The One And Only Offseason Thread 3

[rsavaj]

I'm still pretty convinced that Bledsoe will be a Sun in October. Who's with me?

[bwgood77]

Spoiler:

Hey everyone. I'm not a Suns fan, but I've followed the team closely since the start of last season because I just loved the way your team played and its future outlook and all that. I've even tried to explain to people on RealGM and in real life why the moves your team has made make a lot of sense even though they might seem a bit counterintuitive at first. But you guys are aware of that.

What I am a bit surprised about is that a lot of Suns fans seem pretty pessimistic about Bledsoe. I just don’t get it considering how perfectly he fits your team.

First, he very well might be the best defensive point guard in the whole league. Need evidence? Last season the Suns ranked as the 13th best defense in the league. Good, but not great. When EB was on the floor, Phoenix played defense that would have ranked 5th in the whole NBA. When Bledsoe wasn’t on the floor the Suns D plummeted to 21st in the league.

His defensive prowess are even more invaluable in the joyful two-PG system, as there just aren’t that many PGs in the league that can handle most SGs easily. Bledsoe can do that, and that makes the Dragic-Bledsoe combo competent defevensively, as they have great defensive versatility to almost always get a favorable matchup for both guys. If you need ball-pressure, you unleash Bledsoe to hound the PG. If you need length against the point guard you put Dragic on him etc. To me defensive issues are the reason why most teams can’t run two point guards out there for extended stretches. Bledsoe allows the Suns to do that.

Just as a reminder: when Dragic and Bledsoe were healthy last year your team played pretty much .600 ball. And when those two were on the court together the Suns had the league’s 5th best offense and 2nd best defense according to nba.com. Read that again. You guys really wanna break that up?

Someone also questioned his production in basic box score stats. Well, last season 8 players averaged at least 17 points, 4 boards, 5 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Bledsoe was one of them along with LeBron, Curry, Harden, CP3, Lowry, Wall and Westbrook. Bledsoe played less minutes than any of those guys, so if we look at per-36 stats, Bledsoe was one of three to average at least 19/5/5.5/2 per 36. The other two? Westbrook and LeBron freaking James.

The average salary of those seven guys who matched or bettered Bledsoe from last season is about 15.7 million dollars. So basically the same amount as Bledsoe’s max deal. And he’s a better defender than pretty much all those guys exept for a locked-in LeBron.

The main knock on him is that he’s not proven yet to be a floor general how can for sure run an offense effectively. I personally think that will improve with time, but it’s also possible it never will. But you know what? He doesn’t need to run the offense by himself as the Suns run two PGs at a time a lot. So he can focus on what he’s good at: cause havoc on both ends, run the break and break down defenses with his athleticism.

Great post. I think everyone agrees with you. The only parts about knocks on him you forgot about is (1) the fact that he missed half the season in his first year ever starting. Those numbers are great, but he only did it in half a season. I think if we knew he was going to be healthy 100% of the time, we wouldn't be opposed to a bigger deal closer to the max, but it's a risk. Curry made less because of this and he was far more proven for a longer period of time and (2) he does get tired at times and doesn't always play a ton of minutes. This is why his per 36 #s put him in a better class than his game #s.

But overall I think 99% of us definitely don't want to break it up, but a max offer after a half a season play and injury concerns is not preferable. And why at this point would we bid against ourselves? There is no real reason to keep raising our offer.

[bwgood77]

I'm still pretty convinced that Bledsoe will be a Sun in October. Who's with me?

I am. It's not like any other team has shown a real interest. I wouldn't be surprised if this last until mid or late August though.

[Miklo]

Guys, there are more important things going on in the NBA...

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/23 ... -Cavaliers

Poor guy has so much trouble with decision-making

[drewsprocket]

@Puff: I think they knew Frye was gone the second he opted out. He's not worth paying. I predict Marcus Morris fills in and produce the same numbers and shot.

[paulpressey25]

I think if we knew he was going to be healthy 100% of the time, we wouldn't be opposed to a bigger deal closer to the max, but it's a risk. Curry made less because of this .

