Team of the Day: Phoenix Suns Edition

[Roddy B for 3]

Hire Thibs

I envision Booker to be a '01 Ray Allen like player. Primarilly on ball because of the talent but best suited as an off ball player on a championship level team.

Because I value Booker so high I'll bring him along slowly. My starters will be Bledsoe and Knight. Booker will get plenty of time.

Hopefully Len can become Noah like defensively with Thibs coaching. Chandler would be a 2nd unit monster with Thibs coaching and schemes.

If Warren can run the floor shoot threes and defend as well as his tools + Thibs coaching would lead one to belive, he could be a long term starter. Tucker off the bench is great.

I want to build a defensive power house in the desert, that RUNS every chance it gets.
Which is why Bledsoe is so valuable (I envision him to have long term value equal to a poor mans DWade post '07). When he enivitably goes down hopefully Booker will be ready to replace him as the franchise player and Bled can come back in a supporting role. Similar to CURRENT DRose and Jimmy Butlers situation.

Knight is primarily a place holder. A scorer who can fill in when Bled goes down.

Everyone plays D hard. Via Thibs.

Bled, Warren and Len run. Knight shoots. Booker learns how to be a franchise player on the bench. Chandler puts up ELITE advanced defensive numbers on the bench. Tucker plays tough defense off the bench.

Idk what to do at the 4. I would like a player who can shoot their. Maybe a small ball guy as a backup. Idk. (Would Ryan Anderson and Brandon Knight starting prevent our Desert defense from being elite? Probably, so no to Ryan Anderson as a starter) bring in Amir Johnson and Teletovich? Idk.

Pick bpa at 3 except for Centers (unless your willing to move Len). And avoid players who are strictly 2 guards (the Sooner)(unless you doubt Booker).

Hopefully the Euro Phoniex fans are so excited about shows enough next year that he + Booker look like they can handle the starting (& backup) job(s) at the 2 from '17-'18 onward. Then Knight can be moved (or maybe become the primary 1 backup).

Len/Chandler
(eventally a 15+ppg caliber guy who defends well)???/???(Leur/Teletovich IDK)
Warren/Tucker
Knight/Booker/the euro
Bledsoe/???(Eventually a guy like Collison)

So Thibs, definsive identity. Run after defense. Shoot threes well. Build around Booker (use Bledsoe as a part-time "franchise" player).

And the 3 pick should be enough.

[Patsfan1081]

Hasn't Bender played very well in recent games, his outside shooting I've heard has looked really good. I know Tel Macc is having a down season but his stats are similar to Porzingis at 18 and Bender is trending up with more games yet to be played. I don't see why he wouldn't look good in drills either with his ball handling skills, I mean his reach and athlectism is pretty well known by scouts now, I don't think anything he shows during workouts will surprise anyone. I'd be fine if they pass on him and lands in Boston.

That being said, don't let the "you haven't watched my team guys" stop you from doing the "Team of the Day". I enjoy reading them and hope Boston and Philly are up soon.

[bwgood77]

Hire Thibs

I envision Booker to be a '01 Ray Allen like player. Primarilly on ball because of the talent but best suited as an off ball player on a championship level team.

Because I value Booker so high I'll bring him along slowly. My starters will be Bledsoe and Knight. Booker will get plenty of time.

Hopefully Len can become Noah like defensively with Thibs coaching. Chandler would be a 2nd unit monster with Thibs coaching and schemes.

If Warren can run the floor shoot threes and defend as well as his tools + Thibs coaching would lead one to belive, he could be a long term starter. Tucker off the bench is great.

I want to build a defensive power house in the desert, that RUNS every chance it gets.
Which is why Bledsoe is so valuable (I envision him to have long term value equal to a poor mans DWade post '07). When he enivitably goes down hopefully Booker will be ready to replace him as the franchise player and Bled can come back in a supporting role. Similar to CURRENT DRose and Jimmy Butlers situation.

Knight is primarily a place holder. A scorer who can fill in when Bled goes down.

Everyone plays D hard. Via Thibs.

Bled, Warren and Len run. Knight shoots. Booker learns how to be a franchise player on the bench. Chandler puts up ELITE advanced defensive numbers on the bench. Tucker plays tough defense off the bench.

