Eight years ago, the Phoenix Suns traded a generational talent for local pride — choosing Deandre Ayton with the No. 1 pick over Luka Doncic, who’s since become an MVP-caliber superstar. Former coach Igor Kokoskov revealed the owner favored Ayton for his Arizona roots, but the team worried Doncic and Devin Booker would overlap too much offensively. Ayton delivered dominant college stats and even led the Suns to the NBA Finals in 2021 — yet now he’s on his fourth team, while Doncic thrives as a Lakers star. The “what if” still echoes: what if Phoenix had drafted Doncic instead?

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-phoenix-suns-head-coach-050026859.html

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The Phoenix Suns may have missed out on drafting Luka Doncic in 2018 due to former owner Robert Sarver’s strong ties to the University of Arizona, sparking outrage over how personal bias could derail a franchise’s future. As Luka ascended into superstardom, the Suns struggled to find his caliber of talent — fueling speculation that Sarver’s loyalty cost them a generational player. This story adds another layer to Sarver’s controversial legacy, reminding fans how one person’s decisions can ripple through a team’s destiny for years.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-news/110040/igor-kokoskov-2018-draft-luka-doncic-deandre-ayton

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Rasheer Fleming’s sophomore season with the Phoenix Suns is poised to be a breakout year—raw talent, elite length, and three-point range make him a perfect fit for a team building its future. After inconsistent minutes last year, he exploded in the final 25 games, averaging nearly seven points and three rebounds. With a four-year, $8.7M guaranteed deal, the Suns are counting on him to elevate his game: faster decisions, consistent energy, and seamless execution under pressure. With Mark Williams sidelined, Fleming could see expanded roles—even at center—and prove himself as a reliable rotational piece—or even a core contributor. This season isn’t just about stats—it’s about growth, confidence, and becoming the player fans rally behind.

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This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.
Sources:
https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/player-preview-rasheer-fleming-chance-190000501.html

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