This is your dilemma. Steph Curry proved the doubters wrong the past two seasons, after it appeared his career was going to be derailed by injuries.

Then again you have guys like Brandon Roy and Michael Redd who pretty much never came back once the knee issues started up. Throw Eric Gordon into that mix as well.

Milwaukee sits by the phone while you guys sort this out.

[lilfishi22]

I'm still pretty convinced that Bledsoe will be a Sun in October. Who's with me?

Considering there has been no offers at all from other teams (McD scared them off), we'll see Bledsoe in Suns uniform in October. The question would be whether he's on the QO or on a new long term deal.

[lilfishi22]

I think Roy just wasn't handled well by the Blazers medical staff. He should've never been cleared to come back as early as he did after his injury.

[NTB]

I think Roy just wasn't handled well by the Blazers medical staff. He should've never been cleared to come back as early as he did after his injury.

Rose waited too much to return but result is the same.

[AtheJ415]

This board has overreacted regardless of what happens. What player doesn't want the max? It went from Bledsoe wanting the max to "screw him let's trade him for anything" and essentially saying he's full of himself or a bad guy. How many of you in your jobs don't want the maximum raise available to you? Truth is he won't be getting the max from anyone. He can't hold the suns to a grudge when no other team is offering it either. Let it play out. He'll be a sun and a damn good one unless a team blows us away with an offer.

I was listening to Gambo last night, he actually said it's more like they haven't actually HEARD from Bledsoe, rather than him flat out rejecting it...For all we know he might be waiting a day or two and then bam, deal done.

Surely his agent isn't foolish enough to risk $45m and tell him to take the QO?

If this is true then the last couple days has been one of the biggest overreaction on this board and we are all a little dumber for being involved........ I want my last two days of brain cells BACK!!!

[AtheJ415]

And he won't take the QO. Can anyone tell me a player in league history who turned down at least $40 million to sign the QO?

Also, if he takes the qualifying offer, can we trade him this season?

I'd like clarification on that.

I'm fairly certain that if Bledsoe takes his QO, then he must approve any trade between now and next offseason.

[Fo-Real]

Ryan in the Suns war room the last time Bledso's agent called.... LMFAO!!!


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-RTE6N-ty4[/youtube]

[Puff]

@Puff: I think they knew Frye was gone the second he opted out. He's not worth paying. I predict Marcus Morris fills in and produce the same numbers and shot.

I am not sure. They were so focused on the big kill I think he may have fallen through the cracks. If we would have signed him we would have no longer been able to offer 2 max contracts. That obviously was the goal and not a bad one at that.

Frye did more than make 3 pointers. While not being a very good rebounder he played pretty good defense on the other teams bigs. I like Markieff and Marcus a lot more than most but still wish we could have kept Frye.

Hopefully Tolliver and Randolph can help hold down the fort.

[BobbieL]

I'm still pretty convinced that Bledsoe will be a Sun in October. Who's with me?

My prediction:

4 years: between 50 and 52m
The contract will be structured to maximize cap space this year within the rules allowing the Suns flexibility down the road. Also, will be the dollars that makes it easier to retain Dragic next summer.

[ShawnBronald]

If/when Bledsoe resigns, I hope they have a press conference and he finally states once-and-for-all that he wants to be in Phoenix and loves playing for the Suns. Otherwise, I'd be concerned as a fan. Goran has gone on record as saying he loves the city of Phoenix and is proud to be a member of the Suns. P.J. has said it. Isaiah Thomas said it after he signed. If a player doesn't love the city and the organization, then I don't want them playing here. I can somewhat understand Bledsoe not wanting to commit last year, on a purely negotiating standpoint, but if he signs a new deal, he needs to express his true feelings. Hopefully he does and this doesn't become an Eric Gordon type situation. That will be good for no one.