Idk what to do at the 4. I would like a player who can shoot their. Maybe a small ball guy as a backup. Idk. (Would Ryan Anderson and Brandon Knight starting prevent our Desert defense from being elite? Probably, so no to Ryan Anderson as a starter) bring in Amir Johnson and Teletovich? Idk.

Pick bpa at 3 except for Centers (unless your willing to move Len). And avoid players who are strictly 2 guards (the Sooner)(unless you doubt Booker).

Hopefully the Euro Phoniex fans are so excited about shows enough next year that he + Booker look like they can handle the starting (& backup) job(s) at the 2 from '17-'18 onward. Then Knight can be moved (or maybe become the primary 1 backup).

Len/Chandler
(eventally a 15+ppg caliber guy who defends well)???/???(Leur/Teletovich IDK)
Warren/Tucker
Knight/Booker/the euro
Bledsoe/???(Eventually a guy like Collison)

So Thibs, definsive identity. Run after defense. Shoot threes well. Build around Booker (use Bledsoe as a part-time "franchise" player).

And the 3 pick should be enough.

I've never been a big advocate of hiring Thibs but your post makes it sound pretty good.

[Roddy B for 3]

Hire Thibs

I envision Booker to be a '01 Ray Allen like player. Primarilly on ball because of the talent but best suited as an off ball player on a championship level team.

Because I value Booker so high I'll bring him along slowly. My starters will be Bledsoe and Knight. Booker will get plenty of time.

Hopefully Len can become Noah like defensively with Thibs coaching. Chandler would be a 2nd unit monster with Thibs coaching and schemes.

If Warren can run the floor shoot threes and defend as well as his tools + Thibs coaching would lead one to belive, he could be a long term starter. Tucker off the bench is great.

I want to build a defensive power house in the desert, that RUNS every chance it gets.
Which is why Bledsoe is so valuable (I envision him to have long term value equal to a poor mans DWade post '07). When he enivitably goes down hopefully Booker will be ready to replace him as the franchise player and Bled can come back in a supporting role. Similar to CURRENT DRose and Jimmy Butlers situation.

Knight is primarily a place holder. A scorer who can fill in when Bled goes down.

Everyone plays D hard. Via Thibs.

Bled, Warren and Len run. Knight shoots. Booker learns how to be a franchise player on the bench. Chandler puts up ELITE advanced defensive numbers on the bench. Tucker plays tough defense off the bench.

Idk what to do at the 4. I would like a player who can shoot their. Maybe a small ball guy as a backup. Idk. (Would Ryan Anderson and Brandon Knight starting prevent our Desert defense from being elite? Probably, so no to Ryan Anderson as a starter) bring in Amir Johnson and Teletovich? Idk.

Pick bpa at 3 except for Centers (unless your willing to move Len). And avoid players who are strictly 2 guards (the Sooner)(unless you doubt Booker).

Hopefully the Euro Phoniex fans are so excited about shows enough next year that he + Booker look like they can handle the starting (& backup) job(s) at the 2 from '17-'18 onward. Then Knight can be moved (or maybe become the primary 1 backup).

Len/Chandler
(eventally a 15+ppg caliber guy who defends well)???/???(Leur/Teletovich IDK)
Warren/Tucker
Knight/Booker/the euro
Bledsoe/???(Eventually a guy like Collison)

So Thibs, definsive identity. Run after defense. Shoot threes well. Build around Booker (use Bledsoe as a part-time "franchise" player).

And the 3 pick should be enough.

I've never been a big advocate of hiring Thibs but your post makes it sound pretty good.

Thanks. I would love to see Phoniex keep running, but you guys deserve a top tier defense.

[bwgood77]

Thanks. I would love to see Phoniex keep running, but you guys deserve a top tier defense.

I wonder if they drafted Bender if Thibs would ever play him or be able to mold him into a good player. For everyone who says he doesn't play young guys, Butler sure did improve as he worked on his game under Thibs.

Bender's strength is also throwing outlet passes on the fast break.

I think most Suns fans or I should probably say all Suns fans want Booker to start and Knight to be a 6th man, but Knight does play MUCH better off ball WITH Bledsoe then in any other scenario I've seen him, so that leaves a dilemma.

Knight is just a terrible decision maker. Warren I think is very underrated. No one ever talks about him, but he has some serious skill.

