Suns lose second round pick in 2024 NBA Draft for tampering

Drew Eubanks (Frenchieinportland, Wikimedia Commons)

The Phoenix Suns have been disciplined by the National Basketball Association a day after winning their 2023-24 season opener by a score of 108-104 over the Golden State Warriors.  On Wednesday, the Suns lost their second round pick of the 2024 NBA Draft for tampering.

According to Jack Maloney of CBS Sports, the Suns contacted center Drew Eubanks of Starkville, Mississippi, before they were allowed to do so in the negotiation time period. Eubanks had officially come to terms with the Suns on a two-year deal worth $5 million only five minutes after free agency began on June 30. The draft pick initially belonged to the Denver Nuggets.

Eubanks is joining his third NBA franchise. He previously played with the San Antonio Spurs from 2018 to 2022, and with the Portland Trail Blazers from 2022 to 2023.

Last season, Eubanks had 28 starts for Portland in 78 games. He averaged 6.6 points per game, 5.4 rebounds, 1.3 assists per game, and 1.3 steals per game. Eubanks also had a field goal percentage of .641, a three-point percentage of .389, and a free throw percentage of .664.

On Tuesday, Eubanks once again came off the bench, but made his presence felt on the defensive side of the floor. He had a game-high three blocks.

Eubanks is 6’10”, and 245 pounds. He played his college basketball at Oregon State.

Expectations are rather high this season for Phoenix. Devin Booker is the star of the franchise. A year ago he averaged 27.8 points per game, and then had 32 points in their Tuesday win. Phoenix also has star forward Kevin Durant, and new head coach Frank Vogel this season.

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