Preseason: Game 1 l Phoenix Suns @ Sacramento Kings l Monday l 7:00pm

[Book1Nation]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

I’m not worried about Mikal because he’s proven to be a very good NBA player. 12 minutes in a preseason game playing with neither starting guard changes nothing.

As nice as it would be, I don’t need him to be Kawhi Leonard. He was damn good last year and he will keep getting better. He’s fine, he’s a badass, and he’s our badass. Hopefully that extension comes soon.

[lilfishi22]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

Ayton and Bridges played 12min. First game back.

[sunsbg]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

Ayton and Bridges played 12min. First game back.

I know, but still thanks for clarifying. It's first game for CJ as well, but he did better and is not as motivated as Mikal with the contract negotiations on the table.

Personally I would like to see Mikal show improved ball-handling and leadership with Paul and Booker out, not use it as an excuse he didn't do well in this game.

[Saberestar]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

I’m not worried about Mikal because he’s proven to be a very good NBA player. 12 minutes in a preseason game playing with neither starting guard changes nothing.

As nice as it would be, I don’t need him to be Kawhi Leonard. He was damn good last year and he will keep getting better. He’s fine, he’s a badass, and he’s our badass. Hopefully that extension comes soon.

I don't understand how Mikal Bridges can be the next Leonard, at this point doesn't makes any sense to read their names on the same sentence IMO. They are 5 years apart (Leonard is 30 and Mikal is 25) and whoever can find what Leonard was doing five years ago in the league...he was already a superstar.

Mikal is a nice player but more like Shane Battier/Danny Green/Trevor Ariza.

[lilfishi22]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

Ayton and Bridges played 12min. First game back.

I know, but still thanks for clarifying. It's first game for CJ as well, but he did better and is not as motivated as Mikal with the contract negotiations on the table.

Personally I would like to see Mikal show improved ball-handling and leadership with Paul and Booker out, not use it as an excuse he didn't do well in this game.

Yes and my point is that you're not going to see believable 3PT shooting or ballhandling in 12min, or one game or even a handful of games. Over half a season, I would believe in their new found abilities, should they have acquired them over the offseason.

But in all honesty, improved ball handling and 3PT shooting is not something you usually acquire and becomes asset over one (shortened) offseason. It took Book about 3 seasons to become a good playmaker. It took Bridges a three seasons to become a reliable 3PT shooter. He started off being a poor shooter, then below average to finally being above average.

[sunsbg]

Ayton and Bridges played 12min. First game back.

I know, but still thanks for clarifying. It's first game for CJ as well, but he did better and is not as motivated as Mikal with the contract negotiations on the table.

Personally I would like to see Mikal show improved ball-handling and leadership with Paul and Booker out, not use it as an excuse he didn't do well in this game.

Yes and my point is that you're not going to see believable 3PT shooting or ballhandling in 12min, or one game or even a handful of games. Over half a season, I would believe in their new found abilities, should they have acquired them over the offseason.

But in all honesty, improved ball handling and 3PT shooting is not something you usually acquire and becomes asset over one (shortened) offseason. It took Book about 3 seasons to become a good playmaker. It took Bridges a three seasons to become a reliable 3PT shooter. He started off being a poor shooter, then below average to finally being above average.

Agreed mostly, but I still expect players demanding max or near max deals to show all the time(12mins or not), especially in Mikal's case of contract negotiations. It's not like he's a rookie like Jalen, who was a bench warmer last season, but still gets most criticism. He has had enough time to work on his skills. As I said in that other thread my focus this regular season is on DA's and Mikal's play, do they reach another level. Let's see what they do with increased time next few games, though with CP3 and Book back, it would be harder to showcase improved ball-handling, etc.

[Puff]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

I’m not worried about Mikal because he’s proven to be a very good NBA player. 12 minutes in a preseason game playing with neither starting guard changes nothing.

As nice as it would be, I don’t need him to be Kawhi Leonard. He was damn good last year and he will keep getting better. He’s fine, he’s a badass, and he’s our badass. Hopefully that extension comes soon.

I don't understand how Mikal Bridges can be the next Leonard, at this point doesn't makes any sense to read their names on the same sentence IMO. They are 5 years apart (Leonard is 30 and Mikal is 25) and whoever can find what Leonard was doing five years ago in the league...he was already a Superstar.

Mikal is a nice player but more like Shane Battier or Danny Green.

I agree with your take on Mikal -

Monte should know Simmons, he had to have been there when Monte was there. I would like to know his take on him.

Those that hate Simmons shooting I guess would never have Dramon Green on you team right? The Warriors have suffered with that horrible shooter being part of their big three. I would love to have some Dramon in Phoenix.

Mikal is NEVER going to be a great player, he is going to be a nice player. Simons Could turn out to be a generational great player if in the right situation.

I would be very comfortable giving Mikal's minutes to Johnson with Crowder sharing minutes at the 3 & 4 and Nader picking up minutes at the 3.

This if Simmons will play the 4 and be willing to have Paul and Booker be the main ball handlers.

All this depends on Monte thinking the same way, he might.

[suns12345]

anyone found good highlights? I can't see any

[Keith_myath]

Haven't seen the game, but Smith shot 4-6 from within the 3pt line and 1-6 from beyond.

Restrict his 3's and he could be a very statistically efficient player off the bench.

Won't judge his game using the eye test until I've seen a game or two.

[Mulhollanddrive]

Jalen Smith is a center, if Ayton wasn't on our team we'd be saying he could be the next Ayton. Keep him for next year but get a ready made PF for this season.

