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Realistic Expectations for Phoenix Suns Rookie Tyler Ulis in 2016-17
- Updated: July 25, 2016
The Phoenix Suns feel they won big by going small and grabbing Tyler Ulis with the 34th pick of the 2016 NBA draft.
Physically, he’s as unimposing as a hoops prospect gets. The former Kentucky point guard is generously listed at 5’10” and weighed just 149 pounds at the combine. Between those measurements and reports of a “pretty significant hip issue” from Basketball Insiders’ Steve Kyler, Ulis carried enough question marks to fall from mid-to-late first-round projections into the second round.
But the floor general also had a rich resume to his name. He’d been a McDonald’s All-American. He’d averaged 17.3 points and 7.0 assists as a sophomore for the Wildcats. He’d established himself as a potent scorer, savvy setup artist and dogged defender.
Physical issues aside, there were no basketball reasons for him to fall that far on draft night.
“We think, frankly, the only reason he’s there is because of his size,” Suns general manager Ryan McDonough said after the selection, per ArizonaSports.com’s Craig Grialou. “He’s the SEC Player of the Year, SEC Defensive Player of the Year, high character, high IQ; in some ways, I see a coach on the floor.”
Ulis’ stock is heading in the right direction again after his six-game sprint through Las Vegas Summer League. He averaged 14.5 points, 6.3 assists (second among regulars) and 2.8 steals, good enough for an All-NBA Summer League second-team selection. He displayed an advanced feel for the game, plus a flair for the dramatic.
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He still needs to pass the big league’s physical tests, not to mention carve out a niche on a crowded Phoenix backcourt. But his skill level is high enough for him to at least hit the hardwood during his rookie year.
Team Fit
The Suns have a clear affinity for guards, particularly those who played their college ball in Lexington, Ky. While that might have helped Ulis land on their radar, it also clouds his path to substantial playing time. His first NBA backcourt already features former Wildcats Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Archie Goodwin and Ulis’ …
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