
• Deadly First Step & Cadence: He possesses a blistering first step and a tight crossover that allows him to generate paint touches at will. He manipulates defenders beautifully by rapidly switching gears and using deceptive hesitations.
• Skyrocketing Perimeter Efficiency: After a sub-40% field goal percentage as a freshman, his shot mechanics became highly versatile. He developed a hair-trigger, “no-dip” release that translated to a 36.8% clip from deep on 4.5 attempts per game.
• Hellacious Defensive Disruption: Despite his small stature, Tanner was a Naismith Defensive Player of the Year finalist. He led the SEC in steals (2.4 per game) using immaculate anticipation to jump passing lanes and elite footwork at the point of attack.
• Functional Athleticism: He punches far above his weight class vertically, boasting a 39-inch maximum vertical jump that allows him to finish above the rim when given a runway. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]

Weaknesses

• Severe Size Limitations: Standing under 5’11” barefoot, he faces an uphill battle in a modern NBA dominated by positional length. He is missing the baseline physical frame typical of NBA starters.
• Defensive Targetability: Modern NBA offenses will relentlessly target him in switch-heavy schemes. Bigger guards and wings will easily shoot over his 7’9″ standing reach or back him down into the low post.
• Screen Navigation Physicality: Weighing just 167 pounds, his lack of functional core strength makes it difficult to physically fight over screen actions or hold his ground against downhill driving threats.

Draft Range

Late first, early second round. He may not stay in the draft, and it likely hinges on whether he receives a first-round promise. He projects to go anywhere between the 28^th and 48^th picks, with an average of 34.5 and a median of 33.

Why the Suns Should Take a Look

Tyler Tanner is going to be one of those ultimate tests of advanced metrics and eye-test versus the current meta of the NBA. Numerous outlets have declared that there is no place left in the modern NBA for a smaller point guard, and they’re generally right.

That said, Tanner has ridiculous verticality, his basketball IQ is off the charts, he’s a fantastic ball thief with 2.4 steals per game, and he has great shot mechanics with a super-quick, high release. He shoots very well, he has great court vision and awareness, and his metrics all say he’s a great player… except for his height. In the end, I think he projects as a great “energy guy” backup point guard.

NBA Comparisons

Patty Mills, Damon Stoudamire, Tre Jones, Jose Alvarado, Fred VanVleet

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Final Verdict

After multiple articles, I’m now tracking 25 prospects. There’s a plethora of intriguing players if the Suns trade into the first round. If they trade up to the 17^th pick, I like Morez Johnson Jr. and Chris Cenac Jr. as long, hyper-athletic power forwards. However, Hannes Steinbach is also a potential lottery pick steal if he’s still on the board.

If the Suns obtain something in the 26-31 range, my favorite picks are Zuby Ejiofor, Ebuka Okorie, Henri Veesaar as a floor-spacing five, Allen Graves, and Joshua Jefferson. I like Zuby Ejiofor in particular, who I believe is vastly underrated. He absolutely killed it at the combine, and his advanced metrics say he’s going to be an immediate contributor. If the Suns used the 26^th pick on him, I would not be at all disappointed.

Of course, there’s no point in having a power forward on the team if you won’t play them because Jalen Green is jamming up rotations, but that’s a story for another time.

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