[Roddy B for 3]

Thanks. I would love to see Phoniex keep running, but you guys deserve a top tier defense.

I wonder if they drafted Bender if Thibs would ever play him or be able to mold him into a good player. For everyone who says he doesn't play young guys, Butler sure did improve as he worked on his game under Thibs.

Bender's strength is also throwing outlet passes on the fast break.

I think most Suns fans or I should probably say all Suns fans want Booker to start and Knight to be a 6th man, but Knight does play MUCH better off ball WITH Bledsoe then in any other scenario I've seen him, so that leaves a dilemma.

Knight is just a terrible decision maker. Warren I think is very underrated. No one ever talks about him, but he has some serious skill.

I don't think Bender should be a PF. I don't think this is an era he could do that in. I think he could develop into a strech-5. If Phoniex agrees with me then long term it's Bender or Lin if they go that way.

If Lin dosen't turn into a DPOY type guy... It's hard to see him being seem as top 5 guy on a title team level.

But, I should ask you. What do you think Alex Lin can become?

[bwgood77]

Thanks. I would love to see Phoniex keep running, but you guys deserve a top tier defense.

I wonder if they drafted Bender if Thibs would ever play him or be able to mold him into a good player. For everyone who says he doesn't play young guys, Butler sure did improve as he worked on his game under Thibs.

Bender's strength is also throwing outlet passes on the fast break.

I think most Suns fans or I should probably say all Suns fans want Booker to start and Knight to be a 6th man, but Knight does play MUCH better off ball WITH Bledsoe then in any other scenario I've seen him, so that leaves a dilemma.

Knight is just a terrible decision maker. Warren I think is very underrated. No one ever talks about him, but he has some serious skill.

I don't think Bender should be a PF. I don't think this is an era he could do that in. I think he could develop into a strech-5. If Phoniex agrees with me then long term it's Bender or Lin if they go that way.

If Lin dosen't turn into a DPOY type guy... It's hard to see him being seem as top 5 guy on a title team level.

But, I should ask you. What do you think Alex Lin can become?

It's tough with Len. I think he could become someone who is among the league leaders in rebounds. I think he is a fair rim protector and ok defender but fouls too much right now, but he can likely improve on that. What I can't figure out is his offense. He looked good on offense earlier in the year and was money from midrange, especially around the FT line. But in the last few months he has been awful shooting which is inexplicable for a big. The other night he was 1-10, but the prior game he had a monster game offensively, and this seems to happen about once every five games he just has a great offensive game. I think for him it may just come down to confidence.

I have no idea what he can become but I think having Chandler around has helped him on the rebounding and defensive side as he's picked up a lot from him. I wouldn't mind if he shared time with Chandler for a couple years and if Bender was around, he basically eventually takes over Chandler's minutes entirely and they share time, and if both have range, occasionally they could even play together though not often if the league continues small ball direction.

[Roddy B for 3]

I wonder if they drafted Bender if Thibs would ever play him or be able to mold him into a good player. For everyone who says he doesn't play young guys, Butler sure did improve as he worked on his game under Thibs.

Bender's strength is also throwing outlet passes on the fast break.

I think most Suns fans or I should probably say all Suns fans want Booker to start and Knight to be a 6th man, but Knight does play MUCH better off ball WITH Bledsoe then in any other scenario I've seen him, so that leaves a dilemma.

Knight is just a terrible decision maker. Warren I think is very underrated. No one ever talks about him, but he has some serious skill.

I don't think Bender should be a PF. I don't think this is an era he could do that in. I think he could develop into a strech-5. If Phoniex agrees with me then long term it's Bender or Lin if they go that way.

If Lin dosen't turn into a DPOY type guy... It's hard to see him being seem as top 5 guy on a title team level.

But, I should ask you. What do you think Alex Lin can become?

It's tough with Len. I think he could become someone who is among the league leaders in rebounds. I think he is a fair rim protector and ok defender but fouls too much right now, but he can likely improve on that. What I can't figure out is his offense. He looked good on offense earlier in the year and was money from midrange, especially around the FT line. But in the last few months he has been awful shooting which is inexplicable for a big. The other night he was 1-10, but the prior game he had a monster game offensively, and this seems to happen about once every five games he just has a great offensive game. I think for him it may just come down to confidence.

