After almost a decade of mid-level lottery picks that never panned out (excluding Devin Booker and Josh Jackson), the Phoenix Suns have been awarded their first #1 overall pick in the draft in franchise history, which comes at arguably the best possible time, as the NBA welcomes in a class of rookies unlike anything the league has seen since 2003. Realistically, there’s no way in hell the Suns will trade this pick, and two prospects stand out well ahead the rest.

First, the player they should take with the first overall pick - DeAndre Ayton. Ayton could arguably be the best true center we’ve seen come into the league since the era of Olajuwons and Robinsons. With a 7′1″ height and 7′5″ wingspan, the range of a pure stretch 4, and the speed and footwork of a guy half his size, Ayton is shaping up to take the league by storm. In the words of Jay Bilas, he’s a Hall of Fame level talent with nothing he can’t do on the court, and in the age of the “unicorn”, Ayton could be the heir to the title of best in the league in the years of the decline (I assume there’ll be a decline but i’m not totally convinced) of Lebron James.

Aside from the Hall of Fame potential, why should the Suns take Ayton? Well for one, their pool of young talent would be perfect for him. Sticking Ayton at the in the conveniently sized seven feet and one inch tall hole at the 5 alongside Devin Booker, T.J Warren, and Josh Jackson at the 2 through 4 and some semblance of a competent point guard would be downright frightening. On top of that, with Tyson Chandler in the twilight of his career, Ayton would have the chance to learn from an NBA champion and former Defensive Player of the Year with over fifteen years of experience in the league.

Second, this summer’s batch of free agents is hardly anything to bat an eye at in terms of big men. Obviously, DeMarcus Cousins will be a candidate for a max contract, but is unlikely to look anywhere beyond New Orleans. Beyond Cousins, who else could the Suns sign? Obviously Clippers star DeAndre Jordan would be a solid option, but at 29 years old wouldn’t come close to the Ayton’s upside. There were rumors that Phoenix would offer a max contract to Rockets center Clint Capela, and if they want to make an offer like that to a guy who’s averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per contest as opposed to a potential franchise-saver, I won’t stop them.

There is, however, an option beyond just Ayton - Luka Doncic. After spending the last few years in the toughest league in the world outside the NBA before even turning eighteen, Doncic could come right into the league as a dominant point-forward with lights out shooting and could revitalize Phoenix’s offensive mess, but maybe even Doncic can’t save this current roster without some overhaul. Phoenix ranked dead last in three point shooting in the ‘17/’18 season, and outside of Booker and Dragan Bender, no Suns player who got consistent playing time shot over 30% from three for the season, and because Doncic’s talent relies so heavily on being on a team that can spread the floor, he wouldn’t be the best fit for Phoenix.

And it’s not like Doncic is the definite option for Phoenix to take #1. Just as much as he’s shown the potential of being the next Kristaps Porzingis, he could be the next Andrea Bargnani, and Doncic is way too handsome to be relegated to Primo pasta sauce commercials.

But who knows? Maybe Doncic is as good as he’s suppose to be. The Suns could take him, sign Capela to that max deal, and take the West by storm.

All in all, this should be an easy decision for the Suns. They can take a gamble on a guy who could revitalize the worst offense in the league (could anyone save the Suns offense), or take the surefire answer to all their problems in the form of DeAndre Ayton.