What makes us think Plumlee will thrive in the long-term?
Duke players are typically the types to have long careers, because with a mentoring by Coach Krzyzewski, the player receives his instructions on how to be a good teammate. Plumlee’s basketball IQ is automatically higher than the average hooper of most any other institution, and with Seth Curry (potentially) on the roster, it makes further sense.
A second unit featuring two Dukies would be a good one, proven by the examples of J.J. Redick, Shane Battier, Christian Laettner, Grant Hill or even Josh McRoberts (and I cannot say this about Chris Duhon, but we can leave that one alone as an outlier).
Coach K produces sustainable talent, and the Plumlee brothers all bring immense skills to go with statue.
This is a winning proposition.
The right coach, or even the right big man coach in an assistant role, could make Plumlee not a diamond in the rough, but a diamond in the wide open for the small cost of a pick. There will be a vulture to swoop in and take Plumlee, but GMs may be waiting to see if Phoenix will first reduce the asking price.
While Plumlee may be worth a first rounder, it is far from a certainty that any team is willing to pay for a piece the Suns have already made known to be available. Whether it be Rob Hennigan or some other GM, Plumlee currently comes at what is a bargain both contractually and a reasonable team asking price.