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Suns Projected to Draft Florida Champion Guard to Bolster Backcourt

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Svyato Rovenchuk | Last updated Jun 12, 2025 10:10 PM ET

The Phoenix Suns have gutted their NBA Draft capital so much over recent years that fans would be forgiven if they forgot about this year's first-round pick. The Suns will be selecting 29th in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft.

There is certainly no shortage of roster holes in Phoenix that could use fixing. The rookie they select from this year's draft class can work towards patching up one of those.

It should not be surprising if by night's end the Suns are making multiple selections. Should Kevin Durant be traded before the NBA Draft, Phoenix would likely be in the mix for another first-round pick in 2025.

However, while that remains a variable, it is important to focus on the sure thing. The Suns will certainly hope that is what their projected selection can be.

One of the pressing needs of the Suns roster is undoubtedly the point guard spot. That is why the latest CBS Sports NBA Mock Draft has Phoenix going that route with their 29th overall selection.

Gary Parrish had the Suns drafting Walter Clayton Jr. with that pick. Basketball fans will be familiar with Clayton as the big-time star from this year's March Madness Tournament.

The Florida guard averaged 18.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game during this season of NCAA basketball. His scoring is notably higher when looking at just the six tournament games played.

Clayton averaged 22.3 points per game in March Madness. The senior guard also shot a sizzling 43.5 percent from distance as a part of that.

Parrish wrote, "There are concerns about his decision-making and approach to defense, but the Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 Final Four is such a skilled and unique shotmaker that he's worthy of a serious look this deep in the first round by a Phoenix franchise that probably needs to hit the reset button."

With Tyus Jones set to hit the free agent market once more, the Suns may have a starting spot up for grabs in the backcourt next season. Clayton would have every opportunity to battle for the job.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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