I have no idea what he can become but I think having Chandler around has helped him on the rebounding and defensive side as he's picked up a lot from him. I wouldn't mind if he shared time with Chandler for a couple years and if Bender was around, he basically eventually takes over Chandler's minutes entirely and they share time, and if both have range, occasionally they could even play together though not often if the league continues small ball direction.

Bender could learn from Chandler too and he probably has a higher offinsive upside than Len.

[8on]

Right now we are unintentionally tanking out circumstance not by design.Honestly this roster should just be gutted, I see 35-40 wins tops when healthy, maybe thats enough to approach an 8th seed IDK. We need to bottom out for another year if we miss out on the crown jewels of this draft, knowing our luck we will get leapfrogged in the lotto. Lateral acquisitons are the last thing we need don't want get back on the treadmill, we have struck out every summer. I don't think Barnes is any more than a glue guy/product of the System not a stud waiting to be featured. Don't want to max out players just for the sake of it when it doesn't move the needle

the truth is that the talent on the Warriors makes everyone on the Warriors look great. outside of that system, we don't know how a guy like Harrison Barnes will look. he's a little big man who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. we already have that in T.J. Warren.

there's no rush. the Warriors look to be dominant for the next decade. to that end, gutting the roster doesn't make a lick of sense.

We have not seen 35 games of Knight, Bledsoe, and health Chandler. i said it months ago, and i'm saying it again now. until we see that, i'm not willing to write us off.



now, as to what we should do, here's my idea: Jimmy Butler would be an excellent fit next to Bled, Booker and/or Knight.

I have read that Chicago is interested in moving Butler. I offer Knight, Warren, Goodwin and the 1st we got from Washington. That should do it. (Why would Chicago take Knight? Little known fact, but a dozen teams would kill to get their hands on a serviceable point guard that stays healthy. Chicago is one of those teams.)


Now McD has our 1st, the Cavs 1st, and the 33rd or 34th pick. With our 1st I take Jamal Murray. Why? Because he can come in for Bledsoe, should Bledsoe get hurt. Once Bledsoe gets to a certain age, we have Murray. If we want to sell high on Bledsoe, we can (and should). Murray is aggressive, he can make plays, he can shoot, and he has an instinct for getting to the rim and scoring. I think he can be elite.

With the Cavs pick, I take Malcolm Brogdon. Why? He's one guy who can play well off the ball. He makes good decisions, he's a good shooter, he could be a very good defensive player. I'm thinking of Danny Green.

With the 33rd pick, I take Grayson Allen, if he's available, or if not Brice Johnson. You don't have to bring them into the tent yet, as they are 2nd rounders, but I find it unlikely that Allen isn't an NBA player.



Now I have the following:

Bledsoe/Murray
Booker/Bogdanovic
Butler/Brogdon (we can go ahead and trade P.J. for a 1st. in my head, the salary cap space would be more useful to us)
Leuer/Teletovic
Chandler/Len


There. Playoff team. Fastest re-rebuild I've ever seen.

[blacksun]

No way CHI trades Butler for that hot mess.

[R-DAWG]

Right now we are unintentionally tanking out circumstance not by design.Honestly this roster should just be gutted, I see 35-40 wins tops when healthy, maybe thats enough to approach an 8th seed IDK. We need to bottom out for another year if we miss out on the crown jewels of this draft, knowing our luck we will get leapfrogged in the lotto. Lateral acquisitons are the last thing we need don't want get back on the treadmill, we have struck out every summer. I don't think Barnes is any more than a glue guy/product of the System not a stud waiting to be featured. Don't want to max out players just for the sake of it when it doesn't move the needle

the truth is that the talent on the Warriors makes everyone on the Warriors look great. outside of that system, we don't know how a guy like Harrison Barnes will look. he's a little big man who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. we already have that in T.J. Warren.

there's no rush. the Warriors look to be dominant for the next decade. to that end, gutting the roster doesn't make a lick of sense.

We have not seen 35 games of Knight, Bledsoe, and health Chandler. i said it months ago, and i'm saying it again now. until we see that, i'm not willing to write us off.



now, as to what we should do, here's my idea: Jimmy Butler would be an excellent fit next to Bled, Booker and/or Knight.

