Kendall

Marshall

Marshall is a true pass-first point guard that set the ACC’s single-season assists record this year. For his career, he averaged 7.9 assists per game and won the Cousy Award as the nation’s top point guard Thursday. At 6'4/188, Marshall has a solid chance to go in the lottery.

Marshall’s still recovering from wrist surgery, but even if he doesn’t work out at all, it shouldn’t hinder his draft stock considerably. He’s projected to go in the lottery.

“He has to figure out the NBA game -- when to pass, when to shoot,” Majerle said. “I think he’s trying to get everybody involved, not really looking for his shot.” Marshall had five turnovers compared to four assists in his first summer league game, but he should improve his performance as he continues to get his feet wet.

This was an expected move. The Suns will now be able to match any offer the team receives on Brooks, but the club probably won’t be willing to overpay after drafting Kendall Marshall on Thursday night.

Marshall is a terrific pure PG who NBADraft.net says “might be the best passer in the college game,” but he’s not very athletic and his scoring ability is “practically non-existent.” He was the consensus second-best PG in the draft, and his selection takes a bit of pressure off the Suns if Steve Nash leaves town as a free agent (they can also match offers for restricted FA Aaron Brooks).

Lillard also revealed that he’s heard he could be drafted at No. 6 overall to the Blazers, speculation which has existed since the lottery order was determined. The Blazers need a point guard and could target one of Lillard or Kendall Marshall with one of their two lottery picks.

Marshall “concedes he still has pain and is hesitant to rely on his right arm.” He suffered a fractured elbow in addition to his broken wrist, and that’s going to cause some concern for teams picking inside the top 13. “It still hurts to kind of dribble nad pass, but I’m way farther along than I was, which is a positive,” said Marshall. “It’s healing fine. It’s getting a lot better,” he added.

“Most point guards need to be in the right system,” said Monty Williams. “I think that’s the case for most point guards, more so for Kendall because he’s not the fastest guy in the world.” Williams added that he saw Marshall as “crafty,” and it’s not a surprise to see the Hornets considering a point guard with their second first-round selection.

The Suns received two first-round picks, two second-round picks and cash in exchange for agreeing to a sign-and-trade with Nash, so at least they didn’t lose their franchise PG with nothing to show for it. Goran Dragic slates as the Suns’ starting PG with rookie Kendall Marshall developing in a backup role.

Dragic said he would only sign with a team where he would be the starting point guard, and he should easily have that role in Phoenix now that Steve Nash is with the Lakers. While this is bad news for rookie Kendall Marshall, Dragic should be a very good fantasy point guard next season. Dragic averaged nearly 18 points, eight assists, two steals and two 3-pointers in 28 starts for the Rockets last season. It’s also worth noting that the Suns may plan on playing Dragic at shooting guard some, but it’s still tough to imagine Marshall having a big rookie season with Dragic on hand.