[NTB]

If/when Bledsoe resigns, I hope they have a press conference and he finally states once-and-for-all that he wants to be in Phoenix and loves playing for the Suns. Otherwise, I'd be concerned as a fan. Goran has gone on record as saying he loves the city of Phoenix and is proud to be a member of the Suns. P.J. has said it. Isaiah Thomas said it after he signed. If a player doesn't love the city and the organization, then I don't want them playing here. I can somewhat understand Bledsoe not wanting to commit last year, on a purely negotiating standpoint, but if he signs a new deal, he needs to express his true feelings. Hopefully he does and this doesn't become an Eric Gordon type situation. That will be good for no one.

EXACTLY !!!!!!!!

[Jdiddy701]

If Bledsoe signs with any team he wants, still don't see him saying that. You guys need to realize his personality is a lot different than other players. It's not that he doesn't care, it's just he has a laid back way of doing stuff. I think him joking and laughing with the team last year was enough for me.

Seriously he's like TJ Warren and JJ. Too calm and cool. He wants to play in Phoenix. I think he really likes his teammates and coach. It's obvious from last season.


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[ShawnBronald]

If Bledsoe signs with any team he wants, still don't see him saying that. You guys need to realize his personality is a lot different than other players. It's not that he doesn't care, it's just he has a laid back way of doing stuff. I think him joking and laughing with the team last year was enough for me.

Seriously he's like TJ Warren and JJ. Too calm and cool. He wants to play in Phoenix. I think he really likes his teammates and coach. It's obvious from last season.


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There's no reason, when asked point-blank in an interview, that he can't say, "I'm proud to play for the Phoenix Suns" or "I love calling Phoenix my home". He doesn't have to gush about it or bring it up every couple seconds, but when asked, it would be nice if he didn't give a non-committal answer. Either you're happy where you're at or not. Like I said, I can completely understand why he did this last season, but if he signs a new contract here, it would be refreshing for him to actually give a verbal commitment to this organization and fan-base.

[King Bynum]

Great post. I think everyone agrees with you. The only parts about knocks on him you forgot about is (1) the fact that he missed half the season in his first year ever starting. Those numbers are great, but he only did it in half a season. I think if we knew he was going to be healthy 100% of the time, we wouldn't be opposed to a bigger deal closer to the max, but it's a risk. Curry made less because of this and he was far more proven for a longer period of time and (2) he does get tired at times and doesn't always play a ton of minutes. This is why his per 36 #s put him in a better class than his game #s.

But overall I think 99% of us definitely don't want to break it up, but a max offer after a half a season play and injury concerns is not preferable. And why at this point would we bid against ourselves? There is no real reason to keep raising our offer.

Yeah, have to admit I kinda ignored the health issue. It's just impossible to speculate without any medical knowledge and access to his medical records etc. Though the Suns are known for their training staff and knew when to pull the plug on Amar'e, so the fact that they've (allegedly) offered him $48M might be a sign that they think he's gonna be ok. Also, it might take a long time before the Suns get the next opportunity to lock up a 24-year-old budding star, so taking a risk is well justified.

The getting tired thing is real, but that's one reason why I really like the Isaiah Thomas addition for you guys.

I agree completely that the Suns have played this perfectly so far. No way should they bid against themselves. And that's why I don't get why some people are suddenly feeling resentment towards Bledsoe beacause he hasn't signed yet. He's trying the get the most money he can which is perfectly reasonable and the Suns are letting him play the market and waiting for the situation to play out, which is perfectly reasonable also.

[aIvin adams]

If Bledsoe signs with any team he wants, still don't see him saying that. You guys need to realize his personality is a lot different than other players. It's not that he doesn't care, it's just he has a laid back way of doing stuff. I think him joking and laughing with the team last year was enough for me.

Seriously he's like TJ Warren and JJ. Too calm and cool. He wants to play in Phoenix. I think he really likes his teammates and coach. It's obvious from last season.


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There's no reason, when asked point-blank in an interview, that he can't say, "I'm proud to play for the Phoenix Suns" or "I love calling Phoenix my home". He doesn't have to gush about it or bring it up every couple seconds, but when asked, it would be nice if he didn't give a non-committal answer. Either you're happy where you're at or not. Like I said, I can completely understand why he did this last season, but if he signs a new contract here, it would be refreshing for him to actually give a verbal commitment to this organization and fan-base.

IMHO, this sounds needy