[SunsRback4Good]

anyone found good highlights? I can't see any

Been looking too but only found one on Kings YT channel which has all SacTown highlights. Maybe there will be more later on in the day. :/

[Saberestar]

I’m not worried about Mikal because he’s proven to be a very good NBA player. 12 minutes in a preseason game playing with neither starting guard changes nothing.

As nice as it would be, I don’t need him to be Kawhi Leonard. He was damn good last year and he will keep getting better. He’s fine, he’s a badass, and he’s our badass. Hopefully that extension comes soon.

I don't understand how Mikal Bridges can be the next Leonard, at this point doesn't makes any sense to read their names on the same sentence IMO. They are 5 years apart (Leonard is 30 and Mikal is 25) and whoever can find what Leonard was doing five years ago in the league...he was already a Superstar.

Mikal is a nice player but more like Shane Battier or Danny Green.

I agree with your take on Mikal -

Monte should know Simmons, he had to have been there when Monte was there. I would like to know his take on him.

Those that hate Simmons shooting I guess would never have Dramon Green on you team right? The Warriors have suffered with that horrible shooter being part of their big three. I would love to have some Dramon in Phoenix.

Mikal is NEVER going to be a great player, he is going to be a nice player. Simons Could turn out to be a generational great player if in the right situation.

I would be very comfortable giving Mikal's minutes to Johnson with Crowder sharing minutes at the 3 & 4 and Nader picking up minutes at the 3.

This if Simmons will play the 4 and be willing to have Paul and Booker be the main ball handlers.

All this depends on Monte thinking the same way, he might.

I am not high on Simmons. At his salary I would stay away from him.

I agree about comparing him with Draymond Green, but the difference is that Dray has been always an underdog and his salary has been always much lower.

Simmons wants a BIG role and a team built around him, so that is why I would pass on him too. We have CP3 and Book.

[Barkley6]

It's wayyyy too premature to be talking about Ayton, Bridges or any other starters not making the leaps we hoped for. We barely ran any sets, and weren't playing situational basketball. I dont even think Monty called a timeout the whole game IIRC. This game was all about reps and fitness. Get some shots up, get up and down the court, stay healthy. Which is the reason guys like Shamet and CamJo looked as good as they did because they are guys that can create opportunities with movement and hustle off the ball, even if there isn't a set play being called.

In terms of Smith, I think he can be an NBA player, but I don't know that he can be one soon enough to help us. With Dario out for probably the year, we can't carry 2 roster spots for guys who aren't going to play. So he either needs to get better fast, or get swapped for a piece who can play now.

[bwoolf2]

:banghead:

Let's all just be honest. As much as some of us want it and pray on it, Jalen sucks.

You're right lets write him off after 1 year he didn't play an a pre season game, one in which he likely ends with double digit rebounds, now he may end up not making it, but it's way too early to write his obituary.

Keep praying bro.

You are the same guy that would have traded Ayton after his 1st year...

[bwoolf2]

Just a reminder we were 0 and 4 in pre season last year and went to the finals preseason is just like spring training it means absolutely nothing, just stay healthy try some new wrinkles get new guys up to speed that's it, could care less if we lose all these games

[bwgood77]

I thought Stix looked pretty good. He grabs every rebound and contests every shot in the paint. Just give it time; I think he will be fine. I’m hoping we can see him on the court with Chris Paul or Devin Booker in the preseason.


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I didn't watch, but from the box score it appears he did the same as summer league. Did not shoot well but got boards and actually got a couple blocks, and a steal.

I wonder if he'd do better if we just had him concentrate on scoring inside first.

Seems like if he just starts bombing 3s and misses, he may lose confidence in his shot overall.....like they always say..get a couple easy ones then get that 3 going.

I think if they have him launching them they know he can hit it though, so once he does, even if he can get to between 34-35% which is where CamJ, Book and Dario were last year, that would be nice. Just to be able to hit that shot, grab boards, get blocks, etc.

I admit when I've seen him he doesn't look impressive usually, though sometimes I'm surprised...he will show a handle or have a great fast break dunk or something.

[pj0tr]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

Lmao are we really doing this right now?

[sunsbg]

Strange people are more focused on Jalen, while our potentially max and 25M contract players didn't show indication of improvement in 3PT shooting and ball-handling they were supposedly focusing during the offseason. Ayton stat line doesn't look bad, so more concerning for Mikal, who on top of that has a direct competitor for his spot in CJ showing more in this game.

Lmao are we really doing this right now?

Yeah, me acting like Sarver. He has put both DA and Mikal under microscope, trust me. (evidence in the other thread)

[dremill24]

Book and CP3 ducking "Off Night" Mitchell smh lol

[bwgood77]

If we didn't make the finals last year we'd be calling for James Jones to be fired over not drafting Haliburton. Passing on Doncic/SGA/Haliburton are the draft equivalent of Ben Simmons passing on a layup. Winning covers up a lot of problems but if we don't win a championship, if CP3 retires or has an injury, the cracks in the foundation will show pretty quickly.

Also Carter basically did nothing for us last year, so aside from sentimentality idk why people act like he's a big missing piece. He's not even close to being an asset.

Why do you keep saying SGA? If you are referring to taking him over Bridges that deal wasn't on the table for starters and secondly, Bridges is not really far behind him and better in several areas.

Fair enough I'll take your word for it. Articles I read said that SGA was overruled by Sarver though.

But no, Bridges is not close to SGA.

I think I've noticed you mention you like 538 for the basketball analysis. Interesting they have SGA's 5 year player projection value at $94 million and Bridges at over $126 million. I wonder why that is. I got your point after digging into SGA's #s...I obviously don't spend a lot of time watching OKC or knew his #s were that elite already.

https://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/2022-nba-player-projections/shai-gilgeous-alexander/