Phoenix Suns 2026 draft plans following NBA lottery results

Why Suns would target Fears?

Fans might see that selection and roll their eyes. Owner Mat Ishbia’s obsession with his Alma Mater is quite well documented, hiring fellow alumnus like head coach Jordan Ott and general manager Brian Gregory. However, Ott and Gregory have each overperformed in their positions earlier on. The team making the playoffs and the arrival of Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks have done wonders for the team, which is thanks to those two hires.

Fears gives the roster much-needed depth at the point guard position, filling in behind Collin Gillespie. Devin Booker led the team with 6.0 assists per game, and Gillespie is right behind at 4.6. The 21-year-old averaged a nation-leading 9.4 assists in 35 games played, alongside 15.4 points. His playmaking is his biggest strength and joining an NBA team where everyone can shoot will do wonders for his career.

At 6’2, Fears is slightly undersize and shot only 32.1% from beyond the arc on 3.1 attempts. His offensive game is more relitant on downhill attack, averaging 5.9 free throw attempts per game at a 88.5% clip. Phoenix was near the bottom last year in free throw attempts per game, adding a guard like Fears will certainly help in that department.

Another reason to go guard if you’re Gregory is because Gillespie is a free agent this Summer. Gillespie might’ve played himself out of the Suns’ price range and could see him exit the franchise. While other players could step up to take his role, Fears would be a solid replacement and work well as a facilitator at the NBA level.