Suns Correct Mistake in 2020 NBA Re-Draft

What would the Phoenix Suns and general manager James Jones do if they got a do-over on the 2020 draft?

Not Jalen Smith.

Bleacher Report writer Andy Bailey did a complete re-draft of the top 14 picks in the 2020 NBA draft - and had a name the Suns were linked to prior to the draft taking place landing at No. 10.

That player would be none other than Cole Anthony - son of former NBA player Greg Anthony and a standout from the University of North Carolina.

Anthony was originally selected with the 15th pick by the Orlando Magic, as Bailey goes on to explain why the combo guard has worked his way into the top 10.

"Cole Anthony's first couple of seasons were a bit rocky, especially in terms of efficiency, but that may have been because he was perhaps miscast as a starter.

"Since the start of 2022-23, he's better than settled into a sixth man's role, with averages of 13.5 points, 3.8 assists and 1.3 threes in 25.6 minutes per game. And this season alone, for the first time in his career, he's on track for an above-average three-point percentage.

"Some players may look at a move like Anthony's as a demotion, but there's real value in having a scorer who can outplay opposing reserves. Good records are often built on second units winning (or at least staying close) when the superstars are off the floor.

"And with Anthony's ability to get his own shot, hit threes and put pressure on the rim as a slasher, the Orlando Magic have just that kind of bench.

"A backup of this quality is a decent get at No. 10."

Anthony would've been a tough sell to take at the time - especially with the newly acquired Chris Paul recently coming on board a few days prior, but it likely would've paid off eventually if the Suns displayed patience. 

Anthony was one of several players linked to the Suns- along with Tyrese Haliburton, Devin Vassell, and more before the Suns settled on Jalen Smith at pick 10. 

Smith only lasted a little over a year on the squad, as the squad leaped into contention quicker than anticipated and there wasn't any room for him to appear in the rotation consistently. 

The top three in the re-draft in order was as follows- LaMelo Ball at No. 3, Tyrese Haliburton at No. 2, and original number one pick Anthony Edwards standing pat at that very spot.