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Suns bring in Russian Khryapa
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Viktor Khryapa is a tall, skinny Russian basketball player. That's why he's often compared to the best-known player who fits this description: Andrei Kirilenko of the Utah Jazz.
If Khryapa, 20, is anywhere near as skilled as Kirilenko, one of the NBA's better young players, the prospect for the June 26 draft should be able to stick in the NBA.
The 6-foot-9, 210-pounder worked out for the Suns on Tuesday, part of the club's pre-draft evaluation of players.
"I like him," said Suns vice president Dick Van Arsdale. "His body isn't developed. But he can shoot with range.
"He's a good basketball player. He'll play for somebody."
But probably not the Suns, who draft at No. 17 in the first round. The Russian prospect more likely will be drafted later in the first round.
The draft prospect said he's well suited to fast-break basketball, and that he likes what he sees of the NBA.
"It's very fast, a beautiful game," he said.
Khryapa is in the middle of a long tour of NBA clubs. Next up are Seattle, Portland, Orlando, Atlanta and Memphis.
He's getting tips from Kirilenko, with whom he is friendly. The Jazz player had high praise for the United States, with individual reviews of cities (Boston: thumbs up, Memphis: thumbs down), Khryapa said.
His tip on Phoenix: "It's very hot in the summer," Khryapa said.
Also working out for the Suns were forwards Donnell Knight of Arizona State and Noel Felix of Fresno State.
Knight is not a candidate for the draft but said, "I'm just excited to be here." He said he hoped to play in the NBA's developmental league, or in Europe, "or wherever I can get a job."
Felix could be drafted in the second round. The Suns do not have a pick in the round, having traded it for center Jake Voskuhl. But they will be looking for players to fill out a summer camp and for their team that will take part in a league for young pros in Salt Lake City.
BONUS SHOTS:
Stephon Marbury, recovering from surgery on his ankles, was on hand to watch the workout. Marbury said he feels good and that, "In about two weeks, I'll be able to run." . . . The Suns will stage a party on draft day for season-ticketholders only at the Fox Sports Grill in north Scottsdale.
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