Derrick White’s defensive brilliance and versatile playmaking could have revolutionized Devin Booker’s backcourt, potentially steering Phoenix toward the 2021 title instead of years of draft-day regret.
A defining piece of the history of the Phoenix Suns organization is that "what-if" factor.
The creeping belief that the trajectory of the organization during a period of time could have shifted with one or two different decisions.
One of the periods of time when these missteps were most pronounced is the 2013-2018 period as a drafting entity.
Save for franchise player Devin Booker, Phoenix largely whiffed on a vast majority of opportunities to cash out.
Perhaps the most scathing of which is the 2017 class, when Phoenix selected Josh Jackson fourth overall.
Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report raised the question of what could have been different had Phoenix gone a different direction in this draft - with longtime two-way maestro Derrick White being the alternative here.
While White isn't as star-studded as options still on the board here (Lauri Markkanen, De'Aaron Fox, OG Anunoby), White might be the most functional piece of the Suns' puzzle long-term.
The Colorado alum is one of the best defensive guards of this generation, and has evolved as a three-point shooter over the years. He also ranks third in the class in assists, which further asserts his growth as an all-around player.
How does White fit in Phoenix over the years - and how does his projected growth impact the Suns long-term?
First off, the 6'4" guard would have been a starting player from the jump in Phoenix. His versatility, attacking mentality, and crafty finishing would have served Booker well as a backcourt made, during a time that the Suns struggled to find the right match for their prized scorer.
White's high floor instantly makes him a wiser selection in comparison to Jackson, although his growth would have been easily projectable as well - especially under the leadership of eventual Phoenix coach Monty Williams.
There's also a greater chance that White boosts Phoenix's chances of either winning the NBA title in 2021, or potentially serve as a key trade piece to upgrade the roster star-power wise.
Hindsight is always 20/20, but Phoenix would be very unlikely to be facing the mess they are now had the Ryan McDonugh/James Jones eras yielded better results in the draft. Now, the franchise moves forward with Brian Gregory under the careful watch of governor Mat Ishbia.
The Suns are setting out to prove the NBA world wrong yet again in a regular season that is just one month from tipping off.