I have read that Chicago is interested in moving Butler. I offer Knight, Warren, Goodwin and the 1st we got from Washington. That should do it. (Why would Chicago take Knight? Little known fact, but a dozen teams would kill to get their hands on a serviceable point guard that stays healthy. Chicago is one of those teams.)


Now McD has our 1st, the Cavs 1st, and the 33rd or 34th pick. With our 1st I take Jamal Murray. Why? Because he can come in for Bledsoe, should Bledsoe get hurt. Once Bledsoe gets to a certain age, we have Murray. If we want to sell high on Bledsoe, we can (and should). Murray is aggressive, he can make plays, he can shoot, and he has an instinct for getting to the rim and scoring. I think he can be elite.

With the Cavs pick, I take Malcolm Brogdon. Why? He's one guy who can play well off the ball. He makes good decisions, he's a good shooter, he could be a very good defensive player. I'm thinking of Danny Green.

With the 33rd pick, I take Grayson Allen, if he's available, or if not Brice Johnson. You don't have to bring them into the tent yet, as they are 2nd rounders, but I find it unlikely that Allen isn't an NBA player.



Now I have the following:

Bledsoe/Murray
Booker/Bogdanovic
Butler/Brogdon (we can go ahead and trade P.J. for a 1st. in my head, the salary cap space would be more useful to us)
Leuer/Teletovic
Chandler/Len


There. Playoff team. Fastest re-rebuild I've ever seen.

If I'm the Bulls I'm asking you for your first round pick and Booker and likely asking for both Miami picks as well.

[R-DAWG]

Right now we are unintentionally tanking out circumstance not by design.Honestly this roster should just be gutted, I see 35-40 wins tops when healthy, maybe thats enough to approach an 8th seed IDK. We need to bottom out for another year if we miss out on the crown jewels of this draft, knowing our luck we will get leapfrogged in the lotto. Lateral acquisitons are the last thing we need don't want get back on the treadmill, we have struck out every summer. I don't think Barnes is any more than a glue guy/product of the System not a stud waiting to be featured. Don't want to max out players just for the sake of it when it doesn't move the needle

the truth is that the talent on the Warriors makes everyone on the Warriors look great. outside of that system, we don't know how a guy like Harrison Barnes will look. he's a little big man who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. we already have that in T.J. Warren.

there's no rush. the Warriors look to be dominant for the next decade. to that end, gutting the roster doesn't make a lick of sense.

We have not seen 35 games of Knight, Bledsoe, and health Chandler. i said it months ago, and i'm saying it again now. until we see that, i'm not willing to write us off.



now, as to what we should do, here's my idea: Jimmy Butler would be an excellent fit next to Bled, Booker and/or Knight.

I have read that Chicago is interested in moving Butler. I offer Knight, Warren, Goodwin and the 1st we got from Washington. That should do it. (Why would Chicago take Knight? Little known fact, but a dozen teams would kill to get their hands on a serviceable point guard that stays healthy. Chicago is one of those teams.)


Now McD has our 1st, the Cavs 1st, and the 33rd or 34th pick. With our 1st I take Jamal Murray. Why? Because he can come in for Bledsoe, should Bledsoe get hurt. Once Bledsoe gets to a certain age, we have Murray. If we want to sell high on Bledsoe, we can (and should). Murray is aggressive, he can make plays, he can shoot, and he has an instinct for getting to the rim and scoring. I think he can be elite.

With the Cavs pick, I take Malcolm Brogdon. Why? He's one guy who can play well off the ball. He makes good decisions, he's a good shooter, he could be a very good defensive player. I'm thinking of Danny Green.

With the 33rd pick, I take Grayson Allen, if he's available, or if not Brice Johnson. You don't have to bring them into the tent yet, as they are 2nd rounders, but I find it unlikely that Allen isn't an NBA player.



Now I have the following:

Bledsoe/Murray
Booker/Bogdanovic
Butler/Brogdon (we can go ahead and trade P.J. for a 1st. in my head, the salary cap space would be more useful to us)
Leuer/Teletovic
Chandler/Len


There. Playoff team. Fastest re-rebuild I've ever seen.

If I'm the Bulls I'm asking you for your first round pick and Booker and likely asking for both Miami picks as well.

