What does Koa Peat bring to Suns for 2026-2027 season?
· Yahoo Sports
PHOENIX – At the buzzer of Day 1, the Phoenix Suns traded into the 1st round to select Arizona’s Koa Peat. The cost was a hefty one in three second-round picks and cash, but that price shows the franchise’s commit towards the 6’8 forward. Despite bieng the eighth-ranked prospect heading into the 2025 collegiate season, a disappointing freshman season on a stellar Arizona team led many to doubt the 19-year-old.
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However, it appears Phoenix believes he can work in head coach Jordan Ott’s system, but why?
Mar 26, 2026; San Jose, CA, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) reacts after a pay against the Arkansas Razorbacks in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the West Regional of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at SAP Center. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images
Koa Peat showing out in workouts:
Peat brings a new layer to the Suns’ scheme with his downhill attacking. The Chandler, Arizona native stands at 6’8 with a 6’11 wingspan, while weighing 245 pounds. That frame is already NBA caliber and can use his physicality on the block, driving from the elbow or waiting in the dunker spot for a lob or rebound. Shooting nearly 54% from the field, Peat has an efficient shot diet that sees him operating inside 10 feet of the basket on short jumpers and more.
Mar 14, 2026; Kansas City, MO, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) drives to the hoop past Houston Cougars forward Chase McCarty (24) during the first half during the men’s Koa Peat Big 12 Conference Tournament Championship at T-Mobile Center. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
Despite all those positives, Peat has no outside shot. At Arizona, he took .6 3s a game and shot 35%, while also shooting 62.3% of his free throws. The form is shaky and doesn’t show signs of developing an outside shot, unless of a major change by the Suns coaching staff. Phoenix has plenty of shooters to surround Peat to show off his decent playmaking at his size. But, once teams know he can’t shoot and hang off of him can he still be a positive player.
Against talented NBA players, getting to the basket might be an adjustment for Peat, even with his frame. The defense will be an even harder adjustment, with a lack of lateral quickness to guard similar size forwards. Peat will have to rely on his strength to slow down opposing players, which will lead to him finding success facing off against opponents in the post.
Apr 4, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Arizona Wildcats forward Koa Peat (10) in action against Michigan Wolverines guard Elliot Cadeau (3) in the first half during a semifinal of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 Koa Peat NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Comparisons of Aaron Gordon has been thrown at Peat, but the NBA Champion had more upside when it came to his shooting form and defensive ability coming out. Peat is still an athletic freak, like Gordon, and could find success merely off the basis of his hustle and size.
Peat’s best quality is his commit to winning. He won multiple state titles at Perry high school and helped lead Arizona to its best season in years. Being a glue guy is a tough challenge for all rookies, but Peat’s competitiveness could iron out any of those weaknesses that are connected to him. Plus, falling to 30th overall and remaining in his home state are two massive motivations for his rookie season.
Suns trade into 1st round of NBA Draft, select Arizona’s Koa Peat