Suns Draft Pick Dwayne Collins Will Play In Italy

Suns second round pick Dwayne Collins has accepted a contract offer to play in Italy this season, giving up his chance at making the Suns roster -- for now.

As originally reported by Ridiculous Upside and now confirmed to SB Nation Arizona by league sources, Suns second round draft pick Dwayne Collins will forgo his chance to make the NBA roster and has accepted an offer to play in Italy for Cimberio Varese.

Collins was the the last pick of the 2010 NBA draft, a fact he immortalized with the tattoo "Mr. Irrelevant" on his massive hand.

Dwayne was unable to play for the Suns Summer League team due to a knee injury and likely felt he could get more court time in addition to a guaranteed contract by playing this season overseas.

Even before this news, the Suns were admittedly looking for another veteran center and with Gani Lawal (drafted 46th overall) receiving a guaranteed contract from Phoenix, there would have been little room for Collins.

The Suns still retain his NBA rights should his skill develop and warrant a shot at playing at the top level. I would be shocked if we don't see him in Vegas next summer for the Suns.

In the meantime, best of luck to Dwayne. He's seriously a funny guy with a fantastic attitude. If he was two or three inches taller he's be a first round pick for sure and if he can get more experience and range to his game he could still be a rotation player some day.

From Scott at Ridiculous Upside:

The 6-foot-8, 245 pound Collins averaged 12.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks as a senior at the University of Miami.  Though the well-built big man isn't the most talented player on the court, his athleticism - and 7-foot-4 wingspan - means that if he's able to add some polish overseas this year, he should definitely be able to come back and compete for a spot next season on the Suns roster.



(arizona.sbnation.com)