[saintEscaton]

Right now we are unintentionally tanking out circumstance not by design.Honestly this roster should just be gutted, I see 35-40 wins tops when healthy, maybe thats enough to approach an 8th seed IDK. We need to bottom out for another year if we miss out on the crown jewels of this draft, knowing our luck we will get leapfrogged in the lotto. Lateral acquisitons are the last thing we need don't want get back on the treadmill, we have struck out every summer. I don't think Barnes is any more than a glue guy/product of the System not a stud waiting to be featured. Don't want to max out players just for the sake of it when it doesn't move the needle

the truth is that the talent on the Warriors makes everyone on the Warriors look great. outside of that system, we don't know how a guy like Harrison Barnes will look. he's a little big man who doesn't make a lot of mistakes. we already have that in T.J. Warren.

there's no rush. the Warriors look to be dominant for the next decade. to that end, gutting the roster doesn't make a lick of sense.

We have not seen 35 games of Knight, Bledsoe, and health Chandler. i said it months ago, and i'm saying it again now. until we see that, i'm not willing to write us off.



now, as to what we should do, here's my idea: Jimmy Butler would be an excellent fit next to Bled, Booker and/or Knight.

I have read that Chicago is interested in moving Butler. I offer Knight, Warren, Goodwin and the 1st we got from Washington. That should do it. (Why would Chicago take Knight? Little known fact, but a dozen teams would kill to get their hands on a serviceable point guard that stays healthy. Chicago is one of those teams.)


Now McD has our 1st, the Cavs 1st, and the 33rd or 34th pick. With our 1st I take Jamal Murray. Why? Because he can come in for Bledsoe, should Bledsoe get hurt. Once Bledsoe gets to a certain age, we have Murray. If we want to sell high on Bledsoe, we can (and should). Murray is aggressive, he can make plays, he can shoot, and he has an instinct for getting to the rim and scoring. I think he can be elite.

With the Cavs pick, I take Malcolm Brogdon. Why? He's one guy who can play well off the ball. He makes good decisions, he's a good shooter, he could be a very good defensive player. I'm thinking of Danny Green.

With the 33rd pick, I take Grayson Allen, if he's available, or if not Brice Johnson. You don't have to bring them into the tent yet, as they are 2nd rounders, but I find it unlikely that Allen isn't an NBA player.



Now I have the following:

Bledsoe/Murray
Booker/Bogdanovic
Butler/Brogdon (we can go ahead and trade P.J. for a 1st. in my head, the salary cap space would be more useful to us)
Leuer/Teletovic
Chandler/Len


There. Playoff team. Fastest re-rebuild I've ever seen.

If I'm the Bulls I'm asking you for your first round pick and Booker and likely asking for both Miami picks as well.

No way thats a realistic counter-offer.

[itzmrgigglez]

I'm in for the OKC trade.

I'm not totally sure Barnes is a guy I target for them though, I may be more inclined to go with a cheaper T Jones and see if I can get him for a bit less.

That Kanter trade is a dream trade. And we could even waive Chandler and sign Robert Sacre or push for Tarik Black if we need to make the money work or if Presti just wants to save money

But would the Suns F.O really want to give up so much for what is still a great offensive monster but defensive liability and Singler, who is somehow still making it in the NBA? And two picks, seems to radical

[bondom34]

I'm in for the OKC trade.

I'm not totally sure Barnes is a guy I target for them though, I may be more inclined to go with a cheaper T Jones and see if I can get him for a bit less.

That Kanter trade is a dream trade. And we could even waive Chandler and sign Robert Sacre or push for Tarik Black if we need to make the money work or if Presti just wants to save money

But would the Suns F.O really want to give up so much for what is still a great offensive monster but defensive liability and Singler, who is somehow still making it in the NBA? And two picks, seems to radical

There's no way they waive Chandler, I'd take him to backup Adams, but zero chance he gets waived. Sacre's awful and Black has his own issues, Chandler's still a better player and you'd be paying 13 mil to go away.

PHX probably doesn't do it.

