Suns news: What would Phoenix do with three first-round draft picks? And who will coach?

Too much time looking at the Suns can be dangerous, but azcentral pays Scott Bordow (@sbordow) to do it. Scott will answer the best of your recent questions every Tuesday and offer a breakdown at the top and bottom of the NBA standings.

Whose most likely to get the first pick in NBA draft?

Phoenix's loss to the Pelicans on Monday night was the Suns' 10th in a row and gave them the worst winning percentage in the NBA (.290), right behind the Hawks (.295). Those two bottom feeders meet on Sunday. 

Suns (18-44) This week: Wed. at Grizzlies, Fri. vs Thunder, Sun. at Hawks

Mavericks (19-42) This week: Wed. vs. Thunder, Fri. at Bulls, Sun. vs. Pelicans

Hawks (18-43) This week: Wed. vs. Pacers, Fri. vs. Warriors, Sun. vs Suns

Magic (18-42) This week: Wed. vs. Raptors, Fri. vs. Pistons, Sat. vs. Grizzlies

Kings (18-42) This week: Tues. at Trail Blazers, Thurs. vs. Nets, Sat. vs Jazz, Sun. vs Knicks 

SUNS SCHEDULE:Who's Phoenix playing for the rest of the 2018 season

Three questions facing the Suns

Does Brandon Knight actually affect the team’s offseason plans?

Great question. And yes. A source recently said that getting Knight back after missing all of this season following reconstructive knee surgery will be like adding a first-round pick. Remember, just two years ago Knight averaged 19.6 points and 5.1 assists per game. He also seems to be in a better place emotionally and mentally. A healthy and motivated Knight – along with the recent solid play of Elfrid Payton – could convince the Suns that their biggest need in the draft isn’t a point guard but a center.

SUNS NEWS:Brandon Knight still believes he can be an asset to Suns

The Suns could have three first-round picks if Milwaukee’s pick falls between Nos. 11 and 16. Do they want that many picks?

No. The last thing Phoenix needs is three more 19- or 20-year-olds on their roster who aren’t quite ready for the NBA grind. Here's a quick reminder of the Suns' draft prospects:

• Phoenix will have its own pick, likely numbers 1 through 5
• The Suns will have Miami's pick, if that pick is No. 8 or later
• Phoenix will have Milwaukee's pick, if it's in that No. 11 through No. 16 range.

If Phoenix has all of those picks, expect the Suns to try to use the additional picks to seek a trade for a young, established player. We’re still not sold on Phoenix going after Orlando restricted free agent Aaron Gordon, but the Heat and Bucks’ picks – along with a young player – could be the parts in a sign-and-trade deal.

NBA MOCK DRAFT:Would Suns take Deandre Ayton with No. 1 2018 NBA draft pick?

What are Jay Triano’s chances of returning as Suns’ coach next season?

Hard to tell. Triano has a good relationship with General Manager Ryan McDonough and has the respect of his players. It also can’t be stressed enough that constantly changing coaches hasn’t worked out well for Phoenix. Maybe, at some point, it’s not the coach’s fault? That said, it might be difficult for the Suns to bring Triano back if they continue to play the way they did in the first half against the Los Angeles Clippers Friday. It’s one thing to lose and be competitive. Too often this season, the Suns have lost in embarrassing fashion. At the very least, expect Phoenix to interview other coaches following the season before making a decision, something McDonough didn’t do when he gave Earl Watson the full-time job.

SUNS ROSTER:How much Phoenix Suns players make in 2017-18

NBA Finals contenders:

The Rockets have loosened the Warriors' stranglehold on the Western Conference, but just a bit. If you're going to watch one team this week, make it the Wizards, with three compelling games against playoff teams, beginning with the Bucks on Tuesday. 

Warriors (5/8) This week: Wed. at Wizards, Fri. at Hawks, 

Rockets (9/2) This week: Wed. at Clippers, Sat. vs. Celtics, 

Celtics (14/1) This week: Wed. vs. Hornets, Sat. at Rockets

Cavaliers (5/1) This week: Tues. vs. Brooklyn, Thurs. vs. 76ers, Sat. vs. Nuggets

Raptors (12/1) This week: Wed. at Magic, Fri. at Wizards, Sun. vs. Hornets

Nice-but-no-real-shot at the NBA Finals

Spurs (25/1) This week: Wed. vs. Pelicans, Sat. vs. Lakers

Timberwolves (40/1) This week: Thurs. at Trail Blazers, Fri. at Jazz

Wizards (50/1) This week: Tues. at Bucks, Weds. vs. Warriors, Fri. vs Raptors

Thunder (25/1) This week: Wed. at Mavericks, Fri. at Suns, Sat. at Trail Blazers