[Tylerac]

Some questions for the board that I've been wondering about the Suns:
I think the Suns FO believes they are in a position with their assets to 'compete now.' This is different from 'win now' in that they won't compromise their future by moving significant draft picks, signing older players, or going after a coach that won't develop players very well. That said, the Suns also aren't going to blow things up and move everyone who's prime doesn't line up with Booker/Len/#3/#12; they are instead going to try to 'have their cake and eat it too'. It seems they are trying to develop their assets within a (semi) winning culture.
1. What do you think of this strategy? Is it wiser to blow things up Phily style if you determine that your current assets are good but not championship pieces?
2. Do the Suns believe TJ Warren is a starting caliber SF in this league? A future star?
3. Although the Tyson Chandler signing suggests otherwise, methinks the Suns aren't trying to sign anyone much older than Bledsoe (26) in light of Booker's success and this high pick. What free agents would you go after if you were determined to 'compete now' as the Suns?

[blacksun]

Some questions for the board that I've been wondering about the Suns:
I think the Suns FO believes they are in a position with their assets to 'compete now.' This is different from 'win now' in that they won't compromise their future by moving significant draft picks, signing older players, or going after a coach that won't develop players very well. That said, the Suns also aren't going to blow things up and move everyone who's prime doesn't line up with Booker/Len/#3/#12; they are instead going to try to 'have their cake and eat it too'. It seems they are trying to develop their assets within a (semi) winning culture.
1. What do you think of this strategy? Is it wiser to blow things up Phily style if you determine that your current assets are good but not championship pieces?
2. Do the Suns believe TJ Warren is a starting caliber SF in this league? A future star?
3. Although the Tyson Chandler signing suggests otherwise, methinks the Suns aren't trying to sign anyone much older than Bledsoe (26) in light of Booker's success and this high pick. What free agents would you go after if you were determined to 'compete now' as the Suns?

Suns fans dont even have a clear read of this franchise, but imo i think youre correct. Im gonna give my two cents.

1. Developing a culture is important as much of a cliche it is. So no, I dont think the Philly way is a good way of rebuilding. I personally like that we have guys like Chandler and Price in the locker room with the young guys, although not all Suns fans agree. If they were to continue rebuilding through the draft, i think its a great approach to have veterans mixed in there as well, even if you lose a couple of pingpong balls in the process. The lottery is just that anyway, a lottery.

2. Warren as a future star? its possible, although he still has a long way to go. Starting caliber SF? Hell yes. IMO he should start at that position next year. Everybody kind of forgot about him since he got injured but he is a really good player. Shame he wasn't able to join the Earl Watson party.

3. I think the Suns arent looking for a trade this offseason, except for cant miss stars like DMC should it present itself. Theyre gonna wanna rebuild through the draft and free agency as its largely a no-loss game. I can see them going after the top free agents like Horford, Anderson, Barnes, and Batum. I dont think they care that these guys will win them some games even if theyre on rebuild mode. This is dangerous, because we can wind up back on the treadmill, but if it works out then great. We get to have our cake and eat it too.

[Tylerac]

I don't have any ideas of what the Suns FO might actually do, so I appreciate the goal of this thread. I personally like the idea of some of the following moves:
1. Draft Bender if at #3- I do like Hield/Dunn/Murray, but with Booker/Bogdanovic/Warren the Suns should probably go big with their highest pick.
2. Sign Bogdanovic and Batum. If Batum can be had I'd love to see the Suns grab him. I'd like to see Batum start at the 3, with Warren as a super-sub and potential 6th man candidate. A small-ball lineup with Warren at 3 and Batum at 4 could be good as well. I know next year is more likely, but let's say Bogdanovic comes now.
3. With Bender likely overseas, see what PF that Knight, Tucker, Goodwin and other assets can yield you. The Suns won't give up either Miami pick, and will heavily protect any of their own first rounders unless they are getting a star. If Chandler helps in a deal then move him as well. Not sure who I'd target, what do you guys think? Doesn't have to be a star, just a serviceable starter (more so than Leuer/Teletovic). Let's assume Chandler stays.
4. Round out the roster- The Suns have pieces in place. They bring back Leuer, but let Price, Teletovic, and Budinger walk. They draft a wing at #12 and a big at #28. They want a capable PG who can fill in if Bledsoe misses time and at the same time someone who can contribute in case Booker's backups aren't game-ready, so they sign DJ Augustin or Jeremy Lin to a pretty hefty contract. Let's suppose it's Augustin.

Bledsoe/Augustin/Jenkins
Booker/Bogdanovic/#12
Batum/Warren
Mystery PF/Leuer/(Batum)
Len/Chandler/#